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M O N D AY, M A R C H 2 0 , 2 0 1 7 N AT C A D A I LY D I S PAT C H 4 NATCA SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Collaboration: The Key to NextGen Progress Jim Ullmann Director, NATCA Safety and Technology Department Much has changed since we last met at CFS in March 2016, and NATCA strives to be a highly respected organization whose opinion and insight is sought after by many stakeholders in the aviation community. The value of collaborating with the FAA and others in the aviation industry has proven to be extremely beneficial to our workforce and has led to the implementation of numerous NextGen programs. As you may be aware, we are facing an air traffic controller staffing crisis that will ultimately take some years to resolve. The shortage, combined with the success NATCA has had in working on numerous projects designed to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System, undoubtedly has caused some in our membership to question the effect on staffing at the facility level. The pressure on our facilities to release qualified NATCA representatives and subject matter experts (SMEs) is measurable, but our continued participation also holds great value. To that end, we have recently improved the way we directly communicate open solicitations for subject matter expertise to the membership. The goal is to increase the participation of the frontline workforce in these key positions. Based on recent successes, the FAA is asking NATCA to work on many ongoing and new programs. Our value comes in ensuring the people who work airplanes every day – and our other valuable aviation experts in the field – have a say in the implementation of new technologies and procedures. As many of you are aware, a vast majority of new projects and the development of new procedures do not happen quickly. Many programs take years between design, development, verification, implementation, and then future enhancements. It is not unusual for some of these projects to have a 5-to-10 year lifespan. When taken from the view of just a few programs, NATCA's involvement may not seem to be a huge strain on the workforce. However, when considering we are involved in somewhere between 50-to-70 programs at any given time, the effect is clear. Beyond that, some of the bigger projects, like ERAM, TAMR, and Data Comm, require involvement from many NATCA Reps and SMEs for development, testing, and implementation. As an air traffic controller for over 26 years, and with the history of being a NATCA Representative at several different levels, I understand the frustration that some may feel at already under-staffed facilities. I would ask everyone to understand and consider the value the frontline workforce brings to the work that takes them away from their home facilities. As a former member of NATCA's Executive Board, I know the value our organization brings to collaboration. It is the best way to do business and has greatly benefitted our workforce. In fact, there is an article in the 2016 CBA solely about collaboration, showing just how much we value collaboration. I encourage everyone to spend a few minutes reading the language contained in Article 114 and think about the amazing value of having that language in a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Collaboration is not always easy and takes time and resources. However, it is the best way to operate when we are afforded the opportunity. We must continue to work hard to balance the duties asked of us as a collaborative stakeholder on many levels, and the job of running the busiest, safest, and most efficient airspace system in the world. NATCA's Safety and Technology Department stands ready to answer your questions (see below for our contact information) on anything and everything related to safety and technology. On behalf of NATCA's Safety and Technology Department, we're glad you're here at Communicating For Safety! Air traffic control is the ultimate team "sport," and this week is another great opportunity for NATCA to work with aviation industry partners, pilots, and government representatives to contribute to the safety, growth, and efficiency of our nation's air traffic control system. Director of Safety and Technology Jim Ullmann 202/628.5451 ext 4803 jullmann@natcadc.org Deputy Director of Safety and Technology Mark McKelligan 202/628.5451 ext 4810 mmckelligan@natcadc.org Terminal Technology Coordinator Bill Geoghagen 202/628.5451 ext 4840 bgeoghagen@natcadc.org En Route Technology Coordinator Mark Prestrude 202/628.5451 ext 4842 mprestrude@natcadc.org Technical Representative Liaison Robert Utley 202/628.5451 ext 4836 rutley@natcadc.org Administrative Assistant Pauline Hines 202/628.5451 ext 4846 phines@natcadc.org

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