Working with ATC: Communication & Operations for Airfield Personnel

July 9, 2025 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET | Live Online Training

00

Days

00

Hours

00

Minutes

00

Seconds

About the Course

This interactive one-day course is designed to introduce both new and experienced Airfield Operators to the essential elements of communicating and coordinating with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Through real-world examples and practical guidance, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the airfield environment, proper radio phraseology, safe procedures for runway and taxiway crossings, and what to expect from ATC during normal and special operations. Emphasis will be placed on improving safety, preventing surface incursions, and building effective working relationships between airfield personnel and ATC.

Course Agenda

Registration Fees & Deadlines

 

2025 REGISTRATION FEES

Registration Type

Rate

Non-Member Course

$180

Member Course

$165

Federal Gov't/Military Course

$150

 

Last day to register is 7/8/2025

You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE's Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.

Need to register offline? Contact  RegistrationUser@aaae.org for invoicing..
Questions? Contact the AAAE Training Department at training@aaae.org.

.

About the Instructor

Elliott Benton

Elliott Benton

Assistant Instructor
Southern Illinois University

Elliott Benton began his Air Traffic Control (ATC) career in 1999 with the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for 20 years. Over the course of his military career, Elliott worked at a range of high-tempo, high-profile locations, each shaping his operational and leadership experience.

His early assignments took him to RAF Lakenheath (UK), where he controlled fighter aircraft including F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s, and then to Lajes Field in the Azores (Portugal), handling a diverse mix of commercial aircraft, military transports, and helicopters. Later, while deployed to Balad Air Base in Iraq, he managed airspace for one of the busiest and most complex operations in the region, controlling aircraft from around the world. Stateside, Elliott worked in Omaha, Nebraska, directing both aero club traffic and heavy aircraft such as 747s and 707s, and at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, home of the B-1B bombers.

Throughout his military service, Elliott held various leadership roles and spent seven years as an Air Traffic Control Manager, where he earned multiple supervisory and leadership awards for his ability to lead teams under pressure and foster safe, efficient airspace operations.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Elliott joined the civilian sector as a controller at Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, Illinois—then the third-busiest airport in the state. His commitment to the field led him to teaching, and since 2023, he has served as an Assistant Instructor at Southern Illinois University (SIU). At SIU, Elliott teaches a wide range of courses including introductory ATC concepts, advanced simulation labs, the National Airspace System, and Aviation Management. He also continues to work part-time as a controller at Southern Illinois Airport to support ongoing staffing needs and stay actively engaged in the field.

In both the classroom and the control tower, Elliott brings a practical, real-world approach to training the next generation of controllers. He currently lives in Marion, Illinois with his son and loyal dog, Fred.

AAAE accepts registration regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, physical disability and national or ethnic origin. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment and educational services. If you require any special assistance to participate or have special dietary requirements, email aaaemeetings@aaae.org.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Training registration fees are non-refundable. A recording of the webinar will still be provided to cancelled registrations after the live webinar occurs for 30 days.

For all inquiries regarding registrations, cancellations and refund requests, please contact the AAAE Training Department by email at training@aaae.org. All inquires must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Monday, June 9, 2025, are subject to a $150 cancellation processing fee; approved refunds will be processed after the meeting takes place. There will be no refunds of any kind after this date. Cancellations with outstanding invoices received within two weeks of the start of the conference, will require full payment on the balance due. Refunds will not be provided, and balance dues will not be forgiven for no-shows. Substitutions within the same conference will be accepted without penalties. The difference between member and non-member price will be charged if a non-member replaces a member. Substitutions will be accepted with a written request to Training@aaae.org. The individual substituting for the original registrant is responsible for all financial obligations (balance due; difference in fees due to membership type) associated with that substitution. For all inquiries regarding cancellations, refunds and substitutions, please contact the AAAE Training Department at 703-824-0500 Option 4 or email Training@aaae.org. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy.

NOTE: Confirmation letters will be emailed to attendees within one business day of registration. If you have not received an email confirmation of your registration within 1 day of registering, and you enrolled at least two hours prior to the online event, please contact the AAAE Training Department at training@aaae.org. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.

DUTY OF CARE AAAE is committed to continuing to provide a safe and healthy environment for all event participants and staff. The responsibility for a safe and healthy event environment is shared among the event organizers, event venues, and event attendees. By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to AAAE's Duty of Care.

Photo/Video Disclaimer:

By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your image may be used at any time, without further notification, for printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes

Civilian/Military Airport Connection (CMAC)

What is CMAC?

The Civilian/Military Airport Connection (CMAC) program helps separating military personnel and new veterans acclimate from managing military airfields to the dynamic and complex commercial-use airport environment.

There are four components to the program:

  1. Professional transition workshop
  2. One airport certification course - choice of ACE Airfield Operations or Certified Member (C.M.)
  3. One year membership in AAAE
  4. Airport job shadowing

 

Program Benefits:

  • Ensure a smooth transition from military to civilian airport operations and management.
  • Earn the Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Airfield Operations certification or Certified Member (C.M.), that will put you ahead of other candidates for potential jobs.
  • Network with airport executives around the country through communities and events.
  • Explore various airport positions through the shadow program.
  • Receive discounts on other AAAE trainings and events.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Extend your reach and maximize exposure to a powerful audience by sponsoring the Industrial Aviation and Military Operations Workshop. From the opening networking reception, to breaks, lunches, and sessions, we have multiple tiers of sponsorships available. Your sponsorship will reinforce brand loyalty and show potential clients your company is a major player in the industry. Sponsorships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so act now before these opportunities sell out!

Don’t let your competition get all the attention, become a sponsor today!

Available Opportunities

 

Items

Wi-Fi Sponsorship
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,500.00

 

Events

Wednesday, March 27

 

Airbase Tour Transportation
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,500.00
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Networking Reception
Exclusive Sponsorship: $2,500.00
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Thursday, March 28

 

Continental Breakfast
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,000.00
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

AM Refreshment Break
Exclusive Sponsorship: $750.00
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Luncheon
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,500.00
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

PM Refreshment Break
Exclusive Sponsorship: $750.00
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Friday, March 29

 

Continental Breakfast
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,000.00
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM

Grab and Go Lunch
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,000.00
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Contact Us

Questions? Contact Us!

Training Department

703.824.0500 Option 4