"So far, things have been pretty good," said Staff Sgt. The goal is to get the Iraqi controllers certified with the International Civilian Aviation Organization, which sets the standards for air traffic controllers around the globe. They must pass a series of rigorous English tests before graduating. The Iraqi controllers are attending an academy run by the Iraqi Civilian Aviation Authority, or ICAA, which is similar to the U.S. "They could speak it, but they couldn't comprehend it as fast as it was coming at them." "They were a little perplexed the first time they heard the dialogue between tower (operator) and pilot," said Captain Rampolla. While the Iraqi controllers speak English (which is the universal language for air traffic control), they could not understand the rapid-fire "phraseology" over the airwaves. The language barrier is the most immediate challenge facing the Airmen and Iraqis. "The Iraqis are great guys, very friendly and they really want to learn." "It's neat to see how things have improved," said the 447th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron airfield operations flight commander. Pedro Rampolla, who is serving his second deployment here. It's a job that is extremely challenging, yet extremely rewarding, said Capt. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairsīaghdad, Iraq (AFPN) - Standing 200 feet above Baghdad International Airport in a weathered control tower, Air Force air traffic controllers are busy directing aircraft while their Iraqi counterparts get certified through intensive formal training and hands-on experience.
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