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ETVS Systems aids air traffic controllers
By 1Lt. Sean T. Linehan
First published in
SFOR Informer # 81,
February 16, 2000
 Tuzla
- In an effort to increase communication capability for its air traffic
controllers, the Department of Defence and the Federal Aviation Administration
contracted with Litton-Denro Inc. in 1995 for 100 Enhanced Terminal
Voice Switch systems. The FAA, Army, Navy, and Air Force will satisfy
all their tower and approach control requirements through 2005 with
Litton Denro's ETVS system. Fortunately, for controllers at Tuzla, the
wait for the system upgrade is over. Last October, the system was installed
and is touted as the only digital system in United States Air Forces
in Europe.
 "Reliability
is the first word that comes to mind with the ETVS system," said Master
Sgt. Tony Lawson, Tuzla tower chief. "It's just more reliable than the
old system. Even when there is a failure in the system it continues to
work." The ETVS system replaced analog voice switching systems in the
air traffic control tower, providing a reliable telecommunications system
that keeps pace with rapid advances in technology. The ETVS is a non-blocking,
fully integrated, digital voice communications system. According to Litton-Denro
Inc., the system was designed to allow air traffic controllers to communicate
with planes while in the air and on the runways, other controllers by
intercom and conferencing, as well as with other ATC facilities by telephone,
and various types of emergency facilities, such as security forces, fire
departments, and other base agencies by radio and telephone. The introduction
of new systems requires training to get controllers up to speed. According
to Senior Airman Dan Lewis, Tower Air traffic controller, all new controllers
go through an extensive training program upon arrival at Tuzla Air Base.
Training on the ETVS system has been integrated into that initial training.
Upon completion of their TDY, controllers with experience at Tuzla will
have experience to use and train others on the ETVS system when it is
installed at their home stations.
 "It
only took about a half hour to learn (the ETVS)," said Lewis. "It's a
lot easier to use than the old analog system." Reliability and ease of
use is a necessity in any ATC Tower, especially one as busy as the one
at Tuzla Air Base. According to Lawson, since the Tuzla Air Base tower
opened in 1995, it has been one of the busiest VFR towers in U.S. Air
Forces in Europe. Most of the traffic supported by the tower is from Army
helicopters conducting operations and patrols in the area. In addition,
Tuzla Air Base is responsible for the arrival and departure of U.S. troops
to Multinational Division North in support of Operation Joint Forge, as
well as a wide variety of international military aircraft contributing
to the SFOR mission. According to Lawson, due to the unique flying mission
and weather conditions, plus the variety of countries represented, a TDY
to the Tuzla tower is an outstanding place to increase a controller's
experience. "Most controllers, including myself, were a little apprehensive
about coming to Tuzla," said Lawson. "But from the moment one arrives,
the experience is overwhelming. From an outstanding command staff to more
than adequate facilities, one would be hard pressed to have any complaints.
It's not uncommon to meet someone that is here for the second time or
someone requesting to stay longer than they were scheduled for."
Related link:
Nations of SFOR: US
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