BIRMINGHAM AL- Local pilots filled Air Traffic
Control Tower in two sessions of the biennial Operation Raincheck on Sunday. FAASTeam
partners with ATC providing airmen an opportunity
to tour the facility, meet controllers and ask questions about procedures. So
popular is the event that reservations are first come, first serve.
![]()
Facility Manager, Lafayette Demory welcomed the participants, guided tours and answered a barrage of questions. He emphasized pilots must clearly understand instructions or ask for clarification, the goal is to ensure safety in every case.
![]()
William Hattaway, FSDO Safety Officer, began sessions with a review of operations at towered airports. Topics discussed included ATC instructions, airspace, communications and runway markings. Penalty for breaking TFRs is automatic, costly and should be avoided by staying informed. Pilots using iPads commented on "drawing" taxi clearances right on the screen over the airport taxi diagram as one way to visual instructions.
![]()
A discussion during the Approach tour demonstrated the range and limitations of the area radar and how the restricted areas look on the display screen. A variety of approaches were highlighted including weather accuracy provided to controllers.
![]()
Up in the Tower, data blocks were defined and clearance delivery activities observed. Demory emphasized pilots and controllers responsibility and how pilots need to make their request clearly and timely. Enjoying the expansive airport view, a formation of five army helicopters air taxied to the East ramp. -B Meyer
Facility Manager, Lafayette Demory welcomed the participants, guided tours and answered a barrage of questions. He emphasized pilots must clearly understand instructions or ask for clarification, the goal is to ensure safety in every case.
William Hattaway, FSDO Safety Officer, began sessions with a review of operations at towered airports. Topics discussed included ATC instructions, airspace, communications and runway markings. Penalty for breaking TFRs is automatic, costly and should be avoided by staying informed. Pilots using iPads commented on "drawing" taxi clearances right on the screen over the airport taxi diagram as one way to visual instructions.
A discussion during the Approach tour demonstrated the range and limitations of the area radar and how the restricted areas look on the display screen. A variety of approaches were highlighted including weather accuracy provided to controllers.
Up in the Tower, data blocks were defined and clearance delivery activities observed. Demory emphasized pilots and controllers responsibility and how pilots need to make their request clearly and timely. Enjoying the expansive airport view, a formation of five army helicopters air taxied to the East ramp. -B Meyer