ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

Air Traffic Control Association

May 2014

Good Times in

Atlantic City A recap of the 2014 ATCA Technical Symposium

In This Issue: »» The Man in the Middle of NextGen’s Evolution »» Preparing for the 59th Annual co-located with CMAC »» ATC News from ICF International and Crown Consulting Inc. »» And More

www.atca.org

President’s Message

May 2014 Published for

By Peter F. Dumont, President & CEO, Air Traffic Control Association

Enthusiasm Abounds

I

write this on the tail end of a successful ATCA Technical Symposium in Atlantic City. Attendance numbers – and enthusiasm levels – were the highest we have experienced in years, showing that the air traffic community is slowly overcoming the phenomena of government shutdowns, sequestration, and the threat of furlough. The new normal at sequestration level funding is no longer paralyzing our industry, and we have the benefit of looking to the future. At the Symposium, we discussed both evergreen topics like terminal/surface operations, safety, and the progress of NextGen, along with new technology, such as the Digital Enterprise.

Attendees heard from Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, Ed Bolton, Assistant Administrator for NextGen, and Carmen Marco, Executive Director of Solution Delivery Services for the Federal Aviation Administration. You can read a recap of my informal interview with Bolton on page 5, and view presentations from all the sessions online at www.atca.org/TechSymposium. We returnedtotheWilliamJ.HughesTechnical Center this year for another #TechCenterTuesday, learning firsthand the valuable research taking place there. I have only received positive feedback from attendees on the Technical Tracks and exhibits they toured, which showcased the ongoing work at the Center. We plan to build on this model at next year’s Technical Symposium – if you have preferences or suggestions on the future of this program, please contact the ATCA staff or me and let us know.

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ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

Recently, the Press of Atlantic City covered the Human Factors Laboratory housed within the Technical Center and gave a detailed review and video of the research, cost-savings, and innovation it provides. ATCA participated in the article and I encourage you to read it online at http://bit.ly/1li7tG1. This is one small step in helping the public better understand the value we have in the Technical Center.

Shortly after the Technical Symposium, ATCA hosted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Budget Briefing to Industry, where the FAA briefed air traffic and aviation professionals on its FY15 plans. The event provided insight to members on how to plan financially in accordance and how to best work with government.

I am looking forward to September, when our premier event will get somewhat of a makeover. For the first time in ATCA’s history, the ATCA 59th Annual Conference and Exposition will be co-located with the Civil/Military Aviation Conference (CMAC). Running September 28 through October 1, this is the event to attend this year. Experts with global perspectives from government, military, and industry will be on hand to discuss the issues affecting air traffic, best practices from around the world, and how to collaborate to move forward into the next year, five years, and 20 years of aviation. The agendas for both conferences are posted at www.atca.org/59annual and you will hear more in the coming months from the association. If you have questions or suggestions, please ask – we want you to be an active part of the process before, during, and after the event.

1101 King Street, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-299-2430 Fax: 703-299-2437 info@atca.org www.atca.org President & CEO: Peter F. Dumont

Director, Communications: Marion Brophy

Formed in 1956 as a non-profit, professional membership association, ATCA represents the interests of all professionals in the air traffic control industry. Dedicated to the advancement of professionalism and technology of air traffic control, ATCA has grown to represent several thousand individuals and organizations managing and providing ATC services and equipment around the world.

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Good Times in Atlantic City

F

rom Tech Center Tuesday at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, to Congressman Frank LoBiondo, chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, addressing the crowd, the ATCA Technical Symposium was full of insightful discussions, technical tracks, and exhibitors demonstrating the latest technology in air traffic control.

The 2014 ATCA Technical Symposium took place May 13-15, 2014, at Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Along with technical co-chairs Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), ATCA’s premier technical conference focused on the latest ideas, research, products, and services in the air traffic control arena.

Didn’t get to experience the event?

Below is a recap of ATCA President and CEO Peter F. Dumont’s interview with Ed Bolton, Assistant Administrator for NextGen at the FAA. The two held a candid conversation on-stage about Bolton’s responsibilities, NextGen’s association with the FAA-Air Traffic Organization, and NextGen’s budgetary outlook.

2014 Technical Symposium Exhibitors

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ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

A recap of the 2014 ATCA Technical Symposium

The Man in the Middle of NextGen’s Evolution A sit-down discussion with the FAA’s Ed Bolton

By Marion Brophy, Communications Director, ATCA

W

ednesday’s most candid conversation came in an informal interview setting between Assistant Administrator for NextGen Edward L. Bolton, Jr., and ATCA President and CEO Peter F. Dumont. “A Conversation with Ed Bolton” dove into topics of budget, measuring success, and NextGen’s near future.

On his primary area of responsibility, Bolton noted that NextGen is at a turning point and the need for collaboration is high.

“NextGen needs to be in sync with the Air Traffic Organization (ATO),” he said. “Highlevel FAA employees have all commented that there has never been such cooperation at the FAA. We are a highly siloed organization. The silos will outlive me, but if you line up a goal and grade by that criteria, you can make it disappear.”

Bolton, assistant administrator for NextGen, was interviewed Wednesday.

Dumont asked what success looks like – short-term, mid-term, long-term, and

legacy. “Well I want to survive long enough to have a legacy,” Bolton said.

He emphasized that now is the time to develop a plan. Referencing the FAA’s William J. Hughes’ Technical Center that attendees visited on Tuesday, Bolton said the research and development currently being done there is exactly what we need to move forward.

Dumont touched on the fact that the industry has slowly begun to state that NextGen is “complete.” “Is it fully deployed?” he asked. “Is it time to use programs to garner the benefits from NextGen?” “Well, we did have the last ADSB ground station delivered on the thirty-first of March, but the whole of NextGen is an evolutionary transition,” Bolton replied. “The [National Airspace System] is being transformed in ways you don’t really understand yet. Human factors work is being done to change it for the better. It is all about the data. As we transition from being platform-centric to

data-centric, and take uncertainty out of the system, working through those problems will become NextGen.” When asked about incorporating the needs and opinions of stakeholders, Bolton noted its importance in the process. He mentioned that in this role, his first public address to this community was at ATCA at the 59th Annual last October; he has also time spent with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association; travel to Oklahoma and Seattle; and engages many

ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

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other organizations like the NextGen Institute. “My next goal is to go back and do in-reach to gain the lessons learned for moving forward,” he said. “In addition to that, we work closely with the ATO.” Lastly, Dumont inquired into NextGen’s budgetary outlook and Bolton expanded that the NextGen budget is currently eight percent lower than what was originally planned. “The challenge has been finding implementation dollars and not using them too quickly,” he said.

“The ATO was able to transfer $50 million to NextGen in order to boost implementation funding. If you don’t have that, you cannot create game-changers to execute down the road.

Finally, when measuring the success of NextGen to date, Bolton mentioned several tools – one being an assessment commissioned by the FAA and conducted

by MITRE to determine current NextGen progress; coupled with a look at the past eight years of Inspector General reports.

“I also have a watch list of the top eight issues I’m concerned about and I get a report on those things twice a month,” he said. “These will add value in what we do in terms of leading us going forward.”

Bolton closed by addressing the Tech Symposium audience – consisting of both industry and government professionals: “Thanks for being a part of this.

This is the chance of a lifetime to do something great for our country. Thank you for being a part of it.”

Missed Out? Catch Up on Tech Symposium Content

View photos from the event: flic.kr/s/aHsjXPfahq

Download the Speaker Presentations: www.atca.org/techsymposium Read the ATCA Today – the official daily newspaper of the event: www.atca.org/TechSymposiumMedia Get to Know the Speakers: Their bios are posted at www.atca.org/SpeakersACY.

“What is 4-D Trajectory? It’s a complete flight plan that is intended to be the clearance the airplane will get. It is widespread, not limited. Essentially, trajectory planning becomes the key to the puzzle. It is cooperative and dynamic.”

- Dr. Chip Meserole, The Boeing Company “I have suddenly been reminded that although it is important to know what the aircraft can do, it is also important to set constraints in order to try to keep trajectory more regular. While it is important to meet the trajectory of the user, it is important to massage and moderate it to create a better solution.” - Steve Bradford, FAA

“SESAR is a programme progressing in three steps: First to define the ATM master plan; second: development; and third: shifting into deployment. It is a very interesting time in the life of SESAR, and trajectory management is one of its key features. There are many similar pieces to SESAR and NextGen and we are working hard with our colleagues at the FAA to develop standards in order to develop the process.”

- David Batchelor, SESAR Joint Undertaking

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ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

“The concepts from SESAR and the FAA are evolving. They are embraced more broadly and are beginning to be institutionalized by different ANSPs around the world. ATC is moving from more tactical control to separation management. We have a terrific panel (at ATCA) that is helping explore 4-D Trajectory.”

- Todd Donovan, Thales “We have done a lot of exciting things for laying the groundwork for trajectory, especially in oceanic ATC. Moving beyond modeling, we have made TBM (Time Based Monitoring) and speed advisories.” - Tony Ng, Lockheed Martin

“As with all transitions, it is more about systems integration and collaborative decision-making than technology support tools. This problem is not about new technology, it is about improving regularity.” - Dr. John Cavolowsky, NASA

“By having trajectory based operations, automation tools are now more capable on improving more strategic decision making.” - Doug Sweet, SAAB

Your Information Management Solution Starts Here.

A new System Wide Information Management (SWIM) solution from Harris has arrived.

From flight planning and surface surveillance to weather information and collaborative decision making, SWIM solutions enabled by the Harris DEXTM data exchange platform provides integrated information sharing that enhances situational awareness and improves efficiencies for flight operations.

Selected for NextGen and aligned with ICAO and SESAR, Harris DEX is ready to take global ATM operations to the next level.

To learn more, please visit us at harris.com/atc

Midwest ATC was honored to be awarded the 2014 IHS Jane’s Runway Award for its Kandahar Runway Efficiency program at the CANSO ATM dinner in Madrid, Spain on 3 March.

After being selected in 2003 as the first company to provide air traffic control and airfield management services in a combat zone for the U.S. Department of Defense, Midwest ATC continues to deliver safe and reliable aviation services throughout Afghanistan. That this award was earned on one of the world’s busiest single runway airfields while at the same time supporting intense combat operations is testament to the professionalism and dedication of the Midwest team at Kandahar AB. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments as indicative of our commitment to safety and professional performance.

Whether you are looking for air traffic control, weather observing and reporting, training, ground handling, or airfield management, Midwest has over 35 years of global experience and expertise to assist in the successful accomplishment of your mission. With a track record of servicing over 100 facilities across nine countries, Midwest is a proven low-risk, best value partner with tested operational procedures to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of traffic. Its team of supremely qualified aviation experts is dedicated to providing clients with an outstanding level of safety and commitment throughout the world. Using Midwest’s flexible and professional approach will enable you to achieve success.

Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc. 7285 W 132nd Street, Suite 340, Overland Park, KS 66213 1514682_Midwest ATC.indd 1

Like us on Facebook

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Join ATCA’s LinkedIn Group

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ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

Phone: + 1 913 782 7082 Web: www.atctower.com 13/03/2014 12:03

THE FUTURE OF CIVIL AND MILITARY

AIRSPACE

Together for the First Time.

Important Conferences Two Two Important Conferences. for the Airspace Professional.

Together for the First Time.

IN ONE PLACE

Save The Date Save The Date September 28 –October 1, 2014

Gaylord National28 Resort & Conference Center September – October 1, 2014 Washington, DC USA Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center National Harbor, Maryland USA The ATCA 59th Annual Conference and the Civil & Military Aviation Conference will feature concurrent ATC and Civil/Military Aviation www.atca.org/59Annual programming and industry exhibitions.

Registration opens June 1

The Largest ATC Conference & Expo in the Americas

Preparing for the ATCA 59th Annual Conference & Exposition Submit a Conference Proceeding

A

re you interested in submitting a Conference Proceeding to compete against some of the brightest minds in aviation?

ATCA is looking for educational papers focusing on ATC technology, processes, and implementation into the NAS. An independent reviewer associated with ATCA evaluates each submission and winners are announced during the ATCA 59th Annual.

Submissions are due no later than August 15.

Do you have what it takes to compete with the best and brightest in ATC? Contact Paul Planzer, ATC Programs Manager, at Paul.Planzer@atca.org for more information or to submit today!

Last year’s Conference Proceedings featured papers ranging from the pres-

ent state of the NAS to the details of weather changes globally on ATC. The first place prize in 2013 went to: “A Distributed Information Gathering and Processing System for the Alleviation of Commercial Air Travel Anxiety” by Robert J. Youmans, Melissa A. Smith, Daniel Gartenberg, Songrun Liu, Jordan Higgins, Nick Penaranda, and Brittany Sarbone focused on American dissatisfaction in Airlines and the technology to gather better data on Airline processes.

If you’re interested in downloading the papers, the entire ATCA 59th Annual conference proceedings can be downloaded at www.atca.org/ Conference-Proceedings. Help further the science of air traffic control with ATCA today, get involved now!

ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

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Media Release from ICF International

ICF International Names Stephen Van Beek and Dennis Cary Vice Presidents

Appointments Strengthen ICF’s Transportation and Aviation Consulting Work

F

airfax, VA – ICF International, a leading provider of consulting services and technology solutions to government and commercial clients, has named Stephen Van Beek and Dennis Cary vice presidents for ICF’s aviation and aerospace business.

Mr. Van Beek has more than 25 years of experience in aviation and airports, with emphasis on legislative and regulatory policy, strategic planning and governance, and finance. Mr. Cary has more than 20 years of experience in the airline industry as an executive and management consultant, primarily in marketing, sales, revenue management, and strategy.

“Steve and Dennis bring vast knowledge and executive experi-

ence to ICF’s aviation business,” said Kevin Michaels, vice president for ICF International. “Having both onboard, we will better connect our services to airlines and airports and expand the range of capabilities that we can offer.

The addition of Steve and Dennis is an important milestone in ICF’s aviation business, and signals our commitment to bring innovative solutions to this dynamic industry.”

Prior to joining ICF, Mr. Van Beek held several executive positions, including: executive director at LeighFisher Inc., where he managed aviation, surface transportation and multimodal transportation policy and industry strategy; president and chief executive officer at Eno Transportation Foundation,

an organization whose mission is to cultivate creative and visionary leadership for the transportation sector; and executive vice president at Airports Council International, where he headed up policy for the trade association representing U.S. and Canadian airports. In 1999, Mr. Van Beek also served as associate deputy secretary and director of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Intermodalism, where he developed national intermodal transportation policies addressing DOT’s goals of safety, mobility, economic competitiveness, environmental protection, and national security.

Contact: Erica Eriksdotter, erica. eriksdotter@icfi.com, +1.703.934.3668

Media Release from Crown Consulting Inc.

Crown Appoints Charles Keegan as President

A

rlington, VA – Crown Consulting Inc. (CCI), an analytics, information solutions, and engineering service company specializing in the field of aviation, is pleased to welcome Charles Keegan as its President. Mr. Keegan will chart CCI’s strategic direction and oversee its day-to-day operations, bringing to bear insights gained as an industry and government executive.

Mr. Keegan comes to CCI after eight years at the Raytheon Company, as Senior Director for Transportation Training and Integration Solutions, presiding over a $200+M domestic and international business portfolio. During 10

ATCA Bulletin | May 2014

a twenty-seven year FAA career prior to Raytheon, he served as a Vice President for Research and Development, Acquisitions, and Operations Planning and later as Chairman and Director of the Joint Program Development Office – positions in which he contributed to creating foundational elements of today’s and the future National Airspace System. Among many accomplishments, he led the Operation Evolution Plan, Free Flight, and the initial concept of operations for NextGen. A recognized expert in advanced air traffic control systems, he also served on the White House Commission on Aviation Safety, Security and ATC Modernization.

“I am excited to join a small business known for its creativity and willingness to invest in its people and new ideas”, said Mr. Keegan. “During my years in government and at Raytheon, I witnessed firsthand CCI’s commitment to support its customers in adopting new and innovative methods and practices.”

Al Khan, the CEO of CCI, remarked that “Charlie’s entire professional career reflects attributes that I see as essential to propelling our business into the future – vision and entrepreneurship combined with the business know-how to focus both effectively.”

TRAFFIC JAM AHEAD. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Transforming the air traffic management (ATM) system is essential for improving safety, efficiency and the environment around the globe.

Boeing is fully committed and uniquely qualified to help make ATM transformation a reality. It’s the right time and Boeing is the right partner.

The ATCA Bulletin (ISSN 0402-1977) is published monthly by the Air Traffic Control Association.

Periodical postage paid at Alexandria, VA. $5.00 of annual dues are allocated for the publication of the ATCA Bulletin.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ATCA BULLETIN, 1101 King Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Staff Marion Brophy, Director, Communications Ken Carlisle, Director, Meetings and Expositions Jonathan Fath, New Media Manager Christine Oster, Chief Financial Officer Paul Planzer, Manager, ATC Programs Claire Rusk, Vice President of Operations Mindy Soranno, Office Manager Rugger Smith, International Accounts Sandra Strickland, Events and Exhibits Coordinator Tim Wagner, Membership Manager

1101 King Street Suite 300 Alexandria, VA  22314

Officers and Board of Directors Chairman, James H. Washington Chairman-Elect, Neil Planzer President & CEO, Peter F. Dumont Treasurer, Director at Large, Rachel Jackson Secretary, East Area Director, Jeff Griffith Pacific Area, Asia, Australia Director, Bob Gardiner South Central Area Director, William Cotton Northeast Area Director, Mike Headley Southeast Area Director, Robert Coulson North Central Area Director, Bill Ellis Western Area Director, Mike Lewis Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico Area Director, Sid Koslow Europe, Africa, Middle East Area Director, Steve James Director at Large, Rick Day Director at Large, Charlie Keegan Director at Large, Sandra Samuel