Air Traffic System Evaluation Program comes to Travis

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Raymond Hoy
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Last week, the 60th Air Mobility Wing was host to the Air Mobility Command Air Traffic System Evaluation Program Team. The 60th Operations Support Squadron, along with the 60th Communications Squadron and 60th Civil Engineer Squadron completed the inspection of the airfield, air traffic control and associated systems, receiving a 95 percent compliance rating. 

The results were extremely well received by Col. Timothy Zadalis, 60th AMW acting commander, and Maj. Gen. James A. Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, who offered a congratulatory, “Well done!” 

The group of 17 inspectors came to Travis during a week-long inspection looking for compliance with Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration policies and standards. This is the biggest evaluation that the wing receives regarding its air operation. 

“It’s really a two-part evaluation,” said Lt. Col. Paul McLaughlin, the chief inspector of the team. “One is a big-picture look to see if the air traffic system is meeting the needs of both military and civil users. Basically, can a plane fly seamlessly through this area with no impact? 

“The second part of the evaluation is the compliance items such as using the checklists,” he added. 

The inspection team checks the viability of airfield lighting, airfield signs, air traffic control, training programs, and navigational and weather equipment. 

“We prepare for an ATSEP inspection by running a self inspection on ourselves following the checklist step by step,” said Capt. Bart Darnell, 60th OSS airfield operations flight commander. “We try to fix as many things as we can on the spot.” 

The inspection is also a great opportunity to identify some of the large items on the airfield that may need to be improved, said Captain Darnell. 

Most of the major issues identified can be attributed to age. 

For instance, the pavement on the flight line is deteriorating, said Captain Darnell. This is an opportunity for the base to identify these issues and get funding to fix them; such is already being done on parts of the flightline. 

Members of the ATSEP team who specialize in communication issues inspect radios, navigational aides and weather equipment on the airfield that the 60th CS maintains, said Captain Darnell. 

The team inspects the technicians who work on that equipment as well, added Colonel McLaughlin. 

The 60th CES, responsible for generator maintenance, pavement maintenance and electrical distribution on the airfield, were also inspected. 

“The Travis Team really showed the reason we are America’s First Choice last week,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Watt, 60th OSS commander. “We have every right to be proud of our great accomplishment and teamwork.” 

The ATSEP is completed every 20 months.