ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

Air Traffic Control Association

March 2013

www.atca.org

The World of ATM Moved to Madrid …

In This Issue: » 2013 ATCA Scholarship Fund Updates

» Young Aviation Professionals Are Taking Off » And More!

President’s Message

By Peter F. Dumont

Taking The World By Storm

O

ne of ATCA’s 2013 goals is to increase our international footprint and participation. The World ATM Congress in Madrid was the first step. We partnered with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) and have become members of each other’s organizations. With this partnership come both visibility and an opportunity to work with global Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).

We are translating this work into both membership and participation at ATCA events.

As you know, World ATM was a tremendous success in bringing together countries from around the world. This has translated into an increase in the international exhibitors for the ATCA 58th Annual Conference and Exposition this October, a development about which we are incredibly excited.

On the domestic front, we are getting ready for the ATCA Technical Symposium in May in Atlantic City (ACY). The symposium has grown year after year into a can’t-miss event. ATCA, in its effort to continuously improve and respond to its members, is looking at a few new and innovative ways to

enhance networking opportunities this year. You will be hearing more as the event gets closer.

As I am sure you have noticed we have been putting new energy into our communications efforts. In addition to the new formats of The Journal of Air Traffic Control and ATCA Bulletin, we are ramping up our social media outreach and connecting with new Twitter followers and Facebook fans everyday.

You will see us using these tools more throughout the year, and encourage you to find us on your preferred platform.

May 21-23, 2013

June 20, 2013

Cyber Security Day Renaissance Arlington Capital View Arlington, Va.

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ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

Published for

1101 King Street, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-299-2430 Fax: 703-299-2437 info@atca.org www.atca.org 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.

Find us at: • www.facebook.com/ AirTrafficControlAssociation • www.twitter.com/ATCA_now • http://bit.ly/ATCA-LinkedIn • www.youtube.com/user/ATCAnow You can see that changes to the ATCA website are ongoing. On the Young Aviation Professionals page, the YAPs will be launching a blog, publishing their “100 Interview Series,” where 100 Aviation Leaders of Tomorrow interview 100 Aviation Leaders of Today.

All of these changes are to ensure we provide value to you by being available and responsive. Tell us what you think.

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Calendar of Events ATCA/FAA/NASA Technical Symposium Resorts Hotel Atlantic City, N.J.

March 2013

Summer 2013

FAA Budget Briefing to Industry Washington, D.C. Area

October 20-23, 2013

ATCA 58th Annual Conference and Exposition Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center National Harbor, Md.

Distribution: Jen Holmes © 2013 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. 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.

PHOTOS: www.flyteam.jp; Dmitriy Shironosov/Photos.com; Vlad Kochelaevskiy/Photos.com; Tim Mainiero/Photos.com. Cover photo: Sergiy Serdyuk / Photos.com

President & CEO, Air Traffic Control Association

2013 ATCA Scholarship Fund Updates

2013 marks the 30th anniversary of the ATCA Scholarship Fund, and board leadership is working diligently to ensure the long-term success of the organization Board welcomes new members The ATCA Scholarship Fund Board is happy to welcome two new members with a track record of service to ATCA and excellence in the aviation industry.

• Brian Legan, vice president, Booz Allen Hamilton, joins the board for a three-year term. Legan has been an ATCA member for more than 15 years and has served on the scholarship committee for the past five years. He has also participated on organizing committees for the ATCA Annual Conference and Exposition, has been an invited speaker and panelist at various ATCA events, and has authored many articles in the ATCA Journal.

• Rebecca “Becky” Umbaugh, an associate at Aviation Management Associates, joins the board for a three-year term. A member of ATCA for more than 20 years, Umbaugh has been an active member of the scholarship committee for 18. She was a three-term director-at-large for the ATCA Board of Directors, and in 2009 led the successful effort to revise the ATCA Constitution and Bylaws, an initiative for which she received the President’s Citation of Merit.

Lindy Ritz, who recently retired as director of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, will depart the board after three years of service. In addition to serving on the ATCA Scholarship Board, Ritz was active in other ATCA initiatives, and received the George W. Kriske Memorial Award in 2007 for her career achievements.

The following people now serve on the ATCA Scholarship Fund Board: • Chairman Cynthia Castillo, President/CEO, CSSI, Inc. • Dr. Steven Hampton, Associate Dean Research of the College of Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Brian Legan, Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton • Michael Lewis, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs, Jeppesen • Gisele Mohler, Director of NextGen Performance and Outreach, Federal Aviation Administration • Rebecca Umbaugh, Associate, Aviation Management Associates • Peter F. Dumont, President & CEO, ATCA

Scholarship honors Lawrence C. Fortier The board recently renamed non-employee student scholarships (formerly known as “Category B” scholarships) after the late Lawrence C. Fortier. Fortier, an ATCA member for more than 50 years, is considered the “father” of the Scholarship Fund and served as chairman of the Scholarship Board from its inception in 1984 to 2009.

“We felt that this would be a long-lasting tribute to Larry and a good way to ensure his legacy with the organization,” said Cynthia Castillo, board chairman. “This will honor Larry for generations to come.”

The ATCA Scholarship Fund is distinctive in that is one of only a few programs focused on helping students prepare for careers in the science of air traffic control and other aviation disciplines. Over the past several years, dozens of students have received hundreds of thousands of dollars to support their studies.

To learn more about the ATCA Scholarship Fund and program, please visit www.atca.org/ATCA-Scholarship.

ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

Photo by Connet Marie Ben / Phtoos.com

About the Scholarship Fund

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I n augu r al W o r ld A T M C o n g r ess :

The Central Location for Air Traffic Professionals with More than 5,000 Attendees

ATCA, along with CANSO, hosted the first World ATM Congress (WATMC) in Madrid, Spain from February 12-14, and was a great success. We are already anticipating the 2014 show, when the World of ATM returns to Madrid.

4-6 March 2014.

For the industry, by the industry.

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ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

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Brian Courter Bids ATCA Farewell to Become Certified Controller

I

t’s bittersweet to say goodbye to ATCA’s Meetings and Programs Coordinator, Brian Courter. After being at ATCA for four years, and completing controller training, he has been appointed to be an air traffic controller at Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN)! First, he’s headed to Oklahama City for training. We could not be more proud of him.

ATCA: When did you realize you first wanted to be an air traffic controller or be involved in aviation?

Brian: I first became interested in aviation as a child when my Cub Scout troop visited a control tower on a field trip. I wanted to be a pilot back then.

As I grew older I played with model airplanes and eventually flight simulators on my computer. After looking into taking real flight lessons I realized that it’s quite an expensive hobby and didn’t pursue it much further. It wasn’t until I started working at ATCA that I rediscovered air traffic control as a possible career. Working at ATCA really cultivated that interest and I decided to submit my application to the FAA shortly after my first annual conference.

ATCA: What have been some of your favorite ATCA events or experiences?

What do you enjoy about the air traffic community that ATCA cultivates?

Brian: CMAC in Melbourne was easily my favorite ATCA event. Not only was

I able to travel to Australia but visited a military air show in a foreign country. It was really a unique experience that I’ll never forget. NextGen and all the exciting new technology we see at our events is something I always look forward to.

ATCA: Any advice to others who are interested in being controllers?

Brian: Two big pieces of advice: First, try to network with as many people in ATC as you can. Visit your local ATC facilities and speak with the controllers and managers there. The worst thing you can do is just be another name on an application. Second, make sure you have a backup plan after graduating from CTI school. It’s not a quick or easy process and you will most likely end up waiting longer than you think before you see the FAA Academy.

ATCA: After your training in Oklahoma City, you’ll be stationed in the Grand Canyon. What are you looking forward to there?

Brian: I’m most looking forward to seeing all the great sites the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer. I’m going to take full advantage of all the hiking and outdoor activities that have made the area so famous. Carrie and I are also planning on taking a helicopter tour of the canyon.

ATCA: What do you have to say to friends and members of ATCA – will you check in with us in the future?!

Brian: It’s hard to leave such a closeknit community of genuinely wonderful people. I’m really going to miss seeing everyone at our events, and I will definitely stay in touch with ATCA as I train to become a certified controller.

New ATCA Members – Thank you for joining!

Name

Organization Name

Name

Organization Name

Rachel Abramson

FAA

Jonathan Koontz

FAA

Dean Brown

FAA

Ron Shusterman

Shelley Bond

Alicia Fernandes

William Geoghagan Kevin Ives

Roja Kolachina

C2 Solutions Group, Inc. Mosaic ATM, Inc.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association U.S. Army Reserve Synerteq, Inc.

Daniel McNamara

Student Member

Joe Smith

JSmith Enterprises, LLC

Oscar Torres James Villar

Heidi Williams

FAA FAA

FAA

AOPA

www.atca.org/membership

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ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

Young Aviation Professionals Are Taking Off

to know more about YAP? Have a question, comment or want or email youngprofessionals@atca.org.

Call the ATCA office at +1 703 299-2430

W

e know that we have been a little quiet lately, but it’s because we have been busy planning some great events and career advancing opportunities for all Young Aviation Professionals (YAPs)!

YAP 100 Leaders Interview Series

YAP Corporate Members

This is an ongoing opportunity for leaders of tomorrow (YAP members) to interview leaders of today. Three interviews will be posted online shortly! If you are interested in interviewing an aviation leader, or are a current leader who would like to be interviewed, please let us know at YoungProfessionals@atca.org.

In our continuing effort to enhance corporate membership benefits and strengthen membership, ATCA is happy to announce a new benefit that satisfies both goals! Corporate members are now entitled to name complimentary new YAP members. Companies with platinum membership may name up to three YAPs, gold-level members name two, and silver-level members may name one. Corporate contacts will be receiving an individual member update form that will allow you to make these selections, or you may contact Tim Wagner at Tim.Wagner@atca.org.

Save the date!

What: YAP’s Inaugural Membership Meeting When: April 11, 4:00 p.m.

Where: Lockheed Martin, Crystal City – Arlington, Va. Why: We will begin with a Joint Strike Fighter Center tour, have a brief meeting with Membership updates, opportunities for involvement, and conclude with a networking happy hour.

Please email YoungProfessionals@atca.org to RSVP or for more information.

Interested in becoming more involved?

We are currently looking for motivated YAPs to join our committee. If you would like to be considered for a position on the board, please email your resumé and how you would like to help YAP grow to YoungProfessionals@atca.org.

Media Release from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)

NATCA Honors Controllers at the 9th Archie League Medal of Safety Awards

T

he ability to think quickly and remain calm under pressure while maintaining a situational awareness are all unique qualities that air traffic controllers possess. Without their willingness to jump right in to resolve complex situations, offer a reassuring voice to those on the frequency and coordinate their efforts with other controllers, this group of dedicated professionals wouldn’t be as successful as they are today at maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System.

While many controllers often feel that they are “just doing their job,” their hard work is often viewed by others as remarkable and extraordinary. Named after the first air traffic controller, the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards program highlights a variety of “saves” – some which involve a team of controllers working together and others which are the result of one controller’s efforts.

Air traffic controllers juggle a variety of variables and complex scenarios. Their ability to adapt to ever-changing situations while keeping their composure is a skill they have mastered. As a result of their commitment to perfection, our system is the safest in the world.

The 2013 Honorees Alaskan Region

Ryan Williams, Anchorage Center Central Region

Kevin Cook and Steve Clark, St. Louis TRACON Eastern Region

Dave Giberson and Corey Grafe, Philadelphia Tower Great Lakes Region

Jeff Richards, Chicago Center New England Region

Erik Anderson, Boston Tower Northwest Mountain Region

Donovan Carson, Portland TRACON Southern Region

Bill Sullivan, Tampa Tower and TRACON Southwest Region

LouElla Hollingsworth, Fort Worth Center Western Pacific Region

Emily Birkland and Roy Teshima, Oakland Center ATCA Bulletin | March 2013

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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 Carrie Courter, Administrative Coordinator Jonathan Fath, New Media Manager Jessica McGarry, Communications Coordinator Christine Oster, Chief Financial Officer Paul Planzer, Manager, ATC Programs Claire Rusk, Vice President of Operations Rugger Smith, Director, 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, Jim Crook 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, Charlie Keegan Director at Large, Allison Patrick Director at Large, Sandra Samuels