Caribbean Initiative to improve air traffic flow management and collaborative decision
making in that region.
In support of integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), we established a
UAS Integration Lead, and we're developing a UAS strategy to guide the ATO's efforts
and better align our work with other lines of business in the agency. We also streamlined
considerably the issuing of Certificate of Authorizations for small UAS activity by
operators granted exemptions by the FAA. For commercial space operations, we
approved the initial work to develop an ATO Commercial Space Integration Roadmap
that will define changes in policy, regulation, procedures and automation capabilities
among other components.
In Technical Operations, we worked with PASS to develop a new Concept of
Operations that will help us maintain the NAS in a more efficient and cost effective way.
Along with that, we took many steps to make the system more resilient in case of
adverse events like last year's fire at Chicago Center. These efforts include developing
enhanced contingency plans, strengthening cybersecurity, and acquiring replacement
telecommunications assets that can be quickly deployed in case of service disruption.
We've taken steps to strengthen and build our workforce. This year, we've hired
1,326 new air traffic controllers and 315 new Airway Transportation System Specialists.
Over Fiscal Year 2015, we provided over 600 operational Supervisors with formal
management training through the Supervisory Development Initiative. Additionally, more
than 10,000 employees have now established career plans through the ATO Career
Planning Program
You can see that we've had a very busy and productive year. Of course, I can't
possibly cover all of our accomplishments in a short message like this, so I'd like to hear
from you. What are some additional successes we've had? After the New Year, we'll be
discussing how we will build on this progress and continue to fulfill the FAA's strategic
initiatives. For now, let's all take a well-deserved bow.
Thanks everyone,
Teri L. Bristol

ATO Chief Operating Officer
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