On the ground or in the control tower, military personnel ensure the level of safety established for all the Joint Exercise’s air operations
Lieutenant Kelly
The skies over Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) are already used to Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aircraft flying from Campo Grande Air Base (BACG). But during the Joint Exercise (EXCON) Tápio 2023, the number and purpose of these flights will change significantly.
With more than 200 sorties in just three weeks, the training required detailed coordination to guarantee the level of security established for all the missions. The Head of the BACG’s Flight Safety Office, Captain Daniel de Magalhães Sousa, explains that throughout EXCON, the main focus has been on prevention.
For this reason, the work is joint, with each FAB unit bringing its own Flight Safety Officer to Campo Grande. “In practical terms, the first point we emphasize is full knowledge of what we do here. The other aspect we address is traffic in the yard. We need to be very aware of the rules of use and restricted access, since the movement of aircraft is very intense,” he says.
The officer also highlights the role of the Flight Safety Supervisor, who is responsible for ensuring that activities are carried out safely, intervening to avoid situations that could result in incidents and accidents. “On a daily basis, we also carry out the FOD (Foreign Object Damage) Cata activity. We need to be aware that the slightest stone inside an engine can condemn it or cause catastrophic damage,” he adds.
The Commander of the Campo Grande Airspace Control Detachment (DTCEA CG), Major Débora Ferreira Monnerat, explains that various actions are carried out throughout the year in preparation for EXCON Tápio. These activities include putting flight controllers through a simulator that trains them to act in different situations, as well as increasing the number of teams at all posts.
With regard to civilian air traffic in the region, the Major explained that a symposium was held with airline representatives to discuss the exercise. “All flights were coordinated with general aviation to avoid any conflict. Brazil’s air traffic control system is a benchmark in the world because it combines civilian and military traffic, ensuring the safety of everyone in the operation,” he adds.
This year, EXCON Tápio saw the participation of around 30 FAB aircraft and 13 squadrons, as well as the Brazilian Navy (MB), the Brazilian Army (EB) and partner countries. Between August 15 and 30, around 900 flight hours were flown.
Deployable Electronic Surveillance Module
Developed by the Second Integrated Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Center (CINDACTA 2), located in Curitiba (PR), the Deployable Electronic Surveillance Module was also used during EXCON Tápio 2023 to further improve security in sensitive areas. The equipment monitors 24 hours a day with state-of-the-art cameras that enable intrusion detection in the aircraft yard.
Photos: Sergeant Müller Marin/CECOMSAER