Airport work experience for student

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 298, 4 August 1989, Page 11

Airport work experience for student

Earlier this year a Form 7 student from Ruapehu College, Karl Brannigan, visited Auckland Airport as part of the College Work Exploration programme. Karl is studying Mathematics with Calculus and Statistics, English, Physics and Chemistry for Bursary and is interested in air traffic control or becoming a flight engineer. "When I arrived at

the Airport I was met by Mr Dusake who took me to the Control Tower where I was able to see it all at work," says Karl. "While I was there some trainees were being put through their paces for their Tower Proficiency Qualification. I spent several hours in Radar Control. "The incoming flights are controlled through three separate radar screens. The first is used to control the planes from 100 miles

up to 60 miles out, the second from 60 miles until relieved by the 3rd operator who has complete overall control of all incoming and outgoing planes. "It was good to see that they are aware that even the most modern equipment can go

wrong," said Karl. "I found my visit to Auckland a very interesting experience and have thanked the Airways staff for being so helpful. It has helped me clarify in my mind the area of aviation I would like to enter," concluded Karl.