At CRUZEX, one of the main challenges for controllers is the complex integration of flights from several national and foreign armed forces
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Johny Lucas
At the heart of CRUZEX 2024 air operations, Air Traffic Controllers play a key role in the coordination and safety of training missions. During the Exercise, held at the Natal Air Base (BANT), these professionals are in charge of essential activities to ensure that all aircraft operate efficiently and in a coordinated manner in Latin America’s largest air combat simulation event.
One of the main challenges for the controllers is the complex integration of flights from various national and foreign Armed Forces, which involves a series of precisely planned steps. Before the exercise began, specialized training was carried out with controllers from the Tower (TWR), Approach (APP) and Military Operations Center (COpM) to learn about the simulated scenarios and develop rapid response tactics for highly complex situations.
CRUZEX 2024 features the installation of advanced communication and surveillance systems, which are operated and supervised by the controllers to minimize any impact or disruption to air operations in the region. These systems allow them to follow every movement of the aircraft, promoting airspace control with precision and safety.
According to the Head of the Third Military Operations Center (COpM3), Air Traffic Control Specialist Captain Marcio Luiz Melo Bonin, during combat and training flights in areas such as São Gonçalo do Amarante (RN) and Mossoró (RN), the controllers also play a vital role in monitoring combat scenarios beyond visual range (BVR). Participating in daily briefings and debriefings, these professionals help review tactics and strategies, contributing to the constant learning of the teams involved.
“At CRUZEX, Tower, Approach and Military Air Operations Control controllers manage air traffic, ensuring safe take-offs, landings and routes for both regular aircraft, which continue to operate in the country, and aircraft taking part in the exercise. In parallel, Air Defense controllers specialized in combat beyond visual range provide strategic information to pilots, monitoring the airspace and guiding aircraft in real time during missions. This integration between air traffic control and air defense is essential to the success of CRUZEX, ensuring coordinated operations in an agile, orderly and safe manner in a multinational and complex environment,” he said.
Photos: Captain Bonin, Sergeants Isaque Victor and Mônica / CINDACTA 3, CECOMSAER