NATCA Bookshelf

National Office Update: Nov. 18-Dec. 22, 2019

A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association

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So far, we've documented equipage by 97 percent of mainline carriers, 95 percent of regional jets, 76 percent of turbojet and turboprop general aviation aircraft, and 52 percent of single- and multi-engine general aviation aircraft, and more are coming in every day. As all towers, TRACONS and centers use ADS-B as the preferred source of surveillance, we understand we will receive occasional requests from unequipped aircraft. The FAA has created a web-based portal, ADS-B Deviation Authorization Pre- flight Tool (ADAPT), to manage deviation requests via automatic approvals and automatic denials for the majority of requests. Just about every FAA office was heavily involved in this move to ADS-B — Aviation Safety, Policy, Airports, General Counsel, and many others, as well as all of our service units in the ATO. This is a great example of what working together across lines of business, and with our industry partners, can accomplish. January is not an end, rather just the beginning. We think ADS-B will open up many new possibilities for us and we're looking forward to tapping into its full potential. The ADS-B mandate sets the FAA on a path to achieve future successes in key areas like reduced separation, radar divestiture, search and rescue, conflict probe, and space- based ADS-B. We're still working on a few final details until the clock strikes 2020. But overall, I'm confident and so thankful for the tenacity and leadership everyone showed to get this done. You have a lot to be proud of! Despite Video Chat Santa, Some Holiday Traditions Never Change Hi everyone, I saw a story the other day about how some families are turning to "video chat" Santa Claus visits so their kids can share their holiday wish lists without waiting in long lines at the shopping mall. I don't know whether to be alarmed or admire the efficiency! High-tech or low-tech, the holidays do stay the same in important ways, though. They remind us to be kind to both friends and strangers, to show gratitude for what we have, and to spread a little cheer to those who are struggling this season. Those are the best traditions of all, no matter if you show it by saying a prayer, sending a card, sharing a gift, baking cookies, or singing some carols. I also appreciate the donations many of you have made to the Combined Federal Campaign so far, and hope that others will consider being generous in that way. I am grateful to each and every one of you for what you do all year to make our national airspace system as safe and efficient as possible. And thanks especially to our

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