Public Affairs Officer
Palwaukee Composite Squadron (IL-049)
“American Eagle Operations Center” From left to right, cadets Steven Schweinsberg, Galina Lipkin,
Kyler Miller and Grayson Watson flanked by American Eagle staff members.
“CRJ700 Cockpit” From left to right, cadet Mitchell DeMaeyer, 1st Lt Tom DeMaeyer and cadet Max Liebel.
A group of cadets and escorting senior members from Palwaukee Composite Squadron (IL-049) recently enjoyed a rare opportunity to tour both the FAA Control Tower and the American Eagle Flight Operations Center at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Their adventure started at the Control Tower where they received an initial briefing from O’Hare Tower Operation Manager Larry Taylor who also serves in the Air National Guard. Mr. Taylor discussed the role the Tower plays in directing flights into and out of O’Hare, the third busiest airport in the nation. He also fielded a variety of questions regarding Tower operations as well as how cadets can prepare for a career in air traffic control. Mr. Taylor shared some of his experiences from 23 years as a US Air Force air traffic controller and trainer, including recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Next came a presentation from Palwaukee’s own 1st Lt Jim Krieger, who serves as the Quality Control Manager for O’Hare Tower Operations.
After this initial briefing, the group was escorted up 17 stories to the Main Operations Center of the Tower where they had the opportunity to take in panoramic views of the Airport as well as to observe the controllers on duty directing aircraft into and out of their airspace. The Tower staff also showed the cadets several radar systems that they use to keep track of traffic both in the air and on the ground.
Next, the Palwaukee cadets were off to visit the American Eagle Flight Operations Center. The hosts for this stage of their tour were CAP 1st Lt Tom DeMaeyer, who is an American Eagle Senior Captain, and American Eagle O’Hare Assistant Chief Pilot John De Paola. The group saw the crew quarters where pilots can relax and prepare for their next flight. Lt. DeMaeyer escorted each individual in turn to the cockpit of a CRJ700 airliner where he described the aircraft’s systems and answered numerous questions. The tour also included a stop at the Operation Center’s tower where aircraft are dispatched.
Major Bob Dempsey, director of Palwaukee’s cadet program, said: “This was one of the best aerospace field trips the Squadron has participated in. It was a great opportunity for the cadets to have access to these places and take a close look at several different aviation related careers. Our visit to the FAA Control Tower was one of the first of its kind since the 9-11 tragedy and would have never been possible without the efforts of both Lts. Krieger and DeMaeyer”.
