ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D -- Ellsworth hosted the first Powder River Council meeting to address several aspects of the Powder River Training Complex, Nov. 16, 2016.
More than 30 individuals attended the meeting, representing the Federal Aviation Administration, airports, military bases, and various aviation organizations from all four states that the PRTC affects. Representatives of local senators and congress members were also present.
Warren Hendrickson, manager of the northwest mountain region of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, directed the meeting. Hendricks is a former commercial pilot and served 24 years in the Air Force. During his service, Hendrickson flew the A-7 Corsair and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
“It’s up to all of us collectively to decide what we want this group to become,” Hendrickson explained. “Ultimately, this is an open book on how we will solve any problems we may be faced with.”
The council is tasked with reviewing the implementation of the PRTC Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, tracking aeronautical concerns, collaborating on proposed solutions, developing education and outreach, and driving efforts that will improve aeronautical efficiency and safety.
During this inaugural meeting, PRC members discussed issues for mutual understanding including radar coverage, air traffic control assistance, large force exercises and near-miss incidents.
Further meetings are expected, and will most likely be held at Ellsworth, according to the group’s draft charter.
George Stone, airspace manager assigned to the 28th Operations Support Squadron, often works as a PRTC liaison between the Air Force and the community. Stone is a retired B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Bomber weapon systems officer, and has been working with the training complex since 2005, when he was a B-1 WSO stationed at Ellsworth.
He explained that public outreach is a huge requirement of the PRTC, and events like this give interested parties a better understanding of the training complex, providing an outlet for them to have their questions answered.
For more information on the PRTC and its operations, visit www.ellsworth.af.mil.