Here’s an example: Let’s say your team is planning to run a pig through a line while some other team that you are not aware of is planning to shut the gas off on that same line. Of course you see the potential problem. But that’s why you call us at the CC. It’s our job to spot the conflict and coordinate a solution between you and the other team. Calling us can save you both time and money while making everyone more productive. So today we’re going to role play by pretending that each job site team is like a commercial airplane flying with the other teams in the same airspace, and we at the CC are your air traffic controllers whose job it is to take off safely and effectively. Ready to go? Roll the film.

Animated movie begins “And when the plane calls in for clearance to take off or land, you’ll talk to them using this microphone, record their plane information here in our clearance tool, and if needed, you can talk to our Gas Control team sitting right over there.” Air traffic controller says, “Gas control at an airport?” “Just go with the analogy Scott” says the narrator. Air traffic controller says, “Oh, OK.” The captain from the airplane says, “Clearance Coordination Center, this is Captain Judy Armstrong, flight alpha-tango 517 from Phoenix – come in CC – over.”  Air traffic controller says, “Go ahead AT-517 – you’re loud and clear. Confirm your altitude and location.” The captain from the airplane says, “CC we’re  on air route Victor 12 – flight level 16,000 – bearing zero-eight-zero true.” Air traffic controller says, “517 proceed left base on approach. Descend at pilot discretion and maintain 10,000.” The captain from the airplane says, “Roger that – starting descent to approach.” Other air traffic controller says, “Why don’t we just let 517 land their plan and get their people moving? I need a moment ot log their arrival into our clearance tool to plot their flight for Gas Control and others and to record their radio call back frequency in case we need to reach them. Also, I want to quickly confirm that there are no other planes upstream or downstream that might intercept or crash into them.” “Oh my.” says the other air traffic controller. “We’ll train you on our tracking system during another lesson.” “Oh okay, good.” says the other air traffic controller. 517, check wheels down, wind calm, you are cleared to land.” Pilot responds with, “517 – cleared to land.” CC air traffic controller says, “And that’s how we clear a job site team so they can begin their job. I mean, so they can land their plan.” Pilot responds with, “Mayday, mayday! This is Captain Taylor, Hunter flight EV 712 from Chicago – over.” Air traffic controller says, “Go ahead 712.” Pilot says, “My left controller wheel feels jammed, and I’m having difficulty staying on level. Am I cleared to land?” Air traffic controller says “CC, is the runway clear?” CC air traffic controller says, “The runway is clear, but 517 is on approach four miles out. Scott, pull up the frequency.” Scott says, “The frequency? Oh, from our clearance tool! Got it! Frequency 27.” Air traffic controller says, “517, climb immediately to 6,000 extend upwind 3 miles before entering the pattern. I have an emergency behind you cleared to land. Please confirm.” Bystander says, “Mom, look at the plane!”. Mom says, “Oh my! Let’s get out of here” (Community safety). 517 pilot responds, “517 climbing to 6,000 extending upwind 3 then re-entering the pattern.” Flight 712 pilot says, “Mayday Gas Control! The right wing is also smoking. Over!.” Air traffic control responds, “Roger that. Give me 30 seconds 712.” Pilot from 712 responds, “I’m losing altitude – 4,000 feet and descending. Over.” Air traffic controller says, “Derrick, is 517 off approach?” Derrick says, “Runway is clear.” Air traffic controller says to flight 712, “712 check wheels down, wind calm, cleared to land. Emergency ground crews are on the way.” Pilot from 712 responds, “712 cleared to land. We’re using our g-flaps to flow our descent, but we’re still coming in hot. Over.” Air traffic controller says, “Fire rescue and ground crews are moving into place.” Pilot from 712 responds, “Roger that. I’m getting some respond from the left wing.  Approaching the runway, and we’re down!” (Clapping in the background). Air traffic controller says, “Excellent. That’s great news. Good job! That’s the way to do it 712. 712, once everything is safe, contact the CC to close out the ticket.” Pilot 712 responds, “Roger that! Thanks for all your help Gas Control.”

Air traffic controller says, “Derrick, good work by the CC getting 517 out of the way.” Derrick says, “That’s why we’re here. Scott, good work pulling up that frequency.” Scott says, “It was right here in our clearance tool.” Derrick says, “I’m glad we knew where 517 was so we could help everyone avoid a potentially bad situation. Scott says, “Yeah, right. Can I clear 517 for arrival?” Derrick says, “Yes, bring them in on runway Chester Two.” Scott says, “Come in 517, over.” Derrick says, “By working together, everyone goes home safe.”