Kyrgyz air traffic controllers visit Eglin, experience operations

  • Published
  • By Leslie Brown
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Air traffic control officers from the Kyrgyz air force visited the base March 24-26 to witness how the controllers here direct military, commercial and private aircraft all at the same time. 

The exchange program was hosted by the 46th Test Wing. 

The leader of the group enjoyed seeing Eglin's control tower and the radar approach control facility. 

"I have an excellent impression of the U.S. Air Force members working in the tower," Col. Abdila-Akin Ataev said through an interpreter. "I was impressed with how the military and civilian controllers worked side-by-side controlling all the aircraft." 

Another group visited Tinker AFB, Okla., but with the different types of air traffic Eglin controls in the air space, the colonel was eager for his officers to see the operation here. 

"At Manas International Airport and the air base, we monitor air traffic for the entire Republic," Colonel Ataev said. "We want to ensure our aircraft operate safely with coalition and commercial aircraft." 

The airport, which is located in the city of Bishkek, sees civilian and military aircraft, just like Eglin experiences on a daily basis. 

He also explained how the controllers are responsible for helicopters that perform aerial search and rescue operations in the Republic. Because the country is mountainous, helicopters are the primary aircraft used for these types of operations. 

Kyrgyz air force Capt. Ulan Akhmetov enjoyed seeing how his U.S. Air Force counterparts operate. 

"It has been a pleasant trip," he said through an interpreter. "Everyone I've met has treated me on a very high level." 

Captain Akhmetov has two uncles that served in the military and wanted be a military member before graduating from the military academy and joining the air force in 2002. 

"I can only hope our military can reach the high level of technology I witnessed here," he said. "I'm quite impressed."