On June 3rd, the staff and students of Mauna Loa Helicopter’s Honolulu base had an unforgettable experience touring the active military tower at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station. Nestled within Class Delta airspace, the Kaneohe Bay tower operates part-time, serving both general aviation and military aircraft. This unique setting provided an incredible opportunity for us to witness various military aircraft in action from the catwalk encircling the top of the control tower.
The skies were busy with activity as we watched numerous military aircraft take off and land. Among the impressive fleet were F-16s, A-10s, Hawker Hunters, and even a Canadian C-17! The sight of these powerful machines maneuvering through the air was awe-inspiring and offered a firsthand glimpse into the world of military aviation.
One of the highlights of our tour was visiting the radar control room. Here, we had the rare chance to observe and listen as an Army Blackhawk performed a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) approach. This sophisticated maneuver involves the approach controller guiding the aircraft both laterally and vertically to the runway. A PAR approach is unique as it is the only type of no-gyro precision approach, commonly used by emergency aircraft and similar to those employed on aircraft carriers,
The controllers at Kaneohe Bay were incredibly gracious with their time, answering our numerous questions about airspace transition. Their insights were invaluable, especially since our training and our tour aircraft frequently transit Kaneohe airspace. This interaction not only deepened our understanding of air traffic control operations but also highlighted the complexities and precision required in managing diverse air traffic.
This tour was a wonderful education experience for both our instructors and students. The firsthand exposure to military aviation operations and air traffic control procedures provided practical knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of aviation. We left Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station inspired and eager to apply what we learned to our training.
We are excited about the prospect of future visits to Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station. These tours offer unparalleled learning opportunities and a unique perspective on military aviation. The MLH/ MLA team is already looking forward to the next tower tour, eager to continue exploring the fascinating world of aviation.