Here - National Air Traffic Controllers Association

MONDAY:
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
NATCA Future Leaders
Breakfast (Invitation only)
celebrity ballroom
Noon - 12:30 p.m.
Welcome
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
Steve Hansen, Chair, NATCA Safety
Committee
CFS 2014: Safety and Technology for the Global Airspace
National Anthem
Welcome to Communicating for Safety 2014!
Opening Remarks
NATCA brothers and sisters, government officials, international guests, pilots, and members of the aviation industry,
we are glad you have decided to lend not only your time, but your voices and expertise to further advance the
National Airspace System (NAS). Communicating for Safety (CFS) is an interactive conference with a diverse and
comprehensive agenda. We take much pride in welcoming you to a symposium dedicated to exploring the complexity
of aviation safety.
This year, we want to expand our horizons. Literally. NATCA’s work with the international community is becoming
paramount as the Union helps develop, implement and execute the technology of tomorrow’s NAS. By collaborating
with the FAA, industry and our brothers and sisters in international unions, we are cementing a future that is charged
with possibilities and adept enough to tackle the broad scope of aviation safety in a globalized world. In this vein,
our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. In this
industry, even tragedies on the other side of the world hit close to home.
Elise L. Wolff Elementary School Choir
Paul Rinaldi, NATCA President
Paul Rinaldi, NATCA
President
Risky Business:
Gordon Graham Talks Aviation
Gordon Graham, Professional Speaker of
Graham Research Consultants, will lead a
session entitled, “Some Thoughts for You
on Real Risk Management” at 12:30 p.m.
today in the Celebrity Ballroom. Graham’s
presentation will be interesting and fun, but
will also leave you with a better understanding
of the breadth and depth of risk management.
Graham is a 33-year veteran of California law
enforcement as well as a risk manager and
practicing attorney. His unique set of skills
Gordon Graham
and experiences have allowed him to rapidly
become recognized as a leading professional
speaker with multiple areas of expertise in both private and public sector
organizations. His frequent flying experience has enabled him to put together
today’s program to help you recognize, prioritize and mobilize to address the
real risks you face.
Presentation
Gordon Graham,
Graham Research Consultants
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BREAK
Patricia Gilbert, NATCA
Executive Vice President
On the domestic front, the ongoing funding uncertainty in the wake of last year’s government shutdown and
sequestration makes solid leadership and collaboration even more critical. As usual, we’ve gathered an impressive
array of government and industry leaders to join the conversations our members have started. Together, we are the
NAS.
The National Safety Committee (NSC), the CFS Planning Committee, and our staff have worked very hard to ensure
this event is once again the premier aviation safety conference in the world. Their efforts will be clear over the next
few days. We said it last year, and we’ll say it again: Listen actively. Participate. Ask questions. Enjoy.
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Panel: NextGen Initiatives
mezzanine & melrose exhibit hall
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Steve Hansen, Chairman
NATCA National Safety
Committee
Meet & Greet with CFS
Sponsors & Exhibitors
AIR MAIL from the Capitol:
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NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
MONDAY AGENDA
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
TUESDAY AGENDA
7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Registration
Registration
NATCA Future Leaders Breakfast (Invitation Only)
Continental Breakfast
Noon - 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Welcome
Steve Hansen, Chair, NATCA Safety Committee
National Anthem
Performed by the Elise L. Wolff Elementary
School Choir
8:40 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Presentation
Gordon Graham, Graham Research Consultants
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BREAK
Panel: Pilot/Controller Communications
Moderators: Dawn Johnson, Reloaded Committee Chair,
NATCA & Steve Hansen, NATCA Safety Committee Chair
John Drexler, Air Traffic Services Group, ALPA
Alan Roy, Safety Committee Chair, SWAPA
Andy Marosvari, National Safety Committee Rep, NATCA
Bob Hildebidle, National Chair, Air Traffic SUPCOM, ATO
John Sabel, Safety Committee Co-Chair, USAPA
Jennie Sandland, Alaskan Region Safety Rep, NATCA
Tom Adcock, National Training Rep, NATCA
10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Panel: NextGen Initiatives
Moderator: Mel Davis, NextGen Rep, NATCA
Chris Metts, VP of Program Management, ATO
Fran Hill, Director of En Route, Terminal & Oceanic Programs, Lockheed Martin
Chris Sutherland, Sr. Program Manager for Air Traffic Control, Harris Corp.
Eric Owens, National TBFM Rep, NATCA
Chad Geyer, National Data Comm Rep, NATCA
Scott Pressley, National RECAT Rep, NATCA
Jim Ullmann, NW Mountain Regional VP, NATCA
Jesse Wijntjes, Data Comm, ATO
Jeff Tittsworth, RECAT, ATO
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Meet & Greet with CFS Sponsors & Exhibitors
(Mezzanine and Melrose Exhibit Hall)
Professional Standards
Garth Koleszar, Professional Standards Committee, NATCA
Jeff Richards, Professional Standards Committee, NATCA
Andy Marosvari, Professional Standards Rep, NATCA Safety Committee
10:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
BREAK
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Panel: International Labor/Management Leadership
Moderators: Steve Hansen, NATCA Safety Committee
Chair and Russ Miller, Collaborative Workgroup National
Coordinator, NATCA
Paul Winstanley, Chair, ATCOs’ Branch, UK
Dr. David Harrison, Safety Director, National Air Traffic Services, UK
Greg Myles, President, Canadian Air Traffic Control Assoc.
John Crichton, President & CEO, NAV CANADA
Daryl Hickey, President, Civil Air, Australia
Greg Hood, Executive GM, ATC, Airservices Australia
12:30 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.
Lunch/Keynote Address:
Reed Timmer, Storm Chasers
PLATINUM LEVEL
Betty Cooper & Butch Cooper
DELTA
Connie Harbin
Stephen & Dena Munroe
Jerry & Elena Nash
NATCA Legislative Committee
NATCA National Office
NATCA Safety Committee
Eric Owens
Stephen Ramsden
SkyOne Credit Union
UNUM
Vector Shirts
Vectors For Hope Committee
Jeff and Yevette Woods
NATCA Boston Center (ZBW)
NATCA Houston Center (ZHU)
NATCA New York Center (ZNY)
GOLD LEVEL
Jim Allerdice
John & Trish Gilbert
Randy Miller
SILVER LEVEL
Bruce Bates
Betsy Beaumont
Adam Rhodes
Paul & Debra Rinaldi
Tim & Karen Smith
Jeff & Amy Wonser
NATCA Denver Center (ZDV)
NATCA Ft. Worth Center (ZFW)
BRONZE LEVEL
Matt & Britney Baugh
Jeff Blow
Dina Earl
Javier Figueroa
Jeff Fisher
Rick & Lisa Fulford
Bob & Robin Hill
Hilton Hotels
Kyle McHugh
NATCA NY TRACON (N90)
John Olinger
Mike Palumbo
NATCA SoCal TRACON (SCT)
Ruth Stilwell
Jim & Diane Ullmann
Steve & Tracy Weidner
NATCA Miami Center (ZMA)
NATCA Atlanta Center (ZTL)
Panel: General Aviation and Weather
Moderator: Dale Wright, Director of Safety & Tech, NATCA
Bruce Landsberg, President, Air Safety Institute
Matt Tucker, National Weather Rep, NATCA
Todd Lericos, Meteorologist-in-charge, Nat’l Weather Service
Paul Suffern, NTSB Meteorologist
Matt Cabak, SUPCOM Safety, FAA
2:50 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m.
Welcome
Steve Hansen, Chair, NATCA Safety Committee
8:40 a.m. - 8:55 a.m.
Keynote Address:
Patrik Peters, Deputy President, IFATCA
8:55 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Panel: Expanding the Use of Safety Data
Moderators: Mary McMillan, Senior VP, Safety &
Environmental, Tetra Tech and Mike Blake, NATCA Safety
Committee
Terry Biggio, VP of Air Traffic Services, ATO
Dr. Hassan Shahidi, MITRE Corp.
Joseph Teixeira, VP of Safety & Technical Training, ATO
Lynn Ray, VP of Mission Support, ATO
Steve Hansen, Chair, NATCA Safety Committee
10:10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
BREAK
10:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Panel: Aviation Industry Leadership
Moderators: Trish Gilbert, Executive VP, NATCA and David
Grizzle, Dazzle Partners LLC
Paul Rinaldi, President, NATCA
Sean Cassidy, First Vice President, ALPA
Roger Cohen, President, Regional Airline Association
Teri Bristol, COO, ATO
Ed Bolen, President and CEO, NBAA
Mark Baker, President and CEO, AOPA
12:20 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Lunch/Keynote Address:
Michael Whitaker, Deputy Administrator, FAA
2:00 p.m. - 5:35 p.m.
1:50 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Thank your to our sponsors!
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Welcome
Steve Hansen, Chair, NATCA Safety Committee
Opening Remarks
Paul Rinaldi, NATCA President
WEDNESDAY AGENDA
Registration
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
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NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
BREAK
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Panel: Greener Skies Implementation & Expansion
Moderator: Mel Davis, NextGen Rep, NATCA
Phil Hargarten, President, Seattle TRACON (S46), NATCA
Jeff Woods, National Greener Skies Lead, NATCA
Marc Henegar, Air Traffic Services Group Chair, ALPA
Paul Fontaine, FAA NextGen Office
Margaret Jenny, President, RTCA, Inc.
Jeff Williams, Tetra Tech
Gary Beck, VP of Flight Operations, Alaska Airlines
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Panel: Unmanned Aerial System Operations in the NAS
Moderator: Chris Stephenson, Safety & Tech Dept., NATCA
Michael Toscano, President/CEO, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Int’l
Randy Willis, Air Traffic Strategic Operations Manager, UAS Integration Office, FAA
Jorge Rivera, Miami Center (ZMA), NATCA
Scott Beale, Los Angeles Center (ZLA), NATCA
Doug Davis, Northrop Grumman
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Meet & Greet with CFS Sponsors & Exhibitors
(Mezzanine and Melrose Exhibit Hall)
Build Your Own Agenda
(A detailed schedule is available on the NATCA app and
will be published in the Wednesday edition of the Daily
Dispatch.)
1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. BREAKOUT A
2:40 p.m. - 3:35 p.m. BREAKOUT B
3:55 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. BREAKOUT C
4:50 p.m. - 5:35 p.m. BREAKOUT D
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Reception
(Mezzanine)
7:30 p.m.
10th Annual Archie League
Medal of Safety Awards Banquet
Guest Speaker:
Hon. Michael Huerta, FAA Administrator
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NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
GET TO KNOW THE 10TH ANNUAL ARCHIE LEAGUE MEDAL OF SAFETY AWARD RECIPIENTS!
For the last 10 years, the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards banquet has paid homage to heroic flight assists that exemplify the dedication,
professionalism and commitment of our members. This year is no different. We are featuring winners in each issue of the Daily Dispatch so you
can get a taste of what led them to win the award and get to know them a little better. Today we have the honor of introducing Alaskan Region
winners Todda Yonge (ZAN) and Mark Lacy (ZAN), Central Region winners Andrew Smith (ZKC) and Joseph Moylan (ZKC), Eastern Region winner
Robert Ezzard (ZNY), and Great Lakes Region winner Jack Deutscher (MSN).
ALASKAN REGION
Sunday evenings in Alaskan airspace are typically pretty quiet. On November 4, 2013, however, controllers Todda Yonge (ZAN) and Mark Lacy (ZAN) experienced anything but.
Fairbanks Flight Service Station called Yonge explaining that they had lost contact with a VFR Cessna 172 aircraft that was lost in heavy snow with limited visibility. Too far away to
make contact with the pilot themselves, Yonge and Lacy enlisted the assistance of two B-52 bombers in flying towards the aircraft and broadcasting in the blind. They were eventually
able to make contact with the aircraft and transmit life-saving information so the pilot could land safely.
TODDA YONGE
MARK LACY
My favorite comfort food: Vietnamese Pho.
The best place I’ve ever travelled to was: Japan.
The funniest movie I have ever seen: “Airplane.”
The one chore I absolutely hate doing: Folding laundry.
Candy or Chocolate? Chocolate.
I absolutely cannot stand: Being late.
My biggest pet peeve: Others being late.
My favorite sport: Hockey.
The one thing that makes me laugh: The television show, “The Big Bang Theory.”
Candy or chocolate? I love chocolate! Kit Kats are my favorite candy bar.
CENTRAL REGION
On the evening of October 14, 2013, a pilot of a Piper Cherokee was en route from Brainerd, Minn., to Topeka, Kan. The pilot was cleared for an IFR approach into the airport, but
was unable to complete the approach. ZKC controller Andrew Smith noticed the aircraft had wandered off course and contacted the tower to learn the aircraft was nearly out of fuel.
Joe Moylan (ZKC), the controller who was assisting Smith, asked the pilot to verify he had switched tanks, activated the fuel pump and put his landing gear down. With a sputtering
engine, Smith vectored the pilot for another approach and guided him to a safe landing.
ANDREW SMITH
JOSEPH MOYLAN
My favorite band is: ZZ Top.
I have a major phobia of: Heights.
My favorite comfort food is: Steak.
My favorite book I could read over and over is: “The
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
The best place I’ve ever travelled to was: Yosemite.
My favorite band is: Pink Floyd.
My favorite quote is: “Now go get your shine box.” - Goodfellas
I absolutely cannot stand: Repeating radio transmissions.
My specialty meal to cook is: Anything on the grill.
If I could pick four people to have dinner with, dead or alive, I would
choose: Chuck Yeager, Keith Moon, Clint Eastwood, and Annette Bening.
EASTERN REGION
On June 13, 2013, Robert Ezzard, a 27-year veteran New York Center (ZNY) Oceanic
controller was working traffic to and from Bermuda when Delta 657 requested
FL300. The initial probe showed traffic in the opposite direction at the same altitude,
so Ezzard cleared the Delta aircraft to FL290. Later, he probed Delta 657 again and
the probe indicated there was no traffic, so Ezzard climbed Delta. A minute later, he
amended the climb to FL290 again as he remembered the opposite direction traffic.
The traffic had mistakenly been removed. Both aircraft would have reported to the
same fix, at the same time, at the same altitude if Ezzard had not remembered the
aircraft.
ROBERT EZZARD
My favorite band is: Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
My specialty meal to cook is: Ribs.
My favorite book is: “The Billionare Who Wasn’t.”
The best place I’ve ever travelled to was: Bora Bora.
My favorite sport is: Baseball.
GREAT LAKES REGION
On February 21, 2013, 12-year veteran controller Jack Deutscher was working
Madison Approach at Madison Tower (MSN) when he received a call that a pilot
making touch-and-go landings had become lost. The pilot contacted Deutscher
explaining that he was disoriented and his windshield was fogged up. Deutscher
quickly decided to vector the aircraft into MSN, when suddenly the pilot reported he
had no airspeed and he could “see nothing.” The pilot was not able to hold headings,
making it impossible to line him up for an approach. The pilot made several passes
over the airport before he was able to see a runway and land safely.
JACK DEUTSCHER
My favorite band is: Mutemath.
The best place I’ve ever travelled to was: Anywhere on the
shore of Lake Superior.
My favorite type of aircraft is: Concorde.
The strangest food I have ever eaten is: Haggis.
In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my family, hiking,
biking, camping and watch collecting.
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
5
100 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION, 100 YEARS OF SAFETY
The first commercial flight took place 100 years ago on January 1, 1914, spanning 21 miles in 23 minutes
between St. Petersburg and Tampa at an elevation of 15 feet! Since then, a lot has changed. The commercial
aviation industry is now a cornerstone of the world economy, contributing $12.9 billion to the global net profit
in 2013. Air travel is by far the safest method of transportation in the world, and no other mode is more highly
scrutinized, investigated and monitored. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi is set to take the stage this afternoon
at noon in the Celebrity Ballroom to discuss the importance of this centennial event in flying history and how
we can prepare for the next 100 years of aviation safety and excellence.
Region X: The Safety Professionals Who Keep the NAS the World’s Safest
Region X members are aviation safety professionals who work in regional and service
center offices as well as the Oklahoma City Aeronautical Center, the Atlantic City Technical
Center, Long Beach Aircraft Certification offices, and FAA Headquarters.
acquisition services, from small purchases,
supplies and services to major contracting of
equipment, services and construction.
Region X bargaining units include Engineers and Architects (E&A), Aircraft Certification,
Airports, Logistics/IT, Drug Abatement, Regional Counsel, Flight Procedures, and Aviation
Technical Systems Specialists.
Those in the Real Estate Division are
responsible for acquiring, managing and
disposing of land and space for FAA facilities
and organizations.
E&A employees were organized in 1997. They design, build, install, and modernize
systems and facilities. If there is a construction or installation project in your facility, these
employees are either planning or completing the work.
Aircraft Certification employees include engineers, technical writers, test pilots and other
professionals who certify private and commercial aircraft and systems. These employees
provide important insight with respect to aircraft equipment and performance.
Airports employees include engineers and planners who work with airport authorities to
plan, improve and maintain airports.
The ARC bargaining unit includes Logistics Acquisition Management and Information
Technology members, who are responsible for assisting other divisions in complete
Information Technology (IT) employees maintain the agency’s non-NAS IT infrastructure.
Drug abatement is responsible for ensuring air carriers are in compliance with the
Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol testing regulation and policy.
Regional Counsel employees are paralegals and professionals.
Employees in the three ATO Service Centers are the most recent addition to NATCA.
Bargaining units include Aviation Technical Systems Specialists, who plan and manage
FAA programs, and the Flight Procedures Team, which works with airports and other
entities to develop safe airspace procedures.
For more information on these bargaining units, visit natcaregionx.org.
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NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
Get to know the members of NATCA’s
National Safety Committee:
Steve Hansen, ZAB, chairman
Steve currently serves as the chairman of NATCA’s National Safety Committee (NSC). He also serves as the NATCA ATSAP Coordinator, and as a member of the ASIAS Executive
Board. Steve has 23 years ATC experience, beginning with U.S. Air Force (USAF) assignments at McClellan Tower, Sacramento, Calif.; Okinawa Approach Control, Okinawa,
Japan; Eielson Tower, Fairbanks, Alaska; Tuzla Approach Control, Bosnia; and McChord Tower, Tacoma, Wash. Steve’s military service was followed by a short stint working for
the Dept. of Defense. Soon after, he began his FAA career at Fairbanks Tower & Approach Control (FAI), followed by Albuquerque Center (ZAB), his current facility. Steve has
served NATCA as a facility rep, area rep, national airspace redesign rep, regional LR team member, and Southwest Region safety rep.
Danny Aguerre, ZMA, pilot/controller liaison
Danny has been a CPC at Miami Center (ZMA) since 1997 and has been with the FAA since 1990. She has been a member of the NSC since January 2007, serving as the pilot/
controller liaison. She has a bachelor’s degree in aviation business administration and a dual major master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University. Danny was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and is fluent in Spanish. Danny’s NATCA involvement began when she attended her first CFS in September 2006, at the
beginning of the Imposed Work Rules, and there were only 198 attendees. Danny has served as Southern Region ASI and as ATPAC chairman for 4.5 years. She recently joined
the ATSAP Analysis Team (AAT) as an analyst.
Mike Blake, ZBW, atsap representative
Mike is a charter member of NATCA and currently serves as the ATSAP rep for the NSC. Mike worked as a controller at Boston Center (ZBW) and also served as NATCA’s ZBW
FacRep in the early and mid-1990s. He then ran unopposed in 1997 to become the New England RVP. Mike was re-elected in 2000 and again in 2003, becoming one of only
a select few leaders in NATCA’s history to serve three terms. Serving on the NSC for the past four years, Mike currently oversees the Union’s participation in the Confidential
Information Share Program (CISP) with United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. In addition, Mike leads NATCA’s participation on the ATSAP Analysis Team
and is NATCA’s rep on the Aviation Safety Information Analysis & Sharing (ASIAS) Issues and Analysis Team (IAT), the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST), and the Joint
Implementation Measurement Data Analysis Team (JIMDAT).
Dave Bricker, ZAB, human factors representative
Dave started as a controller in the USAF in 1993, where he worked the Radar Approach Control at Vance AFB, Okla., Osan Air Base, S. Korea, and RAF Lakenheath, England. In
December 2000, Dave was hired by the FAA at Albuquerque Center (ZAB). He holds a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics, a master’s degree in aeronautical science
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Ph.D. in business administration from Northcentral University. Dave is sporadically working on a second master’s degree in
psychology and is the NATCA VP at ZAB and the human factors rep on the NSC. His past and current national workgroup participation includes the AT Basics course redesign,
GIM-S, PHX OAPM, Curriculum Architecture with Raytheon, the NY Integrated Facility project control room design, Color Vision and incorporating color in the displays, LCD
Flicker, Partnership for Safety, the Job Task Analysis with the American Institutes for Research, RNAV Arrivals, RNAV off the ground, and Modular TRACON design. He has also
served as ZAB safety rep and ZAB SW area rep.
Joseph Cardenas, JFK, international representative
Joseph joined the FAA in 2007, and now works at JFK. In his second year on the NSC, Joseph continues to work with international partners in aviation safety ranging from fellow
controllers in other countries to foreign airlines operating in the U.S. He has had the opportunity to attend regional and international assemblies of IFATCA and ICAO, building
on his knowledge base and making important connections. His work on behalf of the committee has also made him a better controller by giving him a greater understanding of
the work that happens day to day to keep the skies safe all over the world. Joseph has also served NATCA as a FacRep, a Pro Standards Committee member, and a Recurrent
Training Cadre. After his first CFS last year, Joseph left with a new motivation to speak with other members about attending CFS, its importance, and its mutual benefit to the
Union and the member.
Eric Carter, SFO, tower representative
Early on, in high school to be exact, Eric would watch the planes in the sky outside the window instead of paying attention in class; this led him to the question – what would
it take for him to do well in school? His answer: if he were paid to go to school, he would do just fine. Along came the FAA Academy ... and the rest is history. Eric has been
a controller since 1990, working at Long Beach (LGB) Tower, Los Angeles (LAX) Tower, BAY TRACON (now part of NCT), and currently San Francisco Tower (SFO). In 2002, he
became the SFO facility safety rep, and in 2007, became the Western Pacific Region safety rep. In 2008, when the ATSAP MOU was signed, Eric became involved with the ATSAP
program, serving as an ERC member, and currently as an ERC analyst. As tower rep on the NSC, Eric represents what he claims, arguably, is the best region in NATCA – the
Western Pacific Region.
Joey Vargo, T75, tracon representative
Joey hails from Pittsburgh, and completed the CTI program from the Community College of Beaver County in 2006. Hired in 2007, St. Louis TRACON (T75) has been his only FAA
facility. He currently holds roles as an ATSAP Cadre instructor and local crew rep, and started as the RNAV rep this year. Joey joined the NSC in 2012, just recently taking over as
the TRACON rep. Rated as a private pilot, Joey enjoys working with pilots and industry, and enjoys those opportunities that CFS presents for this area.
Drew Frankel, ZOB, tmu representative
Drew is currently the NATCA en route rep to the Central Service Area ERC and the traffic management rep on the NSC. Drew has been with the FAA at Cleveland Center (ZOB)
since February 1985, and earned his CPC in March 1988. In 2005, he went to TMU and has been assigned there ever since. During his time on the floor, Drew was an instructor/
evaluator and trained most of the area’s developmentals. This duty required Drew to dig into the .65, AIM and FARs, and he was asked to be the NATCA liaison to QA, a role he
performed for almost 15 years. He also helped implement and transition the facility into DSR and URET. Drew was the NATCA ZOB treasurer in 1990, and the Great Lakes rep on
the National Finance Committee for several years, while also serving as area rep from 1991-2001. Drew started on the ATSAP training team in 2009 and later became NATCA’s
analyst on the WSA ERC. In late 2010, he was asked to serve in his present capacity on the CSA ERC.
Greg Harris, ZMA, oceanic representative
Greg started his FAA career in 1985 at Atlanta Center (ZTL). In 1986, he transferred to Jacksonville Center (ZJX) where he spent the next 10 years as a dedicated NATCA member.
In 1996, Greg transferred to his current facility, ZMA. Greg has served NATCA in a number of facility positions including current ocean area rep, facility lead on Florida MetroPlex
and facility lead on the implementation of RVSM, which included negotiations with three foreign facilities (Haiti, Dominican Republic and Cuba). Greg has also served NATCA
outside of the facility as a member of the High Altitude Redesign (HAR) team and is currently in his second year on the NSC as the oceanic rep.
Andy Marosvari, BOI, professional standards representative
Andy began his FAA career at New York Center (ZNY) in 1987, worked at Salt Lake City Center (ZLC) from October 1988 until January 2003, and is currently a controller at Boise
ATCT (BOI). While at ZLC, he participated on the DSR and Airspace Redesign workgroups. He was the Area A NATCA rep for Quality Through Partnership, and was involved in
numerous pilot educational briefings. At BOI, he has served as the NATCA VP and facility safety rep. He has also participated in numerous educational briefings provided to
the local pilot community. In April 2009, Andy was appointed NATCA Northwest Mountain regional safety rep and currently serves as one of three NATCA national reps on the
Professional Standards workgroup. He also serves as NATCA’s rep on the Terminal Procedures team, Future Aviation Safety team and the ATC Handbook Revision workgroup.
He is an instrument rated private pilot and aircraft owner.
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
7
Micah Maziar, TOL, combined tower/tracon representative
Micah graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science with an air traffic control minor. He was hired by the FAA
in 2000 and reported to his first and current facility, Toledo ATCT (TOL), later that year. Having grown up in a union household, Micah understood the importance of union
membership and joined NATCA on his first day at the facility. From 2002-2005, he served his local as secretary, and he has been the local’s president since 2006. Micah has
been involved in many rewarding roles at NATCA, from legislative activities to public outreach, facility realignment, regional labor relations, and now safety initiatives. Through
each of these activities, Micah has been able to learn and grow. The experiences have helped him become a better FacRep for his facility. Through the NSC, he hopes to be able
to learn even more in order to assist facilities nationwide.
Steve McKenzie, ZID, en route representative
Steve has been an NSC member since 2007. He started his ATC career while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1985-1989. He worked as a radar controller at MCAS Yuma,
Ariz., and MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Steve was hired by the FAA in 1991 and has worked at Indianapolis Center (ZID) for his entire career. He has served as an area rep,
facility safety rep and has also served ATSAP in many positions. He’s worked with the ATSAP Implementation and Training Team and served as the ERC en route member for the
Western and Central Service Areas. Steve is now a member of the ATSAP Analysis Team (AAT), which supports the three Service Area ERCs and helps trend safety risk information
to develop mitigations that deal with any identified safety risks. The AAT also works with the Confidential Information Sharing Program (CISP) that involves sharing ATSAP and
airline ASAP data between programs.
Mike Collins, Region X, aircraft certification representative
Mike has been the Region X Aircraft Certification rep since 2013. He is the ENM AIR VP and has been a member the Local ENM AIR Safety Committee since it was originally formed.
He graduated from the University of Washington in 1977 with a mechanical engineering degree and started his career in nuclear power plant construction. He transitioned
to aerospace in 1984 as an engineer with Boeing in Renton, Wash. He has been with the FAA since 1989 as a propulsion specialist in the Transport Airplane Directorate of
the Aircraft Certification Service. He represented the FAA on the NTSB investigation into the cause of the TWA Flight 800 fuel tank explosion and was on the FAA rulemaking
teams that resulted in two new major transport airplane fuel tank safety regulations. Mike works on the standardization of the application and interpretation of those and other
propulsion rules for transport category airplane projects, both foreign and domestic.
Don Schmeichel, Region X, engineers and architects representative
After graduating from SDSU with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Don was hired by the FAA in 1986 as an electronics engineer in the Terminal Facilities group in the
Northwest Mountain Regional Office. He designed installations for voice switches, air-ground and data communications systems, and automations systems. Don was the lead
electronics engineer for construction/installation at Salt Lake City ATCT (SLC) and TRACON (S56), Seattle TRACON (S46) and Cheyenne ATCT (CYS), among others in the region.
In 2004, Don was reassigned to the Seattle Engineering Services en route group. He worked on facility automation systems installations at Seattle (ZSE), Salt Lake City (ZLC) and
Denver (ZDV) Centers, and was the lead engineer for ERAM installations at these centers. Don has served as a rep for Seattle (ENM) local and also served as the alternate local
principal rep. Don was appointed as the Engineers & Architects rep to the NSC in May 1999.
Doug Schunter, ZDC, en route representative
Doug has been a controller at Washington Center (ZDC) for 26 years. At ZDC, Doug had the privilege of serving as an area rep and the flight lead for National Airspace Redesign
(NAR). Presently he is the en route ATSAP rep for the ESA ERC and a member of the NSC. Over the course of Doug’s career at the FAA, he has always believed that safety and
public service are of the highest priority. As a member of the NSC, he has been given an opportunity to further serve the public and his fellow controllers to ensure that safety
remains an important priority. Doug considers it an honor to work with this dedicated group of controllers.
For more information about the NSC and its mission, please visit natcasafety.org.
As NATCA works towards creating a formal mentorship program for the Union, the NSC has taken up the challenge to become the
first national committee to implement an official mentorship program. The NSC has focused on pairing motivated safety NATCAvists
to veteran committee members who will “show them the ropes” and give them a glimpse of what it takes to be a NSC member.
Vanessa Shinners, MIA
Vanessa graduated in 2002
from the University of Central
Florida with a bachelor’s
degree in health sciences. Prior
to the FAA, Vanessa taught high
school math and fifth grade
science. During this time, she attended Miami Dade
College and earned an associate degree in aviation
administration.
Vanessa was hired by the FAA in October 2008 and
is currently a CPC at Miami Tower and TRACON (MIA).
To date, she is an active member of NATCA as well
as the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation
Employees (NHCFAE), and was recently appointed
regional director of Professional Women Controllers
for the southern region. This past year, Vanessa was
selected to participate in a new mentorship program
for the NSC. She views this as an excellent career
opportunity for herself and takes great pride in her
involvement.
Vanessa is honored to be mentored by some of the
best in the business. She has a passion for learning and
a willingness to make positive contributions throughout
the course of her career.
Jennie Sandland, ZAN
Jennie started her government
career in January of 1990 by
enlisting into the Army as a
Russian Interrogator. She began
working for the FAA in Alaska
as a Russian Interpreter and
doing Airspace Analysis and Obstruction Evaluation
as well. In 1996, Jennie became a controller at Merrill
Field Tower (MRI) and spent four years there before
moving over to Anchorage International Tower (ANC)
for two years. In 2002, she transferred to Anchorage
Center (ZAN), first assigned to the High Sectors and,
shortly after that, to the North Area where she is today.
In 2010, Jennie became the first ZAN NATCA facility
safety rep, a position she still holds. In summer 2012,
she was selected to represent NATCA as a regional
coordinator for collaboration for the Western Service
Area. Her favorite position of all though has been the
position of Alaska Region pilot safety outreach NATCA
team advocate. This collaborative group was initiated
in January 2013 and in its first year reached hundreds
of pilots within the state of Alaska.
Judd Wallace, ZOB
Judd started his air traffic
control career at Community
College of Beaver County’s CTI
program. Hired by the FAA in
the spring of 2007, he reported
to Cleveland Center (ZOB) that
summer. Shortly after becoming a CPC, Judd became
the local safety rep at ZOB. In the late summer of 2012,
Judd had the honor of becoming one of the first three
members of the newly formed mentorship program for
the NSC.
Hired under the imposed work rules, Judd has seen a
drastic change in how the entire agency is run. He has
seen a culture of blame and punitive solutions turn into
a collaborative effort to fix the issues. It is Judd’s belief
that this change only occurred due to NATCA’s efforts
to implement programs like ATSAP and Professional
Standards. It is encouraging when the FAA comes to
the workforce for solutions, rather than with solutions
to be handed down. CFS is a great forum for both the
Union and the Agency to strengthen these new lines
of communication.
8
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
✰ SPECIAL SECTION ✰
ADVANCING THE NAS THROUGH SAFETY
Over the course of the last several years, NATCA has worked collaboratively with the FAA and industry to enhance the safety and efficiency of the
National Airspace System (NAS) through safety initiatives and NextGen technologies. This special section of the Daily Dispatch takes a closer look
at some of these dynamic programs and how they will change the NAS for the better.
Confidential Information share Program
Air Traffic Safety Action Program
The Confidential Information Share Program (CISP) provides a holistic view of safety events and
systemic problems. This one-of-a-kind, innovative program attempts to match voluntarily submitted
safety reports, through both the Air Traffic Safety Action Program (ATSAP) and the Aviation Safety
Action Program (ASAP), to provide both pilot and controller perspectives.
CISP began in 2010 as a demonstration project with United Airlines; there are now 17 airlines sharing
information with ATSAP, with more going through the process to sign up.
Q
Since CISP’s inception, over 14,000 reports have been shared between ATSAP and its partner
airlines. These reports cover a broad range of topics, including procedural problems, airborne
and surface losses, TCAS events, FMS irregularities, PDC issues, and RNAV arrival and departure
difficulties.
NATCA ATSAP Rep Mike Blake and NATCA CISP Lead Sam Lockwood say CISP is producing positive
changes throughout the NAS. Not only are controllers and pilots learning from each other, they are
also able to jointly recommend proposals to change procedures and operations.
The collaborative development of ATSAP began a cultural shift within the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization
(ATO) to move away from a “blame and shame” culture to one of learning. With the addition of
information gathered through CISP, the ATO, NATCA and airline partner safety organizations gain a
more complete view of events occurring in the NAS.
Q
Q
Q
“The program is all about giving local safety experts
information to support what they do,” say NATCA National
PFS Leads Steve Hansen and Leanne Martin. “It gets data to
experts at the correct level so they can handle the issues.”
FAA and NATCA are conducting national training for all LSCs.
Training includes guidance on best uses of safety data and
tools, and emphasis that it’s not for employee identification
or punishment. Over 100 air traffic facilities have completed
the training. All facilities are expected to be trained by June.
For more information about PFS, go to facilitysafety.org.
ATSAP has become one of the most widely sought-after data
sources. It currently shares information with the FAA Aviation
Safety Information Analysis and Sharing program, CISP, the NASA
Aviation Safety Reporting System, Safety Risk Management
Panels, FAA/NATCA collaborative workgroups, recurrent training,
the FAA ATO Top 5 safety list, and others.
“Reporting rates continue to increase year after year as confidence
grows in both the protections and safety enhancements that
the program offers,” NATCA Safety Committee Chairman Steve
Hansen says.
For more, please visit atsapsafety.com.
Q
Q
Q
SAFETY PROGRAMS
Optimization of Airspace & Procedures in the Metroplex
OAPM is an expedited approach to integrated airspace and procedures projects, focusing on a
geographic area. But what NATCA and the FAA have planned for Houston and North Texas this year
is extraordinary.
On May 29, Houston Center (ZHU), Fort Worth Center (ZFW), Memphis Center (ZME), Houston TRACON
(I90), Houston Intercontinental Tower (IAH), and Houston Hobby Tower (HOU) will implement 89 new
procedures. North Texas facilities will implement another 77 three months later. These are just the
starting points for more widespread implementation nationwide.
Q
Q
LSCs use this portal as a tool to research local safety
issues, and make recommendations to mitigate safety. For
example, Atlanta TRACON (A80) identified a trend in which
aircraft were occasionally overshooting final approach
courses. Within hours after spotting the trend, the LSC
issued a memo alerting all controllers to this issue. Since
then, both the number of overshoots and the average
overshoot distance have significantly decreased.
Additionally, the program has led to agreements with 17 airlines
through CISP.
OAPM is a targeted effort to decrease congestion in busy metropolitan areas. This effort includes
developing and implementing performance-based navigation procedures coupled with airspace
changes that facilitate greater air traffic efficiency. Initiatives are also underway in Northern and
Southern California, Atlanta, Charlotte, Phoenix, Cleveland and Detroit, South and Central Florida,
and in Washington, D.C.
Q
Q
As part of PFS, each air traffic facility establishes a local safety
council (LSC) that must include at least one management
employee and one union representative. Councils vary in
size, having six to eight members at large facilities, and two
to four at smaller ones. After the LSC is trained on how to
proceed, it acquires access to the ATO’s Safety Data Portal,
which contains data and automated analysis tools that
provide the status of various operational trends at a glance,
daily facility overviews and a “dashboard” display of safety
data in simple, easy-to-understand charts and graphs.
In these past six years, ATSAP has grown to reach all regions
and employees. As trust and confidence have spread, so has the
volume of reporting. Employees have filed more than 80,000
reports. That has led to 109 Corrective Action Requests.
Q
Q
Partnership for Safety (PFS) is a joint initiative between the
ATO and NATCA. Through PFS, local employees devise local
solutions to mitigate local safety concerns.
Q
Q
Q
Partnership for Safety
CFS 2008 was the venue for the announcement and signing of
the joint NATCA-FAA Air Traffic Safety Action Program (ATSAP).
It was a groundbreaking, pivotal day in the history of aviation
safety in the United States and set the Agency on a path toward
moving away from a punitive culture to a true safety culture.
What differentiates Houston and North Texas from other locations, in addition to the scope of the
project, is the expanded use of ATSAP as the vehicle for locals to report issues that arise during
implementation.
“It’s a collaborative approach to safety with OAPM and Partnership for Safety working together,” NSC
Chairman Steve Hansen says.
OAPM Representative Bennie Hutto said ATSAP “will allow us to have better information to make
better decisions.”
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
9
✰ COLLABORATIVE WORKING GROUPS: ADVANCING THE NAS THROUGH SAFETY ✰
TIME BASED FLOW MANAGEMENT
EN ROUTE AUTOMATION MODERNIZATION
Time Based Flow Management (TBFM) is a scheduling tool
that will meter aircraft through all phases of flight in order to
deliver the correct number of aircraft to airspace sectors and
down to the runway at the exact pace at which the aircraft can
be accommodated. This scheduling system provides air traffic
controllers better predictability on airspace use, helping to
optimize the traffic stream of aircraft into capacity-constrained
areas. Lockheed Martin produced the system, which was
initially deployed in August 2013 and installed in all 20 en route
centers. TBFM replaces Traffic Management Advisor.
En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), the system replacing the 40-year-old En
Route Host computer system used at 20 FAA centers nationwide, is vital to the future
of the NAS. It is the platform required for the evolution to NextGen. Many NextGen
programs, like DataComm and ADS-B, depend on a successful ERAM deployment.
ERAM has made great strides in progress with NATCA’s involvement over the past
few years. Currently, 18 of 20 ERAM testing sites have achieved Initial Operational
Capability (IOC), NATCA ERAM Implementation Lead Julio Henriques says. Of those 18,
15 have reached Continuous Operations, 13 have declared an Operational Readiness
Date (ORD) and three are conducting limited or extended operations (New York
[ZNY], Washington [ZDC] and Miami Centers [ZMA]). Atlanta (ZTL) and Jacksonville
(ZJX) Centers are pre-IOC.
NATCA TBFM Article 48 Rep Eric Owens says the TBFM team
has been assessing what capabilities TBFM currently has. As
part of the assessment they will travel to some facilities and
send out a survey. The team is trying to figure out how TBFM
is being used at different facilities and what capabilities have
been adapted. A number of facilities have commented that
Metroplex Plans and RNAV/RNP will not work without TBFM.
Q
Of the 13 sites that have achieved ORD, 10 have powered off the Host, 10 have
initiated decommissioning, seven have removed hardware and six have removed
cables.
Cleveland (ZOB) and Fort Worth (ZFW) Centers declared ERAM ORD, on March 4 and
6, respectively. ZNY and ZDC completed 72-hour operational runs in early March.
However, both centers have to reassess their future schedules and forward plan
due to various issues identified during the operational runs. ZMA completed its first
successful 24-hour run on March 7, after having to fall back to Host on its first run in
February due to flight plan and other issues with San Juan facilities. ZTL and ZJX plan
for IOC later this year.
Q
The en route portion of DataComm will be available around 2019 with
the first set of initial services, including transfer of communication,
altitudes, altimeters and routes. Later on, it will incorporate advisory
messages, speeds, headings, beacon codes, holding instructions and
tailored arrivals.
Q
To learn more, attend the ERAM breakout sessions on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. or
3:55 p.m. in Sunset 3.
TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAMS
Q
Q
Q
“DataComm in the en route environment will free up the controller from
having to issue many repetitive commands, for example, acknowledging
check-ins and issuing frequency changes,” says Geyer.
Operational Evaluation on the EAC1500 software build is now being conducted by
the NATCA SMEs at the FAA Technical Center, with EAC1600 and EAC1700 software
builds planned for later this year.
Q
NATCA DataComm Rep Chad Geyer says the initial phase of DataComm
will be integration into the tower data link system for Pre-Departure
Clearances (PDCs). DataComm gives the controller the ability to send
revisions to the flight deck while sending a duplicate message to the
airline operations center.
Q
Data Communications (DataComm) will contribute significantly to
increasing the efficiency, capacity and safety of the NAS by advancing
the communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. An integral
part of NextGen, DataComm uses messaging services – much like text
messaging – to deliver clearances, coordinates and commands.
Q
Q
DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Q
Q
This month, Human In The Loop Scenarios (HITLS) will begin at
the William J. Hughes Technical Center.
WAKE TURBULENCE RE-CATEGORIZATION
To learn more, attend the DataComm breakout sessions led by Geyer
on Wednesday at 2:40 p.m. and at 4:50 p.m. PST in Sunset 1.
Q
Q
Q
Q
Wake Turbulence Re-Categorization (RECAT) has shown dramatic
effects as a capacity enhancement program while maintaining safety
standards at the facilities that have deployed it thus far.
TERMINAL AUTOMATION MODERNIZATION & REPLACEMENT
Since CFS in 2013, Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR) has
achieved significant milestones, due to successful NATCA-FAA collaboration.
Q
Recently, members of NATCA’s TAMR team from Northeast Operational Support Facility,
Dallas Fort Worth TRACON (D10), Northern California TRACON (NCT), Southern California
TRACON (SCT), Atlanta TRACON (A80), New York TRACON (N90), Chicago TRACON (C90),
and Miami Tower and TRACON (MIA) worked to identify functionality and software issues
to ensure the FAA has a smooth transition to STARS at the 10 remaining large TRACONs.
Last month, MIA reached initial operating capability with fourth generation STARS. Later
this year, NATCA and the FAA expect to deploy STARS at Denver TRACON (D01). At Allentown
(ABE), the first ARTS IIE replacement is scheduled for April. ABE will receive the first STARS
Elite system that will be used to upgrade ARTS IIE facilities.
The TAMR plan is for all versions of STARS to run the same software by mid-2016. Known
as “software convergence,” this will bring the Agency to the brink of its goal to be on one
terminal automation platform for the entire NAS.
“This is an enormous program, and NATCA will be helping the Agency deploy STARS
Elite at a faster pace than they have ever deployed anything in the past,” NATCA TAMR
Representative Mitch Herrick says.
To learn more, attend the TAMR breakout sessions on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. or 3:55
p.m. in Melrose.
NATCA RECAT Representative Scott Pressley has led recent work to
prepare RECAT training for both Cincinnati (CVG) and Miami (MIA).
Recent meetings were held at CVG with cargo airline DHL, pilot
groups and other users.
RECAT was first implemented at Memphis (MEM) and drew rave
reviews from all involved, particularly FedEx which has reported
monthly savings of $2.1 million. The called arrival/departure rate at
MEM has increased from 77 per hour to 99 per hour, based on RECAT
alone.
Last September, NATCA and the FAA implemented RECAT at LouisvilleStandiford (SDF).
“It’s a way for the busier airports to safely compact the final to move
the aircraft closer together,” Pressley says.
Pressley also says facilities must demonstrate a need for RECAT. That
is determined by facilities with large concentrations of heavy and
large aircraft categories, especially when those aircraft arrive and
depart in a condensed time frame.
The international community has also taken notice. Pressley recently
gave presentations to both the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO).
ICAO has set up a Wake Turbulence Study Group.
10
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
Collaborative Programs in the News
As NextGen evolves from ideas for tomorrow into technologies for today, the media has
taken notice! Here are some articles that reference these exciting developments. Visit the
e-version of the Daily Dispatch at natca.org to view these articles online!
CFS Day 1: NextGen Initiatives Panel Preview
The first panel of CFS 2014, NextGen Initiatives, begins this afternoon at 4:00 p.m.
in the Celebrity Ballroom. NATCA’s NextGen rep, Mel Davis, will be leading the
panel discussion.
RECAT
The Commercial Appeal: FAA Changes in Memphis Save Jet Fuel, Cut Emissions and
Reduce Aircraft Noise (Featuring NATCA Wake Turbulence National Rep Scott Pressley)
Bloomberg News: Flying Planes Closer Together Boosts Biggest FedEx Hub
(Featuring NATCA Wake Turbulence National Rep Scott Pressley)
TBFM
Joining Davis for the discussion will be Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Vice President of
Program Management Chris Metts; Lockheed Martin Director of En Route, Terminal,
and Oceanic Programs Fran Hill; Harris Corporation Senior Program Manager for Air
Traffic Control Chris Sutherland; NATCA’S National Time Based Flow Management
(TBFM) Rep Eric Owens; NATCA’s National RECAT Rep Scott Pressley; Jeff Tittsworth,
ATO RECAT; NATCA’s National DataComm Rep Chad Geyer; ATO DataComm Project
Manager Jesse Wijntjes; and Northwest Mountain Regional Vice President Jim
Ullmann.
Avionics Magazine: FAA Deploys Next Generation Time-Based Air Traffic System
(Featuring NATCA Former TBFM Article 48 Rep Steve Lee)
“It’s important for us to continue to use the airspace and runways more effectively,”
said Davis. “All of these collaborative programs that are a part of NextGen do just
that. They help to eliminate situations that could have a negative effect on the NAS.”
TAMR
The panelists will update the audience on the progress of their programs, as
well as the benefits of implementing the technology in the terminal and en route
environments.
UAS
SBS
Air Traffic Management: Video: US Growth of ADS-B Equipped Aircraft
(Featuring NATCA SBS Article 48 Rep Eric Labardini)
NextGen/ERAM
Aviation Today: The Road to NextGen
(Featuring NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert)
Aviation International Online: Raytheon’s Stars Rolls Out to Largest U.S. TRACONs
(Featuring NATCA TAMR Article 48 Rep Mitch Herrick)
Aviation Today: ATC Ready for UAS Integration; Sense and Avoid is Not
(Featuring NATCA Terminal Operations Coordinator Chris Stephenson)
Playing It Safe
Everyone knows safety isn’t boring, but who knew it could be so fun? Last year we
debuted our CFS Plinko board, courtesy of the hardworking (and crafty!) NATCA
members at North Las Vegas Tower (VGT). This year, Plinko’s back! Make sure you’re
in the Celebrity Ballroom Monday through Wednesday for a chance to relive the
days of “The Price is Right.” You never know when it’ll be your chance to win big!
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
11
Meet Your CFS Sponsors and Exhibitors
CFS has grown from a small safety conference with 40 attendees in 1999, to the aviation industry’s leading conference attracting over 1,300 attendees this year. With this
growth, CFS has garnered considerable industry attention and an array of new exhibitors. This year’s conference will feature more exhibitors than ever due to the invaluable
feedback companies receive from NATCA members who visit their booths and provide user input on emerging technologies and equipment. Companies want NATCA members
involved in the development of technology to provide a perspective from actual users of the technology, program or equipment they are developing. Read below for detailed
information about what some of our sponsors will be showcasing!
Booths 106 and 107
Booth 120
Booths 121, 122 and 123
Lockheed Martin will demonstrate an En Route
Automation Modernization (ERAM) program-based
convergence platform. The demo provides a view of a
potential common automation platform that is able to
support en route and terminal air traffic control using
a single backend, and is also able to extend to oceanic
airspace. The platform allows terminal controllers to
more seamlessly interact with flight data and provides
for improved coordination with the centers. In addition,
the convergence of information available on the D and
R Positions allows en route controllers to work together
more effectively between the two positions.
This year at CFS, Thales will showcase two automation
technologies: Maestro, an integrated arrival (AMAN) and
departure (DMAN) decision support tool for Airspace
and Surface management. They will also showcase the
TopSky Tower Automation Platform, anchored by its fully
tailorable and adaptable computer-human interface
(CHI) that provides clearance delivery and other tower
positions with aircraft lists or with integrated EFS.
Harris Corporation’s exhibit will feature a DataComm
program demonstrator, with a Boeing 737 Cockpit!
Attendees who stop by the Harris exhibit can see a
DataComm demonstration, which will highlight sending
airborne re-routes as well as routine communications
such as frequency changes and altimeter settings from
a cockpit. Harris hopes this demonstration will show
how DataComm will improve the communications
between controllers and pilots through the perspective
of the flight deck.
The company is excited to hear directly from controllers
about its systems (ERAM, Common ARTS, ATOP, TBFM,
MEARTS) and to continue working with them to help
make the NAS safer and more efficient.
Check out Lockheed Martin at booths 106 and 107 in
the Technology Exhibit Hall.
Booth 118
The NAVCANatm exhibit will feature NAVCANstrips,
NAVCANatm’s world-leading electronic flight strip (EFS)
solution, which is part of the NAVCANsuite integrated
controller workstation. NAVCANstrips is an advanced
tower, terminal, apron and en route coordination
system allowing controllers to manage electronic flight
data online using touch-sensitive display screens.
The system is deployed at over 100 sites worldwide,
with nearly 1,200 active controller workstations,
managing over 15 million IFR flight movements per year.
NAVCANatm will also feature its Network Tower solution.
The proven NAVCANsuite technology is utilized as the
platform for an integrated controller workstation. It is
then combined with Searidge Technologies ATC grade
video and IntelliDAR intelligent video for advanced
air traffic management, offering shared data across
the system and supporting alternate service delivery
models.
NAVCANatm values the feedback on its systems from air
traffic controllers and other exhibition attendees. The
company develops its systems using controller input
at all phases to ensure the system is responsive, and
has a high acceptance by operational staff. NAVCANatm
knows that the input they receive is what makes their
system better and more efficient.
NAVCANatm had a very positive experience last year
at CFS. The feedback the company representatives
received at their exhibition was thoughtful and well
informed. They used that information to make changes
to the display and the NAVCANsuite set up. This year
the exhibit will feature additional equipment to give
exhibit attendees more opportunities to try the system.
Don’t forget to stop by NAVCANatm at booth 118 in
the Technology Exhibit Hall!
The TopSky Tower Automation Platform is being
demonstrated in the U.S., allowing clearance delivery
controllers to send initial and revised clearances to the
cockpit directly and interface with AOC. EFS allows for
data sharing within the tower cab and with other NAS
facilities.
Thales says that while EFS, or Electronic Flight Data
(EFD), is in use worldwide, the U.S. has not yet begun
utilizing this important capability. The use of EFS can
greatly enhance the efficiency and safety of tower
operations while helping reduce the controller’s
workload and dependence on non-integrated systems
and manual tasks in the tower.
Thales is looking forward to having discussions with
CFS attendees about the issues and challenges that
face the general controller population. The company
feels the insight they secure helps them invest smartly
and best support the users, creating tools that improve
their workflow and local operations.
Thales supports the mission of NATCA and the important
role the controller plays in the NAS. The company
believes CFS is an excellent venue to help Thales
representatives engage directly with the controller
community and therefore provides immeasurable
benefits for Thales.
Thales would not be able to deliver the products
needed to support the safety critical operations NATCA
members provide without a keen understanding of how
air traffic control differs from facility to facility and region
to region. Over the last five years, through engaging
the controller community and gaining valuable insight
into operations and challenges, Thales has been able
to deploy solutions that improve surface operations at
some of the busiest airports in the NAS.
Be sure you drop by Thales in the Technology Exhibit
Room, booth 120!
Harris exhibited at last year’s CFS and was excited that
there was so much interest and feedback from the
controllers about the NAS Voice Switch (NVS).
“Having NATCA participating at all levels of NVS has
been invaluable,” says Harris Corporation Sr. ATC
Program Manager Chris Sutherland. “We want to
continue this early NextGen messaging campaign by
adding DataComm to our portfolio at CFS 2014.”
Make sure you stop by Harris in the Technology Exhibit
Room, booths 121-123!
A BIG THANKS TO THE REST OF OUR
CFS SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS:
SPONSORS
Lockheed Martin hopes the demonstration will improve
efficiency in the National Airspace System (NAS)
while providing controllers with more convenient and
straightforward access to important data, making their
jobs easier and the NAS even safer.
Harris Corporation’s exhibit will also feature screenshots
from the NAS Voice Switch (NVS), the communications
system that will be replacing VSCS, ETVS and RTVS in
the towers, TRACONs and centers.
Raytheon • Lockheed Martin •
NAVCANatm/Searidge Technologies •
GEICO • Thales • Harris • TetraTech •
Barco • SkyOne Credit Union • UNUM/
SIG • ATCA • Kim’s Place OKC • Metron
Aviation • Systems Atlanta • SAIC •
ALPA • Cambridge Financial
EXHIBITORS
This platform is an example of potential future platform
NextGen functionality integrated with existing ERAM
and terminal platforms.
Maestro is deployed at 28 airports worldwide, including
airports in France, Germany, Egypt and more, with the
world’s first operational DMAN tool at Paris Charles de
Gaulle Airport. Maestro can be used as a standalone
system, or as an integrated component of an ATC
Automation System. By sharing common operational
data with all airport stakeholders, Maestro increases
situational awareness and supports the collaborative
decision making process. In addition to its operational
deployments, Maestro is being used in operational
evaluations for i4D arrival management in Europe.
Air Safety Investigation • All Weather
Inc. • ATCA • ATO All Points Safety •
Barco • Cambridge Financial • CISM •
Convergent Performance • CSSI, Inc. •
EAP/WorkLife • Embry Riddle Wildlife •
Evans Consoles • Fully Charged • Geico
• Harris • Lockheed Martin • Long Term
Care Partners • MSP 2014 Convention •
NATCA Reloaded • NAVCANatm/Searidge
Technologies •New Bedford Panoramex
• NTSB • OSHA • Professional Standards
• Professional Women Controllers Assn.
• Raytheon • Reed Timmer: Storm Chaser
• Russ Bassett Corp. • Saab Sensis
• SkyOne Credit Union • Surveillance
Broadcast Services • Thrift Savings Plan
• Turn Off, Tune In • Systems Atlanta •
UNUM/SIG • AEFS • NHCFAE • UFA, Inc.
12
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
NATCA NATIONAL OFFICE SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Our NSC members and Article 48 representatives spend countless hours advocating for safety on behalf of NATCA. But there is another group of dedicated professionals who
also spend their days ensuring the safety of the NAS. The Daily Dispatch is proud to introduce NATCA National’s Safety and Technology Department.
Dale Wright DIRECTOR, SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY • [email protected]
Dale Wright served eight years in the USAF as a controller with duty at Berlin Center, Germany, and England Air Force Base, La., before entering the FAA in 1983.
He was a controller at Charlotte ATCT (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL) during his 24-year FAA tenure. Dale also served as a liaison for requirements and JPDO during
the time period of 2000-2005. Dale spent many years as a member and chairman of NATCA’s National Finance Committee. Upon retiring from the FAA in 2007,
Dale was hired by NATCA as the safety and technology director. The department has grown over the last six years due to the commitment and support of NATCA
leadership.
robert utley TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE LIAISON • [email protected]
Robert provides support to the NATCA Article 48 tech reps and NATCA members participating in work group activities on operational issues. He also provides
staff support and advocacy for the NSC, Air Safety Investigator (ASI) Committee, and NATCA tech reps on all matters related to terminal technology issues.
Robert represents NATCA in national level safety forums where specific ATC operational expertise is required, and participates in work groups where specific
ATC-related operations, procedures or equipment may be affected. He maintains outreach and professional level contact with aviation-related associations and
unions. Robert worked for 23 years as an air traffic controller with the FAA and served in the USAF for 10 years.
chris stephenson TERMINAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR • [email protected]
Chris has over 31 years of frontline air traffic control experience. He began his career with the U.S. Navy in 1978, serving at the Naval Air Test Center Patuxent
River, Md. (NHK), and with Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 in Virginia Beach, Va. Following his discharge in 1986, Chris returned to Patuxent River as a Dept.
of Defense civilian controller. In 1991 he transferred to the FAA and spent two years at Andrews Tower (ADW), followed by 18 years at Washington National
Tower (DCA). Chris has held several positions within NATCA, including eight years as the DCA FacRep and six years as the legislative coordinator for the state of
Maryland. Now retired from government service, he has been the NATCA subject matter expert for UAS integration into the NAS for the last three years.
Bill Geoghagan TERMINAL TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR • [email protected]
William (Bill) L. Geoghagan has 25 years of terminal air traffic control experience. He worked at Meridian Approach (NMM), Nashville Tower (BNA), Gulfport
Tower (GPT), and Savannah Tower (SAV). He retired from the FAA in August 2012 and is now the NATCA rep for the Blended Airspace initiative. Bill serves on the
Low Activity Towers subgroup of the NAS Right-Sizing Initiative. He is active in RTCA groups SC-217, Aeronautical Databases; SC-206, Aeronautical Information
Services and Meteorological Data Link Services; and SC-213, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems/Synthetic Flight Vision Systems. His background prior to the FAA
included employment in the fields of electronics, satellite communications, and photojournalism. Bill now resides in the D.C. area.
pauline hines SAFETY & TECH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT • [email protected]
Pauline was originally hired into NATCA’s accounting department in October 1999, nearly 15 years ago! She spent four years there before moving over to Safety
& Tech. Pauline handles uploading S&T updates and reports to the website, filing and balancing multiple budgets. She also assists in travel arrangements for
the department. Before CFS became the huge event it is today, Pauline coordinated the conference. She was the “go-to person” and handled everything from
hotels, food, meeting space, registration and shipping. Pauline resides in Maryland with her husband and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, arts
and crafts, and bowling.
Technology is only useful with end users involved...
Thales is honored to work closely with NATCA on programs to develop critical air traffic technology that
simplifies the controller’s job and reduces workload. Yet even with industry advancements, U.S. controllers
continue to face challenges using labor intensive tools to manage surface operations. To address this, Thales
has adapted surface management tools used at more than 35 airports worldwide to tailor them specifically for
use by U.S. controllers. EFS, in particular, is a tool that will improve coordination and help during challenging
weather conditions and reroutes. And with the flexibility of Thales EFS, controllers don’t need to adapt to the
technology – it adapts to them.
Please come by the Thales booth to see advances used worldwide – including clearance delivery tools,
arrival/departure management tools and the most advanced electronic flight strip system available today –
all designed by controllers, for controllers.
www.thalesgroup.com
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
NATCA DAILY DISPATCH
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MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
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