A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/832092
which provides approach control services for Bermuda, to more efficiently and safely control flights to and from that island. I want to thank everyone involved with this implementation, including folks at New York Center, NATCA, Mission Support Services , and the ATO's International Office. I also want to thank the FAA's Office of International Aff airs for their support as well. This PBN implementation is part of a longer - term partnership we've established with Bermuda to help modernize t heir airspace system and help them move toward managing their own airspace. We designed the SIDs and STARs according to our established PBN implementation standards and processes and Bermuda published the procedures. It's a stepping - stone for them to take control of their airspace, a transition that will also require more infrastructure and training for them over the next decade. The Bermuda implementation is a good example of how we're implementing the FAA's Global Leadership Initiative. We're making targ eted improvements in airspace where we have a vested interest in making air traffic operations more efficient. On a related note, we also continue to make progress with the FAA's Caribbean Initiative . We've started regular air traffic operations calls and hold regular meetings with Caribbean air navigation service providers and the airlines operating in that region. Since we began this process, miles - in - trail for aircraft flying to Panama have been cut in half, while miles - in - trail between Miami and Cuba have been reduced by more than half in some circumstances. And as air traffic volume continues to increase throughout the Caribbean, we continue to detect and mitigate traf fic congestion constraints and identify alternative routings to reduce delays and keep traffic moving more efficiently. I want to thank everyone involved with our Caribbean Initiative for helping produce these results. Speaking of celebrating results, I w ant to remind everyone that we are quickly nearing the end of the nominations period for the ATO NAS First, People Always Awards . Nominating a coworker or teammate is one of the best ways to help the ATO celebrate its terrific accomplishments — but we must receive your nomination by COB Wednesday, May 31. Please make a submission today! Before I sign off, Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day — a day t hat offers many of us the opportunity for rest, relaxation, and some summer fun. However you choose to celebrate this weekend, I hope you will join me in giving thanks and praise to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces whose courage and sacrifice — and that of their families — keep our country strong and make the world a safer place. Here in the ATO we are very fortunate to have many veterans among our ranks, working to ensure we continue to provide the safest, most efficient air navigation service p rovision in the world. Thanks everyone! Teri L. Bristol ATO Chief Operating Officer