A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1131016
NATCA NATIONAL OFFICE DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE May 27-June 9, 2019 LABOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT FAA BRIEFING ON LOTUS NOTES CONFERENCE ROOM SCHEDULER On April 9, the Agency briefed NATCA on its plan to replace Lotus Notes Conference Room Scheduler (CRS) with a web-based application for reserving rooms at the Technical Center. Dale Dingler presented for the Agency. During the briefing, he explained that the new program will only be used at the Technical Center and will have several upgrades to make it easier to schedule meeting space. For example, it will automatically fill in the user's data. Full deployment was anticipated by the end of April 2019. NATCA does not intend to submit proposals. POCs: Engineers and Architect Regional Vice President Curt Howe, NATCA Representative Ben Tarr, NATCA Representative Denise Nappi, and Labor Relations Attorney Suzanne DeFelice. FAA BRIEFING ON FAA MERGING, CONVERGING, PARALLEL ROUTE SEQUENCING (MCPRS) WITH CONVERGING RUNWAY DISPLAY AID (CRDA) On April 23, the Agency briefed NATCA on its plan to make changes to the FAA Merging, Converging, Parallel Route Sequencing (MCPRS) with Converging Runway Display Aid (CRDA), FAA Order 7110.XXX. The Order defines and establishes procedures using the Converging Runway Display Aid (CRDA) tool or its enhancements for Merging, Converging, or Parallel Route Sequencing. CRDA helps facilitate the sequencing of aircraft on several types of merging routes, including curved path approaches merging with straight-in approaches, dual Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) that merge into one route, crossing/merging arrival routes, departure routes from different airports that merge at the same exit fix, and parallel runway operations. NATCA was concerned that these changes might require additional training or bring extra work to facilities. The FAA noted that facilities will develop training to comply with local procedures, so training will not be developed at the national level. NATCA also asked whether there would be any circumstances that would prevent a facility that is currently using STARS from using MCPRS. The Agency responded that each facility would have the ability to use MCPRS because it is part of the STARS display program, but the facility would be responsible for creating the maps and procedures required by MCPRS. The Agency has satisfactorily answered NATCA's concerns. POCs: Director of Safety and Technology Jim Ullmann, Deputy Director of Safety and Technology Mark McKelligan, Andy Marosvari, and Labor Relations Attorney Suzanne DeFelice. BRIEFING REQUESTS