Ayden is a bright and sociable boy with a special and unique interest in becoming an air traffic controller (ATC). Having wished to become an ATC, Make-A-Wish Singapore worked with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to grant Ayden a rare opportunity to visit Singapore’s very own Changi Control Tower and step into the shoes of an ATC.

On the afternoon of the tower visit, Ayden and his family had a special Japanese luncheon prepared that served his favourite yakitori. Thereafter, the family headed to Changi Airport Terminal 2, where they were warmly welcomed by the staff of the CAAS.

Ayden and his family had the opportunity to interact with the staff members at CAAS and they even brought him to the Changi Control Tower so that Ayden could meet other ATCs. He passionately shared about his love and knowledge of air traffic controllers to them and after which, it was Ayden turn to try his hand at being an ATC. He was provided a full working ATC station, complete with his own headset. During this time, he was able to tune into live radio conversations between the ATCs and live aircraft and get involved with what an ATC at Singapore Changi Airport might experience on a day-to-day basis.

Ayden was overjoyed and to top off this amazing experience, Ayden and his family also got to enjoy the bird’s eye view of Singapore’s Changi Airport.

At the end of the experience, CAAS presented a customised ATC jacket and a customised Lego set – a replica of the tower interior made specially for Ayden. Going the extra mile, CAAS even included a button which could play a recording of one of Changi’s ATC in a radio conversation.

It ended with a touching surprise when Ayden presented a handmade Thank You card in return, to show his utmost appreciation to CAAS for helping make his wish come true!