Flying high

EVIT aviation flight students took a field trip on Tuesday to the control tower at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.


The students were able to listen to the control tower operators talking with pilots in the air and on the ground, directing the air traffic.

It's helpful for the students to meet the operators and see the inner workings of the tower so they can understand what is happening on the other end of the conversation, instructor Lou Amadee said.

"It can be a little intimidating for a young pilot to talk to these operators," Mr. Amadee said. "It's good for them to come up here and see they're just regular people."

Views from the tower's deck.

It also helps the students understand all the different tasks the operators are handling at once and how important it is to follow their commands exactly.