According to the FAA, the primary purpose of ATC is to prevent collisions, organize and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots. That’s great for airspace around fixed airfields on landmasses like North America, but what about flight operations around ships at sea?

On this episode, retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander Susan “CATCC Sue” Beckman of PBS Carrier series fame, joins us to discuss the role the carrier air traffic control center plays during flight operations around U.S. aircraft carriers day or night, in all weather conditions.

Listener inquiries addressed on this episode include flight deck shooter stances, how to confirm air-to-air and -ground weapons effectiveness, and why air-to-air missiles don’t use radar midcourse and then IR or TV terminal guidance when prosecuting a target.

Episode artwork adapted by Janek Krause. Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell.