A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1189372
This team is dedicated to protecting our nation's aviation system against an array of threats ranging from natural disasters to malicious plots. They work closely with law enforcement and other security organizations to clear the right aircraft in a crisis like Hurricane Dorian and coordinate counter unmanned aircraft system activities by federal law enforcement during the Super Bowl this year. They work on many other highly sensitive tasks. Members of this team, including Throop and Bebble, also were recognized with the Partnering for Excellence Award for their role in the inter-agency Human Trafficking Team to combat victims being trafficked using multiple modes of transportation. On the aviation side, our team ensured air carriers were aware of requirements to train flight attendants, ticket counter agents and other employees who interact with passengers. More than 100,000 aviation employees have been trained, resulting in multiple tips per year about potential violations. Here's a look at some of the other outstanding work that got recognized this week: Christopher Ermatinger, from the Office of Performance Analysis in Systems Operations Services, earned the Meritorious Achievement Award, also known as the Silver Medal, for his work to develop, train and field a robust NAS Demand Prediction Tool that is now in use in our strategic planning at the Command Center. The new prediction tool provides forecasts for NAS resources up to 45 days in advance, which is a much longer lead time than previous methods. Kelvin Kercado from the Program Management Organization received a Meritorious Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership of the Runway Safety Area Program. Under his management and collaboration with other lines of business, the program completed more than 1,400 runway safety improvement projects to correct safety standard violations at nearly 400 commercial airports nationwide. To earn the Transportation Safety Award, the Cleveland/Detroit Metroplex Design and Implementation Team executed a regional network of enhanced Performance Based Navigation routes and procedures in a complex airspace that had no advanced procedures prior to this. Nearly 80 new or modified arrival, departure and approach procedures were collaboratively developed and implemented. The Controlling Obstruction Team, a cross-agency working group working to resolve issues with Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), earned the Transportation Safety Award. The team identified changes in technology, policy and operations to develop an action plan to reduce risk and enhance safety. Our ATO Succession Planning Group earned the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Award. The team pioneered an innovative approach to identifying and developing high- potential employees within some tough constraints, while also promoting diversity and inclusiveness. Terrific work! I'm so proud to be a part of this organization and this Agency. Thanks everyone! Teri L. Bristol ATO Chief Operating Officer