The Puzzle of Air Traffic Control

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Manasseh Demissie
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Price’s career as Air Traffic Control is much more than coordinating air traffic and clearing planes for takeoff. It’s about precision, teamwork, and a passion for the unique challenges of the job.

It’s a high-stakes job, where one mistake could result in significant consequences. Price notes that despite the complexity of the job, teamwork is the key to success.

“In air traffic control, everyone works together. If you get overwhelmed or miss something, someone else will step in to help,” Price said.  “That’s what I love about the job, the camaraderie.”

Being that Air Traffic control is a critical job in the Air Force, Price wants to promote the success of those around him. Price is training to be a watch supervisor, where he will eventually oversee other controllers to ensure safe, and efficient operations. The role requires clear communications and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

“As a controller, you’re talking directly to pilots, issuing clearances, managing landing and takeoffs,” Price explained. “As a watch supervisor, you’re watching the whole team, making sure the process runs smoothly and safely”

Price built his career on a foundation of adaptability and resilience skills he mostly developed at his previous duty station at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Price’s move to Andersen was a smooth one. He was ready for the transition, having already dealt with the challenges of managing busy air traffic at Kadena.

 “It was a great experience in Japan. It had a fast pace and high ops tempo with a lot of traffic,” Price said. “The work here in Guam is similar and I feel right at home with the weather and the environment.”

Behind the radar screens and headset is a dedicated Airman who thrives on finding balance between the pressures of his work and his off-duty passions, including working on cars and staying active in the local community.

“I work on cars when I get the chance,” said Price.  “it’s a way for me to unwind and think about something other than work, it’s also like air traffic control-It’s a puzzle, figuring out how everything works together.”

Balancing his passions with his responsibilities as an airman is important to Price. His off duty passions better equip him to excel in the workplace and as an aspiring watch supervisor.