SAN ANGELO, TX — Kevin Long, an air traffic controller at Mathis Field in San Angelo, has been recognized as the 2023 Air Traffic Controller of the Year by Robinson Aviation, a major contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration.
Long, who has worked in the control tower for over two years, received the award for his outstanding professionalism, dedication, and contributions to aviation safety.
Kevin Long pictured on the right accepting his award
The award ceremony took place Thursday morning in front of the Ranger Aviation main office, where Long was presented with a plaque commemorating his achievement.
Long was praised for his work in overseeing the busy airspace at Mathis Field, which accommodates training flights from Angelo State University, local air traffic, and aircraft from Laughlin Air Force Base outside Del Rio.
One of Long’s key contributions included collaborating with the Royal Canadian Air Force during their three-week training missions at Mathis Field. These missions, which occur twice a year, bring much-needed activity to San Angelo’s economy through fuel purchases, hotel stays, and other local expenditures. Long’s role included coordinating the airspace and helping trainees in air traffic control successfully manage the increased traffic during these missions.
Long’s impact extends beyond his work with international partners. He has been instrumental in training air traffic controllers and working closely with ASU’s flight instructors to ensure the safety of student pilots. His efforts have earned him praise for keeping the busy traffic pattern at Mathis Field running smoothly, despite the influx of flights and the challenges posed by varying aircraft types.
In an interview following the award presentation, Long emphasized the importance of safety in air traffic control.
“You just have to watch and make sure everybody is doing what they’re supposed to do,” Long said, explaining how he monitors for potential conflicts in the air and issues corrections to keep planes safely apart.
Long also addressed a local controversy surrounding the potential closure of Runway 9-27 at Mathis Field, advocating for its continued operation.
“There are times in the spring when we have strong winds out of the east, and we need that runway,” Long said, stressing its importance for smaller aircraft vulnerable to crosswinds.
Robinson Aviation operates 103 control towers across the country, and Long’s recognition as Controller of the Year highlights his contributions not only to Mathis Field but to aviation as a whole.
Long, a retired FAA controller with a military background has served at various bases, including Vance and Shepard. Now, he continues to share his expertise in San Angelo.
You can watch the interview with Long here:
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