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August 5, 2006

As an air traffic controller, a training instructor, and an air traffic supervisor, my career at Atlanta Tower
spanned 20 wonderful years. Then I moved-on to work for FAA Headquarters.
I had a lot of time and many memories vested in the old control tower you see here.

For whatever it was worth, I was the first African-American to control air traffic at Atlanta Tower. That was 1972.

Many things have changed over the years.

In 1976, I made the first radio transmission from the now "old building". It was new to us back then.
I have not been able to find out who made the last
radio transmission when the building closed this past May.
The FAA doesn't keep long-term records of such things;
unless there was an accident or an incident.

I am retired now. I don't know many of the youngsters who work in the facility today.
And only the 'old-timers' there remember me when I walk through the door.
Many former controllers and technicians returned for this event;
each of us weighing personal memories and private thoughts as we
watched 'the changing of the guard'.

Today Atlanta has a new cadre of controllers and a grand new control tower.
There is no real need for the old anymore.

I will be visiting with my daughter and some freinds in Atlanta for a few days.
I look forward to catching up with you all when I get home.



See entire slideshow by clicking here.

You are invited to visit my blog: AS I SEE IT


other sizes: original auto
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Dan Chusid08-Aug-2006 05:38
I'll be in Atlanta later next week,
helping Mom with her move from Alpharetta
to 40 min south.
A real 'working' vacation.
Focus08-Aug-2006 00:37
"Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, the power
to work is a blessing, the love of work is success. Genius undoubtedly is little more than the capacity for hard, sustained work" __David O. McKay

Enjoy retirement Dave.....you've earned it, genius!
Jen Bixler07-Aug-2006 01:47
Amazing image...amazing life you have had. I love the commentary. It is really great to get to know our pbase family.
J. Scott Coile06-Aug-2006 21:32
Wow , what I high stress career you had. It must make the "afterlife" all the sweeter!

Have a good visit Dave. Might find some cheap Braves tickets this trip ;)
Guest 06-Aug-2006 19:38
Well done David
Gary Winters06-Aug-2006 18:57
Great series, Dave. That must have been bittersweet to photograph. Whoa.
Johnny JAG06-Aug-2006 16:12
Excellent series of shots.
Char06-Aug-2006 13:55
These are all excellent shots Dave. Thanks for sharing the shots and the information. I changed planes in Atlanta in the late 70 when I had to go to and from Savannah. That was one busy airport! Watching the tower go down was really interesting. Thanks again. GMV
Guest 06-Aug-2006 12:01
Very well done.
Guest 06-Aug-2006 04:50
Very nice animation and a great story of your work at Atlanta Tower!
Doug Kessler06-Aug-2006 04:05
Incredible post, Dave! Glad you were able tocapture that moment of your past. Not often we have opportunity to do that. Brilliant series, brilliant! Voted
Greg Harp06-Aug-2006 03:23
Outstanding work Dave. Congratulations--and thanks. GMV
Robin Reid06-Aug-2006 02:28
Hey David... thanks for your service. I'll be I've flown through ATL 60 times since 1972. I'm sure you must have controlled my plane at one time or another. Must be bittersweet to see the old huants.
Karen Leaf06-Aug-2006 02:14
I do wish ATL was a little smaller to get thru :)
I sensed a calmness about you, but put it down to your love of the sea. I know now, that those years of pent up stress made the rest of the world's trials just a blip on the screen.
Bravo Dave.
Deborah Lewis06-Aug-2006 01:43
BTW - GMV
Deborah Lewis06-Aug-2006 01:43
Great slideshow - The very first time I ever flew was to Florida to visit a sick girlfriend, via Atlanta and that was in the early 80’s. Thanks for a safe landing and take-off!
Sheila06-Aug-2006 00:59
Fantastic to see this! But you must have felt a little sadness watching it.
Wonderful slide show.
gmv
Graham Tomlin06-Aug-2006 00:23
fab,have a nice time regards Helen ;)
Faye White06-Aug-2006 00:01
very cool slideshow! Boy, I do not miss going to that airport every Monday morning - did that for years!

thanks for sharing!
Coleen Perilloux Landry05-Aug-2006 23:48
Congratulations. I do not think the controllers today take their jobs as seriously and professionally than they did in the 70's and 80's. They rely much to much on computers today instead of their own ears and eyes.
Karen Stuebing05-Aug-2006 23:12
I wonder if we're safer. Love the animation. And kudos on being the first African American to be hired there. I won't ask how long ago that was. :) But think about it. You're a milestone. :) You should be very proud. Hope it wasn't too rough.