Bringing the airplanes in and out of Tempelhof, Gatow, and Tegel airfields in Berlin at three minute intervals in all kinds of weather was one of the most difficult and stressful jobs of the entire airlift operation. This job fell to the military air traffic controllers and communication specialists of the US and British Air Forces, plus many civilian specialists brought over to assist. In 1948-49, these units were known in the US Air Force as Airways and Air Communication Services. They supplied the radio navigation aids, manned the control towers, radio ranges, radio beacons, radar equipment, and air traffic control facilities. Although much of the technology used then has been overtaken by the revolutionary developments in electronics in the 1960s and 1970s, the procedures developed during the Berlin Airlift became a vital building block for the modern air traffic control system as we know it today.

Air traffic controllers at Tempelhof

  As after most military operations, there were numerous "after action" reports and "lessons learned" studies with emphasis on how best to set up another airlift operation in the event the Soviets reimposed a blockade on Berlin or somewhere else. Just as General Tunner had been able to use some of the experiences and techniques learned from the "Hump" operation in Asia during World War II during the Berlin Airlift, some of the techniques learned during the airlift were applicable to air supply operations during the Korean War.

A controlled Approach unit at Tempelhof designed in sections to facilitate movement.                             One of forth lights placed in two, 20-lights, parallel rows ighting a 3000 foot approach to the main runway at Tempelhof. The towers used as platforms for the lights were manufactured from runway matting. The reason for its great height is so the approach lights are not blocked from sight by the tall buildings around the airport.                     The Tempelhof Flight Operation Desk