OPEN DOOR ATCC 2017

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTER

23th of June 2017, Air Traffic Control Center Open Door.

Probably this was the last time that we where able to visit this bi-annual event at Semmerzake.

According rumors Air Traffic Control will be moved towards Brussels Airport.

But those same rumors where already mentioned back in 2015.

However, in the near future a new 'FLIGHT' will be created together with Belgacontrol to offer civil and military aviation information.

This Flight will be called : Flight Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) which will be situated at Steenokkerzeel.

Together with Eurocontrol and Belgocontrol, the military air traffic control at Semmerzake is responsible for the safety in our airspace concerning military and civil aviation.

The unit in Semmerzake is using SEROS II (Semmerzake Radar Operating System).

Also used is the MARCONI S-723 long distance radar which is part of a NATO radar network.

Data given by this radar is not only used by ATCC, also CRC at Glons, Belgacontrol at Steenokkerzeel and Eurocontrol at Maastricht are using data from this same radar.

About 280 people are currently working at this center.

Divided over :

Commando
Operations and training
Flight operations
Flight 'NOTAM' Office
Flight Military detachment for coordination.

We parked our car inside the base at Gavere (Molenstraat), location for staff and training.

From here we moved by bus towards Semmerzake (Ten Edestraat) , location for operational services.

It's always nice to enter this base and notice the big radar dome.

Organised together with Ursel Avia (see also topic URSEL AVIA 2017 under CIVIL) we noticed during the day some nice flypasts and a lot of action given by special forces both from our Belgian Army and Federal Police.

Again a lot of visitors found their way to Semmerzake to enjoy a calm and nice atmosphere, with a lot of action and fun for the young ones. Also an interesting tour inside the Air Traffic Center was one of the possibilities. (special thanks to Philip for the detailed explanation inside the Air Traffic Center!)

Below you will find some pictures taken during this beautiful day.

Note : details concerning aircrafts used by the Belgian Air Force can be found in the menu under item BAF.