We left the approach controllers and took the elevator to the top of Memphis Tower. Now here was a room with a view. Even on this hazy summer day, I could clearly make out the Memphis skyline and hints of the Mississippi river to the west. Down below, the runway complex dominated the scenery like some sort of massive high-resolution taxiway diagram.
The environment was very laid back. By the time the airplanes were handed to the tower, they were already on course and well spaced. Every few minutes you would hear one of the three tower controllers whisper “cleared to land” or “turn right on Mike-six ground point six five.”
Staring towards the end of each active runway were the three tower controllers – runway 27, runway 36L, and a combined frequency for 36C and 36L. Each ground controller sat on opposite ends of the tower overlooking their respective domain, occasionally eyeballing the big screen up top with a taxiway diagram and tiny airplane icons inching towards the ramp.
Within a few minutes, all but the last few airplanes were parked at their gates and well over a thousand passengers were crowding into the terminal building across the way. We bid the controllers farewell and left with a greater understanding of the national airspace system and our friendly partners on the other end of the radio.
My thanks to Memphis TRACON and Memphis Tower for allowing us into their facility during afternoon rush hour.
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Well, that was rather brief. No pictures?
I know! They didn’t want pictures to be taken so I had to do without. Sorry!
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