Ep31: Wichita Air Traffic Controllers Prevent Wrong Airport Landing

In 1929, the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce dubbed Wichita, Kan., the “Air Capital of the World.” Nearly a century later, with a world-leading total of aircraft manufactured, it could be argued that Wichita’s busy-and-getting-busier airspace above six airports and McConnell Air Force Base makes it a strong candidate to keep that title. That presents clear situational awareness responsibilities and unique challenges for the air traffic controllers at Wichita ATCT (ICT).

ICT sits on the western edge of the city. On the eastern side, there are three airports lined up in a row, north to south, including two - Colonel James Jabara Airport (AAO) and Beech Factory Airport (BEC) - that are only three miles from each other with similar runway layouts. McConnell AFB is only six miles south of BEC. ICT member Hunter Rubin grew up loving aviation as the son of retired controller Barry Rubin, who worked at Fairbanks ATCT (FAI), Albuquerque ATCT (ABQ), and Albuquerque Center (ZAB). Hunter said he found the perfect facility for him in ICT where each day brings the steady rhythm of traffic as volume rises and fills each radar scope.

“Once you start seeing all the VFR targets tagging up, and traffic picking up here and there, we’re like, ‘OK, here they come,’” said Rubin. He notes that they often open up a second and third radar position because “that east side of Jabara, Beech, and McConnell is just so congested. Everybody watches that area a little more carefully.”

Midday on a Wednesday in January in 2020, Rubin saw something and immediately acted to prevent a wrong airport landing. He teamed with fellow ICT controller James Smart on a terrific flight assist. For their efforts, the two NATCA members have been recognized as the 2020 Archie League Medal of Safety Award Winners from the Central Region. Listen as Rubin discusses this event and what it's like to work the busy airspace above the Wichita area.