A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/672709
as the chairman of the National Airspace System Modernization Team and vice chair- man of the Air Traffic Services Group. His committee work encompassed Performance- Based Operations, RNAV-RNP Procedures and Charting, Data Communications, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, ADS-B, Environmental Issues and a host of other areas and modernization activities. He currently serves as a member of the FAA/ATA CNS Task Force. In addition to his line pilot duties, Townsend leads the airline's NextGen initiatives and regional airspace activities. Through his efforts, the airline has become a recognized leader in the development and successful implementation of performance-based op- erations resulting in optimized and integrated procedures in many areas of the NAS. Most recently, he was instrumental in partnering the airline with the FAA's SBS Office for early adoption of ADS-B applications and operations in Philadelphia. Dale Wright is NATCA's Safety and Technology Director, as well as a recently retired air traffic controller. After entering the U.S. Air Force in 1975, he began his ATC career at Berlin Center in Ger- many before later relocating to England AFB in Louisiana. Joining the FAA in 1983, Dale spent 17 years serving at Charlotte and Atlanta facilities before joining NATCA as ARS Liason and JPDO Liaison in Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2004. After re- turning to his hometown of Charlotte for two more years of ATC duties, Dale retired in September 2007 after 32 years of loyal gov- ernment service and took over the director position he holds today. Dale has served a variety of regional and national-level committees including chair- man of the National Finance Committee. In addition to his significant union roles and his history of ATC experience, Dale is an instrument-rated pilot and aircraft owner. Dale is also currently serving the aviation industry as FAA Runway Safety Council co-lead. NATCA members nominated their fellow colleagues to receive the Archie League Medal of Safety. The committee listed below selected the award recipients from the nominees in each region. 5