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W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 N AT C A D A I LY D I S PAT C H 5 FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Chief Operating Officer Teri Bristol, in opening Tuesday's aviation weather panel, said despite the advancements and updates happening throughout the aviation community, weather has remained a constant. "Seventy-five percent of all weather-related accidents are fatal," she said. "We have the opportunity to make a big difference and save lives on a daily basis." Panelists Matt Tucker, NATCA Weather Representative, Bruce Landsberg, Senior Safety Advisor, AOPA; Mike Schilz, Safety and Information Analysis Program, ALPA; and Matt Cabak, Safety Focal, SUPCOM, ATO, took on how to make that difference head-on. Moderators Jim Ullmann, Deputy Director of Safety and Technology, NATCA, and Terry Biggio, VP of Safety and Technical Training, ATO, emphasized the importance of understanding weather and communication between pilots and controllers to keep the National Airspace System safe. In fact, a majority of Archie League Medal of Safety Award-nominated events are related to weather. Schilz described how weather information available to pilots prior to takeoff can often be up to three hours old, saying "it is important to fill the gap between what pilots have access to and what controllers have access to." "We must establish an appropriate level of communication," Landsberg continued. With a large portion of the workforce retiring in the air traffic controller and pilot communities, it is more important than ever to be aware of the range of experience on the ground and in the air. "Asking questions can make a huge difference in preventing accidents," he said. Tucker explained how NextGen technologies could be used to help fill that gap. When dealing with weather, the most up-to-date information is power. "The goal is to have it embedded in automation," he said. Air traffic controllers can assist pilots by reaching out and giving guidance. Panelists agreed that a well-placed question can make all of the difference. "We need to take it upon ourselves," said Cabak. "We need to take the opportunity to peer coach. There is a wealth of knowledge at this conference that you now possess. It is incumbent upon you to share it with a new generation." The panelists also discussed the importance of voluntary safety reporting in improving how weather events are handled. Collecting information and data, sharing that information, and using it for training within NATCA and the FAA will allow us to learn from weather-related experiences and prevent dangerous situations from happening again. ✈ Aviation Weather AWARDS LUNCHEON SPOTLIGHT: During yesterday's awards luncheon, some of NATCA's most dedicated members and volunteers were recognized for their work. Jennifer Van Rooy presented this year's Future Leader award to Ben Dodd, who read aloud his essay about how his fellow members and future leaders inspire him to be a dedicated NATCA member and give back to this Union. Elena Nash presented Steve Purello of Mercy Flight/Angel Flight Southeast with a $5,000 donation from NATCA Charitable Foundation (NCF). NATCA TAMR lead Mitch Herrick, and Michael Espinola, Raytheon director for ATC, presented plaques to the nine TRACONS that have successfully transitioned to STARS: Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON, Denver TRACON, Louisville Standiford, Northern California TRACON, Southern California TRACON, Atlanta TRACON, Minneapolis TRACON, St. Louis TRACON, and Potomac TRACON. Mitch Herrick also presented awards to three members of the TAMR team who have gone above and beyond helping make these transitions a reality: Candy Barr, OSF Specialist; Tim Poer, for his dedication and hard work, and Doug Peterson, Segment 1 lead for large TRACONs. Peterson was also recognized as Raytheon's fourth annual Controller of the Year award winner for improving safety through modernization. Bob Delorge, Raytheon Vice President of Transportation and Support Service Mission Area, introduced the award. OSHA Committee Chair Mike Odryna gave out this year's Helping Hearts award to Birmingham Tower and TRACON for having the highest percentage of employees trained in CPR and AEDs. As part of the Public Access to Defibrillators (PAD) program, the OSHA Committee has worked to get as many facilities and members trained to use AEDs. To date, 12,000 people have been trained and 1,400 defibrillators have been deployed throughout the FAA. They have been used 11 times and saved six lives since 2009. Elena Nash gave NCF's Volunteer of the Year award to Christine Prestia, someone Nash said sacrifices her time, energy, and humor to making NCF a successful organization. A new Professionalism Award was presented by Garth Koleszar, Andy Marosvari, and Jeff Richards. The winners were selected based on nominations sent to the NATCA National Professional Standards Committee. Each winner has displayed the qualities of a Professional Air Traffic Controller over their entire career. They lead by example and their actions continually promote professionalism. The winners were Dan Rossmango, (ZLA) from the Western Service Area, Randy Clark (MCI) from the Central Service Area, and Dave Fournier (ZME) from the Eastern Service Area. Trish Gilbert presented the Steve Hansen Safety Advocate Award. This award was first given in 2011 to Hansen and is presented each year to a NATCA member who has made extraordinary achievements and has worked tirelessly on NATCA's behalf to be a leader in furthering the cause of aviation safety. Past winners Hansen, Mike Blake, Marosvari, Leanne Martin, and Chad Sneve have each shown their passion for safety. This year's winner is no different. Jeff Woods has been a controller in the FAA since 2001, at Beaumont ATCT, Houston Center, and Houston TRACON (I90). Before his FAA career he served our country in the U.S. Navy. He has held many Union positions, serving as the I90 Secretary from 2009 to 2011 and VP from Sept. 2011 to May 2012. He became one of the national representatives to OAPM in May 2012, currently serves as the NATCA Representative to the Program Management Office, and is a member of the newly-formed National Safety & Tech Leadership Council. Gilbert said Woods has a passion for the Union and a unique ability to pull groups together to break down barriers. His talents have been invaluable to moving many national projects forward, she said. Ben Dodd Steve Purello Christine Prestia Doug Peterson Doug Peterson Professional Standards TAMR Recognition Tim Poer Birmingham Tower/TRACON Jeff Woods Dave Callen

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