OPI04

1. How long have you been working as an ATCER.
I have been working as an ATCER for almost 10 years. I am a tower controller with this unit.
2. What is your working position?
I am an instructor and I help with the new controller progress.
3. Do you enjoy your job at present? Why?
Yes, I enjoy my job. The main reason is that we can ensure the safety of people`s life and their property. The sense of responsibility makes me feel very proud and pleasant. When other people ask me what I do, I am always very proud to tell them I am doing a meaningful and great job.

Now, let`s talk about bomb threats.（炸弹威胁）

4. Have you ever controlled an aircraft experiencing a bomb threat? If not, do you know a story about this?
I once watched a video about a bomb threat. Several terrorists on a plane claimed that they had a bomb and going to blow up the plane, unless the pilots fly to Australia. At the end, the plane made a ditch landing on the water when fuel was exhausted.
5. Have you ever received any bomb threat training in a simulator?
Of course we have. In simulator training, there is an exercise about bomb threat. For example, An aircraft had lined up and was ready for takeoff. The controller received an anonymous call about a bomb threat. The controller had to handle the situation according to the procedure for bomb threat.
6. In your opinion, what are some important pieces of information you should gather when a bomb threat occurs?
The controller should gather information about the pilot’s intention, the number of people on board and whether there are any hazardous goods on board. If possible, the controller should learn about the type and location of the bomb.
7. If you receive an anonymous call saying there is a bomb on board, what procedures should you follow to handle the situation?
I would inform the supervisor and other leaders . As a tower controller, I would give the aircraft landing priority. After landing, I would instruct the aircraft to taxi to a location far away from other flights, terminal building and oil depot. I would inform the emergency, fire and rescue services to stand by.
8. If the flight with a bomb threat is going to divert to your airport, how would you handle it?
I would clear the runway and give the flight priority to land. I would advise the supervisor and other leaders. I will inform the emergency, fire and rescue services. After landing, I would instruct the aircraft to taxi to a location far away from the terminal, depot and other flights.
9. When a bomb threat occurs, what help can you give the flight crew to assist them through the emergency?
I would give the aircraft priority to land. I would provide any information requested by the pilot. I would give pilots enough time to handle the situation and try not to disturb them without any important matters.

The following questions is about fir on board.（航空器失火）

10. Which is more dangerous, a bomb threat or a fire on board? Why?
It is hard to say which one is more dangerous. If I have to choose one, I think fire on board is more dangerous. Of course, a bomb is more deadly and can destroy aircraft. However, the bomb threats also could be controlled by communication with terrorists. On the other hand, a fire on board, once reported by the pilot, is very likely to be a real danger.
11. What may cause a fire on board?
The causes of fire on board include: cargo fire, electric problems, strike of lightning, engine problems, bird strike, belly landing caused by landing gear problems, collision with FOD and many other factors.
12. If a pilot reports that passengers have been injured, how would it affect your control operations?
I would give priority to the flight so that it can land as soon as possible. I would ask the pilot whether medical services are needed. If so, I would inform the medical services and call an ambulance.
13. Are there any standard procedures for controllers to deal with fire on board? If yes, please explain.
In case of fire on board, the controller should take the following actions:
1) Learn about the location of the fire and the intentions of the pilot;
2) Allow the aircraft to descend to minimum safety altitude and instruct other flights to avoid this aircraft;
3) Provide the necessary information such as weather information and alternate airport information;
4) Give the landing priority to the aircraft and avoid missed approach;
5) Inform the emergency services to stand by.
14. If an aircraft with fire on board land at your airport and execute emergency evacuation on the runway in use, what can you do to help subsequent flights?
I would transmit this message to the subsequent flights. I would advise them about the estimated time of runway re-opened. Based on their intention, I can instruct these flights to divert or hold in the air. And I should suggest the supervisor to impose flow control to avoid traffic jam.
15. How do you cooperate with other ATC units when a fire breaks out on board?
In this situation I should inform all related control units about the information including the call sign, the position and the pilot`s intention. If the aircraft intends to land at a nearby airport, I would inform the airport as soon as possible and ask the airport to get emergency services to stand by.