ATCA Bulletin #9 - 2015

Air Traffic Control Association

No. 9, 2015

www.atca.org

ATCA Celebrates Its Members In This Issue: »» Vaughn College Raises the Academic Bar with Simulation Labs »» Flight For Life Colorado: A Pioneer of Saving Lives in the Sky »» What’s New at Cyber Day 2015 »» Aviation History Corner »» ATCA Welcomes New Members: BPA Services and GEMS, Inc. »» And More

President’s Message

No. 9, 2015 Published for

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

NextGen Partnership: Just One Way ATCA is Updating its 60th Annual

A

s summer comes to an end, ATCA turns its attention to our biggest event of the fall – the 60th ATCA Annual & CMAC. This year, we are showcasing our partnership with the FAA and NextGen like never before.

At this year’s Annual, ATCA and the FAA’s NextGen office are coordinating with corporate members to create a Phases of Flight path, weaving throughout the entire Exhibit Hall in the Gaylord’s Convention Center. Our goal is to demonstrate how valued partners and stakeholders – many of whom can be found on our Exhibit Hall floor – are delivering NextGen and making it a reality. This unprecedented level of partnership with NextGen will be apparent throughout the Exhibit Hall floor and I think you’ll notice a tangible difference. It will be an impressive visual display that NextGen isn’t something that will eventually happen in the future; NextGen is being delivered today and is impacting the entire National Airspace System.

Each participating exhibitor’s booth will show the phase of flight in which they are involved. I encourage you to visit all the booths on the exhibit floor and particularly

these NextGen partners.

We currently have 37 participating exhibitors in the NextGen Partner program, though we expect that number to grow. There is still time to participate if your organization is interested in showcasing its active role in NextGen. Contact Paul Planzer at 703-299-2430 x305 with any questions or visit our website (atca. org/nextgenpartnerprogram) for updates.

Along those lines of putting a spotlight on our members and exhibitors, this issue of the ATCA Bulletin celebrates you – our members. From its outset, ATCA was created by controllers and still carries the purpose of serving its members so you are at the heart of everything we do. From industry professionals moving up in position or starting new business ventures, we are proud of the progress you are making for air traffic. It contributes positively to the growth and advancement of the air traffic control industry.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Bulletin.

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 Writer/Editor: Kristen Knott

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.

Published by

140 Broadway, 46th Floor New York, NY 10005 Toll-free: 866-953-2189 Toll-free Fax: 877-565-8557 www.lesterpublications.com President: Jeff Lester

Vice President & Publisher: Sean Davis Editorial Director: Jill Harris

Editorial Assistant: Andrew Harris Art Director: Myles O’Reilly

Senior Graphic Designer: John Lyttle Graphic Designers: Crystal Carrette, Jessica Landry, Gayl Punzalan Advertising Sales: Book Leader: Quinn Bogusky Colleen McDonald Louise Peterson Distribution: Jen Holmes

© 2015 Air Traffic Control Association, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ATCA.

Upcoming Events Oct. 6, 2015

Aviation Cyber Security Day Resorts Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, NJ

2

ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

Nov. 1–4, 2015

ATCA Annual and CMAC National Harbor, Maryland atca.org/60annual

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the authors of the editorial articles contained in this publication are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of ATCA. Printed in Canada.

Please recycle where facilities exist.

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.

Vaughn College

Raises the Academic Bar with Simulation Labs With a history of innovation, the New York school is training the next generation of air traffic controllers

By Kristen Knott, ATCA Writer and Editor

All photos courtesy of Vaughn College

V

4

aughn College of Aeronautics and Technology – founded in 1932 and an ATCA member since 2006 – knows the key to sustained success in academia is reinvention. The long-standing institution added an air traffic control (ATC) simulator laboratory for students in addition to its repertoire of flight simulators.

“We want to be viewed by the ATC community as a pathway for students to pursue careers in air traffic control as well as recurrent training,” said Dr. Sharon DeVivo, president of Vaughn College.

The ATC simulator was installed in November 2013. It has five seats for radar and one tower simulator and it teaches every position - ground control, local, and approach.

The simulator replicates Tower, Terminal Radar Approaches (TRACON) and En Route operations. The instructors employ lab scenarios, designed to develop routine problem solving processes to adapt ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

Vaughn College has a long history of incorporating simulators with their classroom instruction.

Here’s a breakdown: • 1 996 Frasca 142 – Generic single and multiengine simulator • March 2009 – Frasca 241 – Cessna 172/with Garmin 1000 (glass cockpit avionics) • March 2009 – 2 Redbird FMX – Aircraft types: –– Cessna 172 with Garmin 1000 (glass cockpit avionics) –– Cessna 172 with “steam gage” instruments –– Beechcraft Baron 58 –– Piper Seneca, PA-34

“It’s because of ATCA conferences that I got to know some of the vendors and equipment. After careful consideration, we decided to go with UFA, Inc. for their tower and radar simulations. Our labs now offer Tower, Terminal Radar, En Route and Non-Radar simulations.”

– Domenic Proscia, Vice President, Training, Vaughn College

the student controller to real-life air traffic control situations. “The whole gamut can be done in simulations here – runway incursions, noise abatement, ground support trucks, IFR, visual approach procedures, radio and transponder failures – you name it,” said Domenic Proscia, Vice President of Training at Vaughn College.

“We do it in a way that replicates FAA training; a student that runs through our program gets the same type of feedback as in Oklahoma City – there’s a high level of oversight.”

Airplanes of all types and sizes are simulated – commercial, military, and general aviation aircraft – the same as the FAA’s training center in Oklahoma City, OK. “It’s because of ATCA conferences

that I got to know some of the vendors and equipment,” says Proscia, who directly managed the simulator installation. “After careful consideration, we decided to go with UFA, Inc. for their tower and radar simulations. Our labs now offer Tower, Terminal Radar, En Route and Non-Radar simulations; students are well-versed on moving traffic.”

As one of the original 13 FAA-CTI (Collegiate Training Initiative) colleges, Vaughn is still one of the top providers of ATC training and simulation as well as other aviation education.

Vaughn is an approved Part 147 provider of aviation maintenance training, an FAA-approved flight dispatch provider, and a Part 141 ground school. They even have retired air traffic controllers teaching

• J anuary 2010 – Paradigm Shift – CRJ-200 • November 2013 – UFA Inc. Tower and Radar Simulator – 5 radar seats –– (Three-position tower, one pseudo pilot position, one instructor station) • Prior to this, the college used lowdefinition simulators (tabletop simulators) for most training scenarios • September 2015 - Paradigm Shift – CRJ-700 (upgrade and refurbishment of CRJ-200) their courses and simulations. Of course, being located in New York City, just steps away from La Guardia Airport, doesn’t hurt. “We have a nice pool of talent in the New York area,” says DeVivo.

“These spaces for simulation are really a showcase for our college, give our students an opportunity to practice their skils in a safe environment and allow current practitioners a lab to hone proficiencies,” says DeVivo. “We’re really surrounded by every aspect of aviation here and we are fortunate to bring that expertise to the laboratory and classroom experience.”

ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

5

Flight For Life Colorado: A Pioneer of Saving Lives in the Sky

A

ugust 19 represents different things to different people. For some, it is simply another average summer day, but for the men and women working in the air medical field, this date is a very special day – National Aviation Day. Celebrated annually on the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright, National Aviation Day recognizes the advancements of aviation and the overall history of flight.

Fittingly, for this National Aviation Day, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kathleen Mayer, program director for the very first civilian air medical program in the U.S., Flight For Life Colorado.

Kathleen’s career started as a flight nurse for Flight For Life Colorado in 1983, and although she has seen many changes in aviation and the air medical industry over

the years, her commitment to saving lives is as strong as ever.

Blair Beggan (BB): What is Flight For Life Colorado?

Kathleen Mayer: (KM): Flight For Life Colorado is a non-profit critical care transport program incorporating helicopters, airplanes and critical care ambulances to cover a nine-state area. We benefit from corporate and private donations, which assist us with our capital equipment needs and funding for continuing education.

There is never a question of finances when helping a patient; we will respond to anyone in need, regardless of whether or not they can pay for the care. The minute we get the emergency call requiring our services, our pilots are out the door and

headed skyward with our medical crew to bring excellent care to the most ill or injured patients – exactly what our training prepares us to do. Since 1993, the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems has accredited Flight For Life Colorado.

The best way I can describe our service is to call it a marriage of transportation and medicine, two industries that are complicated on their own. Our staff also has to be able to communicate with their patients, many of whom have just experienced the most traumatic event of their life and, often times, have a hard time speaking at all. This added element of being a good communicator is perhaps what makes our staff the most impressive to me. They truly care about the people they are transporting ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

Image courtesy of Flight for Life Colorado

By Blair Beggan, The Association of Air Medical Services

7

“Our staff also has to be able to communicate with their patients, many of whom have just experienced the most traumatic event of their life and, often times, have a hard time speaking at all. This added element of being a good communicator is perhaps what makes our staff the most impressive to me. They truly care about the people they are transporting and caring for, and they put their entire heart and mind into the work that they do.”

– Kathleen Mayer, Program Director, Flight for Life Colorado

and caring for, and they put their entire heart and mind into the work that they do.

Image courtesy of Flight for Life Colorado

BB: Why was Flight For Life Colorado founded?

8

KM: Flight For Life Colorado was founded in 1972 for a number of reasons. First, men and women returning from the Vietnam conflict experienced firsthand the difference medical helicopters could make for a patient. That experience set expectations for a similar civilian service in the U.S. Second, there had been a possibility that the 1976 Winter Olympics would be held in Colorado. Although Colorado ultimately turned down the invitation to host the event, memories of the 1970 Wichita State plane crash, which left 31 individuals dead, showed just how necessary medical helicopters were in Colorado and the surrounding states. (A decision was made to take the Wichita State football players on the scenic route of the Rocky Mountains, which ultimately led to the crash into Mount Trelease, near Silver Plume, Colo.) If Flight For Life Colorado had been in place at the time of the crash, the medical helicopters may have been able to save more individuals that day. All of these events contributed to the realization that we needed an air medical team in Colorado, one that could be ready at the drop of the hat to save lives and transport individuals to trauma facilities across the Rockies, the Plains and beyond.

BB: Do you only help patients in Colorado?

KM: We help patients in several different states, with our main base being at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver, Colo. When ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

we first started Flight For Life Colorado, we realized that it was not just individuals in Colorado who needed help; our neighboring states did as well. It is not about where the patient is located. It is about a patient needing our help and our team being able to respond. We make one-onone connections with the individuals we transport because each one is a unique and important life. We like to say that we are “the best part of your worst day.” And it is these patients that inspire us to do our job every single day to the best of our ability.

BB: What kind of accidents do you encounter?

KM: Colorado is known for its amazing mountain recreation, which mandates that we are well-prepared for backcountry and mountain accidents. Many of our most emotional and difficult transports have involved outdoor activities. We responded to a young man from a triathlon accident who only had about a 10 percent chance of living. If he had not been flown to a hospital, he would not be alive today. Not only is he alive, but also recently completed the triathlon event that was the arena for his injury in the first place. That was absolutely amazing! It is wonderful for us to know that patients are going to live, but even more incredible when we hear the stories of how far they have come since their accidents.

Five years ago, in August 2010, we had another very traumatic incident where a Colorado man, Craig Horlacher, had been on a fishing expedition when he encountered a steep spot in the river and was severely injured. He spent five nights and six days wallowing in the water, barely

conscious and battling hypothermia. When his wife became alarmed that he had not returned home, she alerted Flight For Life Colorado and our team went to find him.

Fortunately, the flight team got there just in time. Craig, most likely, would not have made it another day. In fact, he probably would only have lived for a few more hours.

Flight For Life Colorado made Craig’s rescue possible, and the dedicated crew and staff are the reason he is alive today.

BB: What would you like individuals to remember on this National Aviation Day?

KM: On days like today, we most often remember those who have contributed to the field of aviation in a momentous way – Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, Anne Morrow Lindberg (wife of Charles Lindberg), Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. (a Tuskegee Airman).

I would ask that while you remember these individuals, please also remember the men and women who are not in the history books – the men and women that climb aboard medical helicopters and airplanes every day to save the lives of others. I am honored to work with these heroes, and wish each and every flight team out there a very Happy National Aviation Day.

Want to learn more?

Check out Flight For Life Colorado at www.flightforlifecolorado.org/ or learn more about air medicine at www.aams.org.

Blair Beggan is the Director of Communications for the Association of Air Medical Services.

ATCA’S Aviation Cyber Security Day October 6 Atlantic City

Mark Your Calendars!

A

TCA’s annual event – being held in Atlantic City, N.J., for the first time – focuses on ATC operational cyber security in the National Airspace System (NAS).

Exclusive attendee benefits include:

• A briefing from the FAA’s William J. Hughes’ Technical Center • A debrief from the FAA Cyber Security Steering Committee on current issues and actions • A deep dive into what the aviation industry can do to stay vigilant against cyber threats

• N EW THIS YEAR: Attendees will be the first to receive a copy of the “Forming a Strategic Initiative to Combat Modern Cyber Security Threats” white paper drafted by ATCA’s own Cyber Security Committee, which will be discussed at length at the event For more information or to register for the event, visit atca.org/cyber-home.

ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

Maksim Kabakou/Shutterstock.com

ATCA’s Aviation Cyber Security Day is October 6

9

This Month in Aviation History

EPG_EuroPhotoGraphics; LouLouPhotos/Shutterstock.com

On September 6, 1990…

A new Air Force One made its maiden voyage. The specially designed Boeing 747, and its identical backup plane, replaced two 22-year-old Boeing 707s.

- FAA Historical Chronology

Photo courtesy of FAA

Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc., is a leading provider of Air Traffic Control, Airfield Management, Air Terminal, Ground Handling, Weather Observation and Reporting and other aviation support services to US civilian and military federal government agencies, as well as international customers. Founded in 1978, Midwest ATC supports a diverse customer base, including the US Federal Aviation Administration, the FAA International Office, the US Department of Defense, the North Atlantic Treaty organization, and the Canadian Department of Defense. With our solid reputation and team of highly qualified aviation experts, Midwest ATC is dedicated to providing clients with an outstanding level of service and commitment to safety at a reasonable price.

Midwest takes seriously our role in ensuring the safety of the traveling public and in supporting the efforts of both the US government and global partners overseas. Using Midwest ATC's flexible and professional approach will enable you to achieve the success you seek.

Midwest Air Traffic Control Service, Inc. 7285 W 132nd Street, Suite 340, Overland Park, KS 66213

10

ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

Phone: + 1 913 782 7082 Web: www.atctower.com

JMA Solutions provides quality personnel who deliver Engineering, Financial, Air Traffic, Program Management, and Training Development & Delivery services to our government clients. JMA’s commitment to excellence has earned the organization a considerable range of customer praise, industry recognition, and success.

Service Disabled Veteran 8(a) Certified Woman Owned Small Business

600 Maryland Ave. SW, Suite 400 E, Washington, D.C. 20024 Phone: 202-465-8205 • www.jma-solutions.com YouTube / The JMASolutions

Twitter/JMA_Solutions

LinkedIn / jma-solutions

ATCA

Welcomes New Members BPA Services LLC standing of NAS operational systems and various related datasets.

BPAS proudly offers the following products and services: • Mobile asset management program (MAMP) • National security officer services • Security system design, integration and maintenance (SSDIM) • Staffing workbook • Payroll projection modeling • Financial automation

MorganStudio/Shutterstock.com

B

PA Services LLC (BPAS) is an SBA 8(a) certified small disadvantaged business and is proud to be supporting the FAA exclusively since its founding in 2008. BPAS provides systems engineering, acquisition support, financial management, and program management, as well as custom software engineering services. BPAS contracts, as well as the extensive FAA support experience of our employees, have enabled the company to thoroughly develop experience and under-

GEMS Inc.

G

EMS Inc. is service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), providing technical/ engineering, program management, and administrative support services for federal government and commercial clients such as the FAA, Computer Science Corporation, Engility Corporation, NASA, and the Department of Transportation Volpe Center. The organization’s core capabilities and services are enhanced by in-depth knowledge and experience in operations research and testing and evaluation. GEMS’ use of industry-proven management techniques such as the Program Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) and other management tools such as the Plan, Do,

Check, and Adjust Method to ensure superior performance and contract compliance also helps deliver quality products and services to all clients.

Solutions approach

GEMS Inc. understands we live in an increasingly globalized world where technology constantly changes the way business is done. Conversely, they recognize that one thing remains constant in business: customers’ satisfaction is the single most important element of a company’s success. At GEMS, we understand that, although the world is changing at an everincreasing pace, reputation is still everything. That’s why customer satisfaction is the rock upon which GEMS’ reputation is

built. GEMS’ customer-centered approach caters to and customizes specific solutions for every client.

Learn about customized solutions to your organization’s engineering, program management, and office management/ administrative challenge by contacting us today at info@gems-incorporated.com or 202-327-5410.

ATCA Bulletin | No. 9, 2015

11

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 Ashley Haskins, Office Manager Kristen Knott, Writer and Editor Christine Oster, Chief Financial Officer Paul Planzer, Manager, ATC Programs Rugger Smith, International Accounts Sandra Strickland, Events and Exhibits Coordinator Ashley Swearingen, Press and Marketing Manager Tim Wagner, Membership Manager

1101 King Street Suite 300 Alexandria, VA  22314

Officers and Board of Directors Chairman, Neil Planzer Chairman-Elect, Charles Keegan President & CEO, Peter F. Dumont Treasurer, Rachel Jackson East Area Director, Susan Chodakewitz Pacific Area, Asia, Australia Director, Peter Fiegehen South Central Area Director, William Cotton Northeast Area Director, Mike Ball Southeast Area Director, Jack McAuley North Central Area Director, Bill Ellis West Area Director and Secretary, Chip Meserole Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico Area Director, Rudy Kellar Europe, Africa, Middle East Area Director, Jonathan Astill Director at Large, Rick Day Director at Large, Vinny Capezzuto Director at Large, Michael Headley