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> A Professional Magazine of the FAA Managers Association November/December 2011: Vol. 9 No. 6ph

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by

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ang » Celebrating Courage,

Leadership, and Collaboration

www.faama.org managing the skies Nov/Dec 2011 3

faa managers association, inc. #3154410 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016Tel 202.741.9415 | www.faama.org

ACE | Advocate. Communicate. Educate.We ADVOCATE to Congress for aviation’s leaders.We COMMUNICATE for and with aviation leaders.We EDUCATE in leadership values.

Promoting excellence in public service, the FAA Managers Association is recognized by the FAA to represent all levels of management through all lines of business. We are committed to increasing the accountability to our owners, improving service to our customers, and fostering a professional workplace for our employees in which they can excel and take pride. FAA Managers Association is a forum for managers, supervisors, administrative, and non-bargaining unit staff to effect change.

officersPresident, David ConleyVice President, Stephen SmithSecretary, Julie FidlerTreasurer, Tom Dury

directorsDirector of Administration, VacantDirector of Communications, Laurie ZugayDirector of Legislative Affairs, Tony TisdallDirector of Membership, David ChappuiesParliamentarian, Andy TaylorMembership Education Committee Chair, Hal AlbertPolitical Action Committee Chair, Dan CunninghamAlaskan Region, Darla GerlachCentral Region, Joyce DavisEastern Region, Rich BakerGreat Lakes Region, Heather Mullett New England Region, Bruce HallNorthwest Mountain Region, Lori ScharfSouthern Region, Billy ReedSouthwest Region, Michael (Hitch) CombeWestern Pacific Region, Vacant

publisherKathleen Cummins Mifsud

managing editorLaurie Zugay

staff editorsPam Adams, Anita Engelmann, and John Sideris

contributorsDavid Conley, Louis Dupart, Kathleen Cummins Mifsud, and Rich Baker.

illustration and photographyCover photograph and page 3 by Terence Chang; photos pages 8, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 30 by Jonathan Burkhart.

designSagetopia, 703.726.6400, www.sagetopia.com

productionColorcraft of Virginia, 703.709.2270, www.colorcraft-va.com

advertisingJustin Wolfe, Sales Representative 800.501.9571 x138 | [email protected]

editorial & subscription inquiriesManaging the Skies1775 East Riviera Drive, Merritt Island, FL 32952Telephone: 321.453.5970Email: [email protected]

Managing the Skies is a benefit of membership in the FAA Managers Association, Inc. To become a member, go to www.faama.org. For all others, the annual subscription rate is $49. Please address your inquiries to [email protected] and [email protected].

Managing the Skies is published bi-monthly by the FAA Managers Association, Inc.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors and should not be construed to be the opinion of the FAA Managers Association. Suggestions and opinions expressed in Managing the Skies are not necessarily endorsed by the FAA Managers Association. Nothing in these pages is intended to supersede operators’ or manufacturers’ policies, practices, or requirements, or to supersede government regulations.

© 2011 FAA Managers Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

AbOUT ThE COVEr: Terence Chang’s breathtaking long-exposure photos of San Francisco’s International Airport (SFO) were taken during the 10pm to 11pm outbound crunch on Friday, December 18, 2009 as seen from Millbrae, CA. According to Terence Chang, “Before the crunch, there’s about 20 minutes where the airport almost goes silent. I also noticed that after 10pm only one departure happens at a time, whereas side-by-side takeoffs were occurring prior to that.”

Chang’s collection of 16 photos, taken between July 13, 2008 and April 16, 2010, visually describes landing and take-off patterns at SFO, and, taken together, show people just how much traffic is in the air above them and how much beauty can be found in the landing and takeoff patterns of any airport. Read more about Terence Chang’s work at www.terencechang.com/photography/.

02 The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program www.LTCFEDS.com/FAAMA

26 2012 FAAMA 32nd Gathering of Eagles www.FAAMA.org

35 BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program www.FEPblue.org

36 Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies, Inc. (WAEPA) www.waepa.org

Contents

Index to Advertisers

A PRoFESSIoNAL MAGAZINE oF THE FAA MANAGERS ASSoCIATIoN

November/December 2011: Vol. 9 No. 6

06 07 08perspective: “We Are Doing This In the Interest of the Country”

washington watch: Extending FAAMA’s Reach in Washington

FAAMA President David Conley Signs Milestone Agreement with FAA

Courage to Lead: 31st Annual Gathering of Eagles / Convention Recap

2011 FAAMA Award Winners

12faama exhibitor spotlight 2011

18faama exhibitor spotlight 2011: Centerfold Photo Montage of 2011 Exhibitors

25faama exhibitor spotlight 2011: FAAMA Corporate Partner Awards

04

11

27 30Meeting the Challenges of FAA Reauthorization and NextGen – Rep. Jerry F. Costello

FAAMA’s Bill Allen Celebrates 50 Years of Federal Service

31Don’t Shift Deficit to Federal Workers

Anchorage Chapter 358 Sends Six Kids to ACE Camp

Kansas City Aviation Department Hosts Charity Golf Tournament

32FLTCIP open Season Results: More Than 48,000 Apply

33 34FAAMA Corporate Partners / New Member Profile: Anita Engelmann

FAAMA IN THE NEWS 2011-2012 FAAMA Leadership Training | Join FAAMA Today!

4 managing the skies Nov/Dec 2011 www.faama.org

CELEbrATI NG COUrAGE, LEADE rSh IP, AND COLL AbOrATIONperspective

“We Are Doing This In the Interest of the Country”A message from the president

For slightly more than three decades, the FAA Managers Association has supported the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and our members, promoting aviation safety and efficiency and advocating for our members’ interests.

In the past 10 years, we have built increasingly influential relation-ships within the FAA and in

Congress, positioning the Association as an effective voice for FAA managers nationwide.

As I begin this President’s Perspective, I want to start by acknowledging our FAAMA team who worked to make our 31st Gathering of Eagles in Las Vegas the most influential and inspiring in our Association’s history. Specifically, I want to thank Convention Chair Andy Taylor and Membership Education Chair Hal Albert for collaborating once again to make our last year in Vegas a very special week for all.

For the past three years, these gentle-men and their teams have worked to steadily raise the bar by improving the sets, refining the methods, and choosing remarkable presenters. If you missed it this year, all I can say is that I hope you won’t make the mistake of missing our next “Gathering” in Orlando.

The Training LineupThis year’s lineup included “Supersonic Survivor” Captain Brian Udell, Tim Gard with “The Tao of Humor,” Chad Hymas sharing “Eagles Don’t Fly in Flocks, but Seagulls Never Get Lonely,” and Janine Driver driving home the point that “You Say More than You Think.” From the ser-vice of our Sergeants-at-Arms led by John Combs to the hospitality served up by Billy Reed, it was first-class all the way. I could not be more proud or more appreciative of our people.

What Are You Going to Do Next?I hope you are making your plans now to attend our 32nd Gathering of Eagles to be held October 14-18, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. That’s right! After two decades of hosting in Las Vegas, our convention committee announced this year that we are making a courageous move to a larger venue in the fantastic Walt Disney World Resort.

Members have been urging us for sev-eral years to explore new locations for the annual convention, and we are very excited about partnering with the folks at Disney to bring what we hope will be a magical experience for you and your family.

If you haven’t already done so, secure your time off now so you can attend the next Gathering of Eagles October 14-18, 2012. And please spread the word to your friends and colleagues by announcing that famous slogan, “I’m going to Disney World!!”

Pursuing the Public InterestDuring this year’s State of the Association speech, I announced that Administrator Randy Babbitt and I signed a new Consultative Relationship Agreement between the FAA Managers Association and the Federal Aviation Administration. This agreement is the result of a multi-year effort and is directly relevant to each of you.

This new agreement defines our relationship with the FAA and authorizes FAAMA members proper use of Agency resources, such as time, bulletin boards, internal agency mail distribution systems, electronic mail, and office space.

Federal law provides the framework for agencies consulting and communicating with non-labor organizations representing federal employees and managers on matters related to agency operations and personnel management. Since many of our members are not familiar with these legal provisions, it would serve us well to become familiar with them.

In my opinion, one of the critical gaps that must be filled in our Association is our members’ general knowledge of Title 5, Part 251, of the Code of Federal Regulations (see http://cfr.regstoday.com/5cfr251.aspx). This is the Federal statute that allows us to interact with the FAA as we do. Knowing it well is fundamental to freeing our minds and empowering our effectiveness.

If members want to effect change in the FAA, we first have to build a strong FAAMA. Over the years, we have noted that some managers are still uncomfortable joining FAAMA. Some are even reticent to fully engage in the activities of a profes-sional management association for fear of what their manager may think about them. Personally, I see these attitudes as some of the greatest self-inflicted limitations we

place upon our Association and ourselves.The introduction to Title 5, Part 251,

of the Code of Federal Regulations says that the purpose of consultation is “the improvement of agency operations, person-nel management, and employee effective-ness; the exchange of information (e.g., ideas, opinions, and proposals); and the establishment of policies that best serve the public interest in accomplishing the mis-sion of the agency.”


CELEbrATI NG COUrAGE, LEADE rSh IP, AND COLL AbOrATION

This law applies to all federal execu-tive branch departments and agencies and their officers and employees. This includes you. And this, my fellow members, is why FAAMA was formed.

Our members have always believed that there is value to be gained for the Agency by including the distinct perspec-tives of career managers in FAA policy making. As FAAMA leaders, we serve with passion to give these managers a voice...not for ourselves, but for the benefit of the entire Agency.

In a nutshell, the voice of the career manager is relevant, it is valuable, and it is needed. Most importantly, it is in the public’s interest. We hold it as an honor to serve in the public realm. Foundational to that sacred obligation must be a willingness to get involved, to voice concerns, and to seek the best solutions for the Agency.

Recently, I read this statement in a newspaper – and I paraphrase:

Government agencies do not work without the right leadership, and you can’t play politics. We have to conclude at some point that what we’re doing is not just because of an ideology, politics, or personal interest. We are doing this in the interest of the country.

Our Legislative FrontFAAMA remains ever diligent in guard-ing your interests as managers while legislators desperately seek to trim the Federal deficit. In fact, I just signed two letters, along with our partners in the Government Managers Coalition (GMC), opposing two proposed pieces of legisla-tion that attempt to reduce the size of the workforce through attrition and aim to repeal retirement credit for unused sick leave.

As many of you remember, FAAMA worked long and hard to achieve sick leave credit for FERS employees which finally was authorized by the FY10 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Our recent letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction urges legislators to slow down and wait

for the full implementation of FERS sick leave credit before abandoning this provision.

InfluenceIn the past year, our focus has been on creating effective influence. We testi-fied before Congress in February 2011 and remained engaged and influential in several key public debates, including FAA Reauthorization and FAA Furlough legislation.

We believe the focus we brought to the FAA employee furlough and the resul-tant back pay issue hastened a quick end to the August furlough and influenced Secretary LaHood’s eventual decision to award back pay to the affected employees.

Leaders of this Association labor tire-lessly to build meaningful professional relationships with FAA leadership and in Congress. In an effort to make your voice heard, we worked to increase our pres-ence in the public media.

We have made significant gains in exposure, acceptance, and notoriety inside the FAA, in Congress, and in the media. As a matter of fact, just this year, FAAMA made headlines in more than 400 different markets, both large and small.

Positioned for ProgressIn August, I appointed Louis Dupart as FAAMA’s first Executive Director (interim). The Officers and I believe this is a neces-sary step to take the Association to the next level of effectiveness, to help direct the Association’s day-to-day business, and to maintain a continuous FAAMA presence in Washington, D.C.

Most of you know him as FAAMA’s head lobbyist and a founding partner of The Normandy Group which represents a diverse group of Fortune 500 companies, colleges, and universities on federal legisla-tive and appropriations matters. (See the article by Louis along with a brief resume on pages 6-7).

For the last two months, Louis has been working with FAAMA’s Executive Board and legal counsel to prepare the Association

and our leaders for the challenges that lay ahead. With Louis’s help, we already have seen an uptick in our public profile. Louis actively assisted us during our recent efforts with the FAA furlough situation.

Using his experience on Capitol Hill and his contacts with the media, Louis helped us leverage those relationships to get our message out. FAAMA either appeared or was quoted in a variety of Beltway and national media outlets and publications, including CNN, CBS, CNN International, National Journal, The Hill, and Aviation Daily, to name a few.

Thank you for your support as we move FAAMA one step closer to our vision of becoming the premier advocacy group for aviation managers worldwide.

Moving ForwardFinally, let me encourage you to help us keep FAAMA moving forward. Armed with your knowledge, we will lead you, support you, and grow this Association. But we need YOU to make it happen.

We plan to grow FAAMA to over 2,000 members by the end of this year. I am con-vinced that this kind of growth is needed to help FAAMA become a more powerful and more effective leadership organization.

If you are passionate about serving the public interest and making a posi-tive difference, then give FAAMA just five minutes a day toward spreading the word to other managers. Your choice to give this time each day will determine what we can become by year’s end.

The chances are good... and our future is up to you to:

• Find the courage.

• Make the time.

• Get involved.

Have a Happy Holiday Season!

“2012 in 2012”advocate. communicate. educate.

David Conley, PresidentFAA Managers Association, Inc.


My colleague, Krista Stark – a founding partner of The Normandy Group – our

staff, and I are working to expand the Association’s impact and to ensure that the group’s issues receive prompt, close attention from FAA leadership. Krista and I have enjoyed every minute of our work with the Association. Working closely with three FAAMA Presidents and with the Executive Committee, we have achieved many important legisla-tive successes on behalf of members of the Association.

Now, I have the honor of serving as your Executive Director (interim). In this role, I envision an opportunity to combine FAAMA’s strong presence on Capitol Hill with a reinvigorated communications plan to extend the reach of the Association.

It is not the number of members in the Association; but, it is the force of our advocacy that has made a difference in the lives of each member of our Association. In December 2009, we were successful in passing comprehensive federal workforce legislation. (Editor’s note: see Managing the Skies, “Landmark Legislative Victory for FAA Managers Association,” Nov./Dec. 2009, pages 6-7).

Expanding FAAMA’s Impact To expand our reach and to enhance the voice of the Association, we have developed an expanded media list that is activated quickly to educate key Washington policy makers, Congress, and influential aviation organizations. Our media targets include radio, print, TV, and electronic media.

FAAMA President David Conley spent a week in September personally meet-ing with reporters that we had identified

who are interested in and report regu-larly on aviation issues. David built on the impressive media coverage that our Association received in August, when FAAMA announced the establishment of the Furlough Relief Fund.

Chapter 265 President Mark DePlasco, David Conley, and I were featured in 22 separate TV, radio, and print pieces that were replayed across the country. We now have a host of new contacts who call the FAAMA for comment on aviation developments.

We have begun a complementary effort to meet with respected Washington aviation associations, organizations, and policy makers, such as former FAA Administrators. These organizations and leaders shape our country’s aviation policy. They understand the vital role of the FAA.

However, many of them are not familiar with our Association, our goals and mission, and our most important asset, our diverse membership that includes Technical Operations and spe-cialties across the FAA outside of the Air Traffic Organization.

We will be working with David Conley and the Executive Committee to develop relationships that lead to sup-port on the Hill and a more responsive leadership at the FAA that understands our issues. For example, as the FAA hires a younger workforce, managers and supervisors will be asked to contribute their unique leadership skills to turn new employees into seasoned workers.

Making a Defining DifferenceOur Association can make the defining difference in how well new programs are designed and integrated into the FAA, and implemented over time. Our

consumers are the trade associations and their members, the major airlines, general aviation, and the business jet community, as well as the companies that support these groups.

We want them on our side when the FAA leadership looks at the overall staffing needs. We also want them to be supportive of our advocacy for appropriate levels of managers and supervisors who are the key to a safe and efficient operation.

To give additional lift to our asso-ciation, FAAMA is a founding member of the Government Managers Coalition (GMC). Combined, we represent more than 200,000 managers across the government including the Senior Executive Service.

We also are actively participating in the Federal Postal Coalition, which includes a variety of federal employee groups, includ-ing unions. We share common ground with the Postal Coalition on many federal employee issues. This coalition represents more than 4.6 million people, ensuring that Congress and the Executive Branch will be persuaded to listen to us.

David Conley and the Executive Committee will guide our actions in our work with the GMC and the Postal Coalition. United, we will achieve much together, and we always retain the option to not join their advocacy in the areas where our interests are not aligned.

Enhancing FAAMA’s Voice in Washington, DC Ultimately, my near term goal is to expand FAAMA’s voice and reach in Washington, D.C. We are utilizing the website, Association-wide emails, and press statements to keep each of you informed of the most recent developments.

washington watch

Extending FAAMA’s reach in WashingtonA message from the Executive Director (interim)

Since 2003, I’ve had the pleasure of working with and representing the FAA Managers Association (FAAMA) as the Managing Partner of The Normandy Group. My new role as Executive Director (interim) of FAAMA presents a number of exciting opportunities.

I. CONSULTATIVERELATIONSHIP.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA, or the Agency) recognizes that the FAA Managers Association, Inc. (FAAMA, or the Association) represents primarily management officials and/or supervisors in accordance with Public Law 014-177 and 5 CFR Part 251. This document supersedes the Consultative Agreement signed by the parties in 1998.

The Agency recognizes non-bargaining unit staff personnel, supervisors, managers, and executives as essential members of the Agency’s management team. These individu-als are vital to and share responsibility for the Agency’s ultimate success in achieving its mis-sion. The relationship provides a mechanism that includes the Association in decision-making processes.

The primary objective of the consultative relationship is the improvement of manage-rial effectiveness and the working conditions of supervisors and managers, as well as the identification and resolution of problems affecting Agency operations and employees, including supervisors and managers.

II.MEETINGS.Consultative meeting should be scheduled at the national level between Association representatives and Agency representatives as designated by the Administrator.

III.RESOURCES. The Agency agrees to provide the following subject to the discretion of the Administrator:

1. Use of Agency equipment in appropriate circumstances including bulletin boards, internal agency mail distribution systems, and electronic mail provided it does not interfere with the normal operations or functions of the FAA mission. Provisions in FAA order 1370.81 E-Mail policy apply.

2. Duty time for one Association represen-tative in connection with consultative meetings. Duty time for one other representative and travel and per diem may be authorized by the appropriate management official.

3. Up to 16 national officers are autho-rized to attend the Association’s annual national conference, on duty time with travel and per diem subject to operational workload and funding availability. Travel and per diem costs will be paid by the line of business/staff office in which the national officers are located.

4. An Association member who wishes to attend the national conference may be granted excused absence only if the conference meets his/her training needs, as determined by the supervisor.

5. Use of available space at FAA facili-ties provided it does not interfere with the normal functions of FAA mission. Space that may be available consists of conference rooms, unoccupied offices, cafeterias, and similar government owned or leased space. General Service Administration building use, safety, and security regulations 41 CFR Part 101-20 and applicable DoT requirements for use of FAA facilities apply.

6. Use of duty time for officers and/or Board members of the Association, provided their absence is authorized by their supervisors, and they do not devote substantial periods of duty time for such purposes, and the official business of the agency is not disrupted.

IV.EMPLOYEEMEMBERSHIP. Association regular membership is open to all Agency non-bargaining unit personnel, supervisors, and managers.

V. DUESWITHHOLDING. In accordance with 5 CFR 550.331, the Agency authorizes dues withholding by members of the Association. Association members will use an Agency-approved SF-1187 or other Agency-approved form/format to make a request for dues withholding.

FAAMA President David Conley Signs Milestone Agreement with FAA

Please let Laurie Zugay, FAAMA Director of Communications, know if you have thoughts and recommenda-tions on how we can improve our com-munications with each of you ([email protected]). If you are unaware of our plans and actions, then we have failed in our first mission, which is to keep our membership informed.

building Membership to New LevelsLong term, as we consolidate and execute our combined legislative communications strategy, I anticipate FAAMA’s member-ship to significantly increase. My goal is to be instrumental in obtaining new members. More importantly, YOU are the best means to recruiting new members which you can do by speaking with your non-member co-workers.

The Association will help you and I look forward to attending your Chapter meetings and other events where I can complement David Conley and the FAAMA leadership’s outreach. The best tool I can give you to achieve our collec-tive leadership goal is to show an effective team in Washington that will impact you and the FAA on the issues that are impor-tant to our Association.

In the coming months, I will use this Managing the Skies column to keep you informed of my efforts on your behalf. It is an honor to be selected for this critical position. I would like to hear from you with comments, suggestions, advice, or your upcoming Chapter meetings. Please email me at [email protected]. ❙

ace | advocate. communicate. educate.Louis Dupart, Executive DirectorFAA Managers Association, Inc.

AbOUT LOUIS DUPArT.

Mr. Dupart has more than 20 years of government and legislative experience including 11 years on Capitol Hill as the Chief Counsel for the House Intelligence Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Antitrust and Business Competition.

Mr. Dupart also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs at the Department of Defense for then – Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney.

Mr. Dupart has a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Wagner College and a JD from American University.


Consultative relationship between the FAA Managers Association

and the Federal Aviation Administration

on october 12, 2011, FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt and FAAMA President David S. Conley signed the ‘Consultative Relationship Between the FAA Managers Association and the Federal Aviation Administration.” The primary objective of the Consultative Agreement is the improvement of managerial effectiveness and the working conditions of supervisors and managers, as well as the identification and resolution of problems affecting Agency operations and employees, including supervisors and managers. This Agreement addresses national meetings with FAA and the use of FAA resources.


FAA Managers Association 31st Annual Gathering of Eagles

Courage To Lead

The 2011 Convention was a great success! Each year, when leaving the convention, you ask yourself, “How can it get any better?” This year’s convention has definitely raised the bar.

The trainers were outstanding! Southwest Airlines Captain Brian Udell discussed courage and leadership with his personal story of being a supersonic survivor. Tim Gard’s presentation,

“The Tao of Humor,” had everyone laughing when it came to using humor as one leadership technique.

Chad Hymas’ presentation, “Eagles Don’t Fly in Flocks, but Seagulls Never Get Lonely,” prompted everyone to deeply reflect about making difficult leadership decisions, about doing the right thing even when it’s the hardest thing to do, and about standing up, getting off the ‘sidelines’ and helping or advocating for others when it’s not the ‘popular’ action to take.

Janine Driver’s presentation, based upon her personal experience as a federal law enforcement officer with the Department of Justice, was informative and eye-opening. Michael Looney, with the FAA Office of Civil Rights, spoke about Recruiting, Hiring and Accommodating People with Disabilities.

This year’s FAAMA business sessions were very lively with everyone engaged and participating on bylaw changes, budget discussions, and the Vice President and Treasurer elections.

CloCkwise from top left: Tim Gard, trainer; Janine Driver, trainer; Presentation of Colors; Southwest Airlines Captain Brian Udell, speaker; Richard Ducharme, ATo Senior Vice President of operations, FAA; and Stephen Smith, FAAMA Vice President.


The 2011 Convention Committee,

led by Andy Taylor, and

the Membership Education

Committee, with Hal Albert at the

helm, volunteered countless hours to

make the entire event a superb success.

The 2011 theme, “Courage to Lead,”

was skillfully integrated into all of the

various training sessions, events, and

activities throughout. The Convention opened Sunday

evening with the President’s Reception, supplying attendees with a memorable introduction to the event as well as an opportunity to meet new friends, catch up with peers, and network with a variety of aviation professionals. Entertainment was provided by a classically-trained electric string quartet, Phat Strad.

DAY 1: COUrAGE to CelebrateFAAMA Convention exhibits are increas-ingly exciting and diverse. Every year, the displays get better – and this was especially true in 2011. A stunning display of thirty aviation industry vendors exhibited the ATC technology of the future.

State-of-the-art exhibits utilized flat screen automated technologies, air traf-fic airspace modeling, flight tracks and trajectories, full scale tower simulator displays, futuristic data communication solutions – and much more. (On pages 12 to 25 of Managing the Skies, you’ll find a mini-catalog of information about every 2011 exhibitor – keep it for future reference throughout the year.)

congressional addressWe were honored to have U.S. Representative Jerry F. Costello of Illinois’s 12th District deliver the Convention’s opening address. In Congress since 1988, Congressman Costello recently completed his fourth year as Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee.

In 2007, Congressman Costello wrote and helped pass a $68 billion bill in the House to reauthorize the programs of the FAA. He reintroduced the legislation in 2009 when it again passed the House. He was generous in his praise for FAAMA’s quick establishment of a furlough relief

fund. (Excerpts from his full address to Convention attendees can be found begin-ning on page 26.)

supersonic survivorSouthwest Airlines Captain Brian Udell, who holds the record for surviving the highest speed ejection from a U.S. fighter aircraft at nearly 800 M.P.H, described in vivid detail how he survived four grueling hours 65 miles off the Atlantic Coast in 60-degree water with five-foot seas and 15 M.P.H. winds at night with multiple bro-ken bones. Captain Udell’s determination, perseverance, faith, and sheer will to sur-vive is unparalleled. His story of survival, recovery, and return was both exciting and truly inspirational.

ato leadership addressesFor the first time, an FAAMA member, David Grizzle, also is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO). Mr. Grizzle’s address to members covered ten points:

1. Visibility from top to bottom;

2 Accountability with dignity;

3 Principles-based leadership;

4 Right people in the right seats;

5 Looking at the right dials;

6 Fulfilling our commitments;

7 Safety;

8 Efficiency;

9 Fiscal responsibility;

10. Community.

Mr. Grizzle and Richard Ducharme, Senior Vice President of Operations and Deputy Chief Operating Officer, were joint presenters about the direction of the ATO. Consequently, 2011 conference attendees were privileged to experience a spirited dialogue between the ATO’s two top leaders.

FAAMA recently interviewed David Grizzle in his office at the FAA. Be sure to read that interview along with excerpts from Grizzle and Ducharme’s convention presentations in the January/February issue of Managing the Skies.

faa reauthorization explainedThe incomparable Judy Schneider held the audience spellbound with her in-depth analysis and colorful, candid descrip-tion of how reauthorization could and should work in an imperfect world. Ms. Schneider is a specialist on Congress in the Government Division of Congressional Research Service (CRS) and an adjunct scholar at the Center for Public Policy Education at the Brookings Institution.

DAY 2: COUrAGE to CommitBob Hildebidle, the National Chair of the FAA Supervisors’ Committee (SUPCOM), and formerly the FAAMA’s Southern Regional Director, began the Tuesday session by delivering an exceptionally informative presentation on leadership. Managing the Skies will publish excerpts from Mr. Hildebidle’s address in the upcoming January/February issue.

FAAMA trainers in 2011 are a diverse group – each taking a truly unique approach. The intense train-ing sessions that follow on Tuesday and Wednesday – which receive valuable FAA training credits – focus on sup-porting the message of the Convention theme: courage to celebrate, courage to commit, and courage to communicate.

training | tim gardThe Tao of Humor: In this first Conference training session, attendees gained insight from a refreshingly different approach to leadership and productivity. On Tuesday, Tim Gard, a drop-dead funny, laugh-out-loud humorist, consistently delivered a rejuvenating, and immediately applicable message that taught the FAAMA group how to enhance productivity and enthu-siasm in both professional and personal encounters.

While he does not think of himself as a comedian, Tim dedicates himself to using humor as a way to look at life a little differ-ently. His easy-to-implement techniques inspired action from Conference attendees, and his methods and techniques may prove to be an effective way to deal with, diffuse, and even avoid intensely stressful encounters that can – and often do – occur every day.


A navy veteran who served tours in San Francisco and aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier Midway in Japan, Tim values the sacrifices, contributions, and pressures endured by people who want to make the world a better place for us all, one laugh at a time.

training | chad hymasEagles Don’t Fly in Flocks, but Seagulls Never Get Lonely: How do you find the golden egg without ruffling people’s feath-ers? Every person on a team has a unique personality. Each task therefore creates a dilemma! In this presentation, especially designed to train leaders, Chad Hymas taught FAAMA members the four “flight” personality types that exist in every office, every corporation, and even every family.

FAAMA team members laughed at themselves while they learned new ways of relating to one another and capitalizing on individual contributions. They also learned to understand other team players so that the entire team could perform better. Chad also taught the group how:

• The ostrich personality is best at focus.

• The chicken personality brings stability.

• The seagull empowers the team.

• The eagle inspires leadership

The Wall Street Journal hails Chad Hymas as one of the 10 most inspirational speakers in the world. He nearly died in 2001 while working on his ranch when a forklift encountered hydraulic problems while lifting a massive load. The load fell causing both the load and forklift to topple with Chad underneath. It crushed three vertebrae in his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Since that time, he started Chad Hymas Communications, Inc. to motivate busi-nesses and corporations to “use their wings and reach seemingly impossible heights.”

DAY 3: COUrAGE to Communicate

all points safety ATO Vice President for Safety Joseph Teixeira began the third day with an inspiring and thoughtful presentation on safety, spelling out in detail the profes-sional and personal responsibilities of FAA

employees in the area of safety. Managing the Skies will publish excerpts of Mr. Teixeira’s presentation in early 2012.

training | janine driverYou Say More Than You Think: New York Times best-selling author Janine Driver delivered a funny, interactive presenta-tion that examined the “sales” challenges FAAMA members face and showed how to use the New Body Language as a catalyst to get what you want in less time – among her suggestions:

• Become a more persuasive communicator with the Belly Button Rule.

• Seven-Second Quick Fixes.

• How to use Body Language in 3-D to consistently bring in six figures.

Attendees learned what body language reveals to others and, in turn, what others reveal – without uttering a single word. These discreet messages speak volumes. Ms. Driver urges her listeners to stop wasting valuable time, resources, and money, misled by people’s words and empty promises.

Whether engaging employees, motivat-ing a project team, or growing commit-ment to organizational goals, Ms. Driver clarified the impact of non-verbal commu-nication on others.

DAY 4: COUrAGE to Change

professional standardsThe morning began with a joint pre-sentation by Michael DeMonte, Garth Koleszark, Andy Marosvari, Robin Dybvik, James Rodrigues, and Jeffrey Ricahrds on this vital topic. Managing the Skies pub-lished the Professional Standards article in the September/October issue, pages 30-31.

recruiting, hiring, and accommodating people with disabilitiesIn a memorable and engaging presenta-tion, Michael Looney, National People with Disabilities Program Manager, Office of Civil Rights, FAA, briefed the group on the Agency’s positive progress in this area. Mr. Looney presented the Agency’s goal to hire more people with disabilities and the avenues available for hiring.

faa nextgen updateThis brief overview of NextGen was both informative and thorough as presented by Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center Air Traffic Manager Jimmy D’Ambrosio.

roles of the executive technical representative Tom Cassady, Manager, ATO Technical Labor Liaisons, Field Operations, FAA updated the group on labor manage-ment issues, contractual rights, and the Executive Technical Representative.

aeronav products – changing products with courage Abigail Smith and Eric Secretan from ATO Mission Support Services briefed the group on new charting capabilities and the realignment into one office of several offices that previously were responsible for aeronautical charts.

new association officersDuring the afternoon, the candidate for Vice President, Stephen Smith, and the candidate for Treasurer, Tom Dury, gave acceptance speeches and took the Oath of Office.

In his acceptance speech, Stephen Smith thanked members, and said: “Thank you to all who supported me during the 2011 FAAMA Vice Presidential election. I am humbled by your selection and once again pledge to do my best to represent you throughout my term of office. I will do my very best to serve all of our membership with pride and honor. I do understand that, without question, any elected position belongs to the membership and I am their servant to conduct FAAMA busi-ness matters. I am requesting feedback from you about ways to improve our Association – please provide your com-ments to me. I encourage all members to engage us and to question the Executive Board when you seek information or wish to voice your concerns about FAAMA decisions.”

Three newly elected Regional Directors took the Oath of Office, including: Rich Baker, Eastern; Billy Reed, Southern; and Michael “Hitch” Combe, Southwest. ❙

2011 FAAMA Awardspresident’s award for excellence, our Association’s highest honor, to laurie zugay, Director of Communications, in recognition of her dedicated service, unwavering support, and endless sacrifice which embodies her commitment to excel-lence and to our Association. This individual is one who sets the standard of leadership and encourages others to be part of this Association.

ambassador’s awards, in recognition of enthusiastic and exceptional service which embodies the values of our Association and its members, to michael “hitch” combe, Southwest Regional Director; to daniel dohner, Membership Committee; to julie fidler, Secretary; to krista stark and louis dupart, the normandy group; to walt smith, Membership Education Committee; to tony tisdall, Director of Legislative Affairs; and to terri waterman, Membership Education Committee.

service awards to robert hildebidle for service as Southern Regional Director in 2003 and 2005-2011; and to lori penwell for service as Central Regional Director 2009-2010.

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FAAMA EXhIbITOr SPOTLIGhT 2011

Platinum Corporate Partners Exhibiting

left to riGHt: Nanette Hayes, BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program (FAAMA Silver Corporate Partner) and Robert Coulson, Harris Corporation (FAAMA Gold Corporate Partner).

ThE FEDErAL LONG TErM CArE INSUrANCE PrOGrAM

Long Term Care Partners, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company and administers the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program and BENEFEDS, a secure website enabling Federal Family members to enroll in and man-age their FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) coverage, under oPM oversight.

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), available to Federal and Postal employees and annuitants, members and retired members of the uniformed services, and qualified relatives, is the largest employer-sponsored long term care insurance program in the country (with 218,000+ enrollees as of August 31, 2011). Coverage through the program is offered on a voluntary basis and premiums are paid fully by the enrollees.

WhY IS LTCFEDS VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

The Program supplies long term protection for you, your finances, and your future. Life can be challenging when you do not have long term care insurance. It means you may need to rely on loved ones or pay for long term care services out of your income, savings, or retire-ment fund. Fortunately, the FLTCIP provides coverage and helps you plan for the high costs of long term care.

For more information, go to www.LTCFEDS.com/FAAMA which offers online applications, an interactive calculator to provide customized price quotes based on age and choice of benefits, and educational resources about long term care and long term care insurance. or, call 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337), or TTY 1-800-843-3557.

u The Federal Long Term Care Insurance ProgramPO Box 797, Greenland, NH 03840www.LTCFEDS.com/FAAMA1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337)

GEICO

Seventy-five year ago, in 1936, Leo Goodwin started an insurance com-pany to serve federal government employees. Mr. Goodwin saw federal employees as good risks and soon moved his company to Washington, DC. That company was Government Employees Insurance Company, or GEICo. We support federal employees as we continue to share a special history together.

When you join with GEICo, you are partnering with a rock solid multi-line insurer that is part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. GEICo also gets straight A’s for financial strength. Low premiums are no bargain if your insurance company doesn’t have the financial resources to pay your claim. With GEICo, you never have to worry, because as a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., GEICo has assets of over $28 billion.

WhY IS GEICO VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

You like saving money and GEICo offers many cost-saving discounts for federal employees. You may qualify based on GS or Equivalent Job Grade or membership in federal or other organizations.

GEICo’s trained professional associates are ready to provide federal employees with the exceptional service they deserve and answer any questions about GEICo’s benefits to federal workers.

You will always receive great rates and great service. When you need us we are ready to help: 24-hour service, 7 days a week. You can get immediate coverage, low rates, convenient payment plans, and take advantage of numerous money-saving discount programs just for you.

For more information, go to www.geico.com/information/federal to discover the many benefit of the GEICo Federal Employees Program.

u GEICOOne GEICO Plaza | Washington, D.C. 20076www.geico.com/information/federal/ | 800-861-8380

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FAAMA EXhIbITOr SPOTLIGhT 2011

left to riGHt: The Federal Employee Defense Services (FEDS) booth; Joan Melanson, Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) representative at the podium (FAAMA Platinum Corporate Partner); and activity at the FLTCIP booth.

Gold Corporate Partner

hArrIS COrPOrATION

Harris is an international communications and information technol-ogy company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.

Harris offers a wide range of communications products and services including Commercial Broadcast products, Tactical Military Radios and Avionics, Satellite Communications including antennas payloads, and ground terminals, Healthcare Communications and Services, Law Enforcement and Security Communications, Weather and Meteorological Communications Services, Intelligence Community Products and Services, and products and services supporting the FAA.

WhY IS hArrIS VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Harris products and services are important to FAAMA members because the FAA is one of our most important customers. FAAMA members use Harris products and services every day. We provide the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI), the Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS), Weather and Radar Processor (WARP), and operational and Supportability Implementation System (oASIS) programs and recently have won the Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure (ASTI) program.

Additionally, Harris recently submitted a proposal for the Data Communications Information Services (DCIS) program. Harris is active in the FAA’s Florida NextGen test bed activity and currently is working on prototypes for System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) communications.

For more information, go to www.harris.com or contact us via email at [email protected] or call 321-309-6180. Also, visit Harris in Melbourne, Florida and tour the FTI Network operations and Control Center.

u Harris Corporation1025 West NASA Boulevard | Melbourne, FL 32919www.harris.com | 800-442-7747

Silver Corporate Partners Exhibiting

bLUE CrOSS bLUE ShIELD FEDErAL EMPLOYEE PrOGrAM

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) administers the Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, the largest privately underwritten health insurance contract in the world. over sixty one percent of all federal employees and retirees who receive their health care benefits through the government’s Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) are members of the Service Benefit Plan – receiving health coverage through their local Blue Plans.

The Service Benefit Plan has been a part of the FEHBP since it’s incep-tion in 1960 and is the largest plan in the program with more than 2.5 million of the almost 4.1 million contracts of federal employees and retirees who receive their health care benefits through the FEHBP, covering over 5.2 million federal employee retirees and their families.

WhY IS bCbS VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the most extensive health plan to federal employees and retirees. Members have an array of online consumer tools currently available to help them manage their benefits, increase their health care knowledge, and make informed decisions.

Members can access health advice and information through Blue Health Connection, a 24/7, toll -free telephone and online nurse advice line.

Through www.fepblue.org, members can locate physicians, order prescription refills, view claims information online, enroll in WalkingWorks® and learn more about health care options through AskBlue for Federal Employees.

FA AMA E Xh IbITOr SPOTLIG hT 2011


our suite of online tools includes the Blue Health Assessment to provide information about your current health status, MyBlue Benefit Statements to summarize your benefits and health care expenses, and MyBlue Personal Health Record to organize your personal health records.

For more information, go to www.fepblue.org.

u BlueCross and BlueShield Association Headquarters225 North Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60601www.fepblue.org

EVANS CONSOLES COrPOrATION

Founded in 1980 and privately owned, Evans Consoles is the world leader in the design and manufacturing of custom control room solu-tions for mission critical and other technology-intensive environments. our resources, combined with an experienced sales force and support network spanning the globe, give us the tools to meet all of your con-trol room console furniture needs.

For more information, go to: www.evansonline.com.

u Evans Consoles Corporation1616 27th Ave. NE, Calgary, Alberta | T2E 8W4, Canadawww.evansonline.com | 403-291-4444

bronze Corporate Partners Exhibiting

FEDErAL EMPLOYEE DEFENSE SErVICES (FEDS)

Federal Employee Defense Services (FEDS) provides professional liabil-ity insurance for federal employees and continually works with FAAMA to ensure we provide the protection necessary for FAA managers. For over 25 years, the FEDS panel of attorneys has successfully defended federal managers and supervisors in a variety of investigations and disciplinary cases as well as personal capacity lawsuits.

For $270 per year (only $135 after agency reimbursement), the FEDS policy provides experienced legal counsel to defend you in the event of an alleged wrongdoing or if you are accused of an act, error or omission in the performance of your FAA and/or managerial duties, an attorney to defend you if the Department of Justice (DoJ) exercises its discretion to decline to defend you or provide you with private counsel for a civil lawsuit, and indemnification of up to $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 if there is a judgment of damages against you.

WhY IS FEDS VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Administrative complaints and civil actions brought upon by subordinate employees, co-workers, members of the public, or some other entity often lead to Equal Employment opportunity Commission (EEoC), office of Inspector General (oIG), office of Professional Responsibility (oPR), office of Special Counsel (oSC), Congressional, or other management directed investigation and/or proposed disciplinary actions requiring the need for FAA managers to defend themselves. New policy changes, politically charged responses, and accountability demands for decisions made before, during, and after each new FAA-related incident have increased the professional and personal liability exposures of FAA managers.

For more information, go to: www.fedsprotection.com or call us at 866-955-FEDS.

u FEDSP.O. Box 65282 | Washington, DC 20035www.fedsprotection.com | 866-955-FEDS

GOLDEN KEY GrOUP

Golden Key Group (GKG) specializes in providing a complete spectrum of workforce solutions in both the government and commercial marketplaces. our diverse management team has more than 150 years of experience in operations, human resource management, training, and leadership.

our experienced team includes retired military, former govern-ment, and professional men and women, offering you multiple perspectives and proven solutions to complex issues.

Whether you need talent acquisition, training and development, or outsourcing of HR functions, the GKG can provide the keys to unlock the power of your workforce and improve your profits and productivity. GKG is a woman-owner and service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

WhY IS GKG VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

GKG works collaboratively with our partners to develop innova-tive and flexible solutions for our clients and to ensure effective and ongoing communication with both our clients and employees. We challenge ourselves and our entire organization to provide cre-ative and value-added solutions.

We also provide our employees with the tools and the resources needed to ensure their responsiveness to our clients. Plus, we con-stantly review and assess our performance to identify and leverage “lessons learned” in order to apply them to future projects.

left to riGHt: Nannette Hayes, Blue Cross Blue Shield at BCBS booth; and David Grizzle, ATo Chief operating officer, at the FAA office of Civil Rights booth.



For more information, go to: www.goldenkeygroup.com, write to [email protected], or call 703-815-0290 or 888-593-7454.

u Golden Key Group6728 Cedar Spring Road | Centreville, VA 20121www.goldenkeygroup.com | 888-593-7454

LIVINGSTON FINANCIAL GrOUP

Livingston Financial Group (LFG) is a financial planning firm that works specifically with federal employees to plan for retirement. We are located in Westminster, MD, just outside of Baltimore and Washington DC, and have advisors across the country that can help explain and navigate the often confusing language and benefits that are available to federal employees.

Livingston provides all FAAMA members a FREE Benefit Analysis. We calculate your pension, survivor benefits, FEGLI, FEHB, TSP, Long Term Care Insurance and other assets and debts you may have (i.e. – spouses 401(k), mortgage, private life insurance, etc). Then, we put it all together to see if you are able to retire and keep the same lifestyle that you have grown accustomed to. We also hold on-site seminars for federal employees that cover the many facets of the federal retirement system.

Livingston advisors also are able to provide assistance in manag-ing assets in retirement, private life insurance, and long term care insurance. We are registered representatives of INVEST Financial Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC. INVEST offers security and advisory services but is not affiliated with Livingston Financial Group or Livingston Federal. # 86450-1012

WhY IS LFG VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

As a federal employee, your benefits for retirement can sometimes seem overwhelming and very confusing. With our knowledge and expertise in federal benefits, we can “speak” your language and try to make sense of all your benefits to give you peace of mind before and in retirement.

For more information, go to: www.LivingstonFederal.com, call toll free at 800.752.8992, or email us at [email protected].

u Livingston Financial Group2 Locust Lane, Suite 306 | Westminster, MD 21157www.livingstonfinancialgroup.com | 800-752-8992

STr-SPEECh TECh LIMITED

STR-SpeechTech Ltd. (STR) is a leading supplier of text-to-speech systems for mission-critical broadcasting applications. Located in Victoria, Canada, STR has been dedicated to meeting our custom-ers’ needs for high quality speech and signal processing products for over 25 years.

our StarCaster® text-to-speech systems are deployed through-out the world at air traffic control towers and flight service stations, where the ability to generate clear and consistent avia-tion information broadcasts is a key component of operational efficiency and safety. StarCaster systems adhere to International Civil Aviation organization (ICAo) and World Meteorological organization (WMo) standards and recommendations, and are recognized by the international air traffic management community for their reliability and ease of use.

WhY IS STr VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

STR-SpeechTech already has delivered a number of StarCaster systems that are used by the FAA for automated broadcast of weather information. These systems include meteorological infor-mation for aircraft in flight (VoLMET) in New York and Honolulu; Transcribed Weather Enroute Broadcast (TWEB) in Alaska; and Tactical Information Broadcast Service (TIBS)-Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS) for the contiguous United States (CoNUS).

In addition, STR’s StarCaster Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) product is designed to meet the requirements of the FAA’s ATIS Program. StarCaster ATIS reduces the air traffic control (ATC) workload and provides a clear, intelligible voice which will increase the safety and efficiency of ATC tower operations.

For more information, go to www.speechtech.com, email [email protected], or call us at 250-477-0544.

u STR-SpeechTech Ltd.#212-1001 Cloverdale AvenueVictoria, British Columbia | Canada V8X 4C9www.speechtech.com | 250-477-0544

left to riGHt: David Grizzle, ATo Chief operating officer, at the Sunhillo booth; and activity at the Sunhillo booth.



Convention Exhibitors

ADVANCED ATC, INC.

Advanced ATC, Inc. (AATC) began operations in 2008 and is owned and operated by three retired FAA air traffic control managers. Located on the campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Valdosta, GA, AATC specializes in Control Tower operator (CTo) Certification training.

Advanced ATC offers a 52-week Control Tower operator Certification Training course which includes 13 weeks of classroom instruction and nine months of tower qualification. In addition, AATC students receive 400+ hours of advanced tower simulation as well as training up to ATC Level 12 proficiency.

Upon successful course completion and FAA Evaluation, graduates are issued a FAA CTo certificate with a Facility Rating and are ready to go to work. AATC graduates make application to the FAA under a CTo hiring announcement or hiring policy bulletin #48.

WhY IS ADVANCED ATC VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

AATC provides FAA managers with highly qualified air traffic control-lers who will save the FAA millions of dollars in training costs as well as reduce training time by more than 50 percent.

For more information, go to www.advancedatc.com, write [email protected], call 866-938-0398 toll free, or call 229-219-1238.

u Advanced ATC, Inc.4089 Val Tech Road, Bldg. 100 | Valdosta, GA 31602 www.advancedatc.com | 866-938-0398

ALL WEAThEr, INC.

All Weather, Inc. (AWI) is a leading developer of high accuracy, high dependability weather information systems that help users minimize risks in an unpredictable world. AWI combines state-of-the-art surface weather measurement technology with flexible systems design, accurate data distribution and display, and com-prehensive project management.

offerings include Automated Weather observing Systems (AWoS) aviation weather systems; Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems; Automated Surface observation System (ASoS) Controller Equipment (ACE)/Integrated Display System (IDS) air traffic control display systems; and a wide range of other high accuracy meteorological sensors and systems, including AWI’s patented forward scatter visibility sensors.

For more information, to www.allweather.com or call 800-824-5873.

u All Weather, Inc.1165 National Drive | Sacramento, CA 95834www.allweather.com | 800-824-5873

ATAC COrPOrATION

ATAC Corporation – experts in aviation simulation and analysis – is a software and services company that specializes in providing the aviation community with state-of-the-art computer simulation, modeling, and analysis tools, as well as expert services in air traffic systems and operations design and analysis.

ATAC is committed to making major contributions to the aviation industry by providing high quality products and services to meet critical needs, while maintaining a creative, innovative and respon-sive small-company environment.

Since 1979, ATAC has provided professional services and special-ized products in development and application of computer models, simulations, decision aids, and analysis tools; expert consulting in air traffic operations; advanced systems research and development; studies and analyses in airport planning, airspace operations design and analysis, advanced technology evaluation, cost-benefit analysis, and environmental impact assessment.

ATAC products have become the aviation industry standard for simu-lation and modeling:

• Simmod PRo!® provides the flexibility and power of true rules-based modeling capability through the innovative implementation of a generalized simulation scripting language. The Integrated Noise Model (INM) is the FAA’s standard computer model for assessing aircraft noise impacts in the vicinity of airports and over National Parks.

• Range, Airspace, and Airfield Data Analysis and Reporting System (RAADARs) is an automated aviation operations data collection, analysis and archiving system.

• Graphical Airspace Design Environment (GRADE®) is a state-of-the-art, four-dimensional computer tool for displaying, analyzing, designing, and evaluating air traffic operations in En Route and Terminal domains.

• SkyView™ provides a comprehensive set of software tools for gathering aviation performance and supporting data.

ATAC’s specialized services include airport planning, air traffic control training, airspace operations, military aviation, model development, operational performance analysis, and environmental impact assessment.

WhY IS ATAC VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

In the ever-challenging aviation industry, members and stakehold-ers need access to the best available tools with which to assess and measure performance and interactions of air traffic system elements, including the ability to baseline historical operations and compare results of operational changes.

Additionally, it is imperative for stakeholders to have visibility into a full range of modeling and simulation scenarios, with which to make better decisions about which changes are appropriate to make in achieving the highest benefit/cost ratios, while preserving the saf-est possible environment. ATAC Corporation provides the optimum tools and services to support attainment of these goals.



continued on page 20...

As an industry leader in aviation modeling and simulation, ATAC is the primary developer of PDARS, the Airport and Airspace Simulation Model (Simmod PRo!) and the Integrated Noise Model (INM). We also are a key contributor to the development of the FAA’s Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT).

As developers, ATAC possesses unique knowledge and insight into the inner workings of tools that enable customers to meet demanding, project-specific analysis requirements. ATAC has conducted airport and airspace design and analysis projects throughout the U.S. for the FAA.

ATAC’s success is built upon our staff’s expertise, experience, and education that includes air traffic control; operations research; aerospace, mechanical, acoustic and systems engineering; meteo-rology; physics; mathematics; software development; and database analysis.

For more information go to www.atac.com, or write to Jeff Browder at [email protected] or call 408-736-2822 x403 or 408-510-9348 (mobile).

u ATAC Corporation755 N. Mathilda Avenue, Suite 200 | Sunnyvale, CA 94085www.atac.com | 408-736-2822

AYDIN DISPLAYS, INC.

Aydin Displays, Inc. is a world leader in manufacturing and supplying high quality, high reliability displays in ATC, military, and industrial environments. With over 40 years experience, the firm is committed to providing mission critical display systems to facilitate maximum safety in flight. Aydin’s display line includes the 20” x 20” 30281 display – the only 2K x 2K display manufactured in North America and specifically designed for ATC. Aydin Displays is an AS9100B certified designer and manufacturer of display equipment.

For more information, go to www.aydindisplays.com.

u Aydin Displays, Inc.1 Riga Lane | Birdsboro, PA 19508www.aydindisplays.com | 866-367-2934

b & L TrAVEL

B & L Travel is a full service travel agency specializing in cruises and cruise vacations. Established in 2006, B & L offers travel values in cruises and cruise vacations, which include land excursions, all-inclusive cruises, and small and large ship cruising. We love to work with families and groups, and include all supporting services such as room upgrades, airport transfers, special dining, and custom itineraries. We also arrange customized vacation packages which can include both tour and cruise itineraries.

B & L Travel is fully accredited by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and maintains certifications as a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) from the Travel Institute. We are certified special-ists for the following cruise lines: Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises (also a certified Alaskan Cruise and Cruise Vacation expert for Princess), Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

WhY IS b & L TrAVEL VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

In the high-energy, high-stress world of the FAA’s many demanding occupations; it becomes more and more important to take time to ‘de-stress’. Cruising offers an excellent way to travel and explore new places and adventures while being pampered.

Pampering comes in the form of not only having to unpack once (and taking your accommodations with you!), but also being able to see many new things and places from the comfort of your stateroom, and having many dining and entertainment options right at your doorstep. The advantage of a cruise and/or a cruise vacation is that you can do as much, or as little, as you want!

Having worked more than 37 years at the FAA, and as a member of FAAMA since the early 1990s, B & L Travel will not impose any service charge or consulting fee for services to FAA clients.

For more information, go to www.bnltravel.org or look for B and L Travel on Facebook.

u B & L Travel | Keller, TX 76248www.bnltravel.org | 817-691-5948

CrOWN CONSULTING, INC.

Crown Consulting, Inc. (CCI), a system engineering and enterprise management consulting firm, specializes in front-end planning and evaluation of new aviation practices and technologies. our staff blends expertise in air traffic, airports, and piloting with skills in enterprise architecture, system engineering, human factors, operations research, and economics.

This integration enables us to define operational concepts that meet mission needs and pinpoint technology and business options that represent effective investments and further system architecture objectives. It also supports our customers in building and imple-menting the governance framework essential to measuring program performance.

our record includes a prominent role in evaluating advances in traffic management systems and developing and assessing new air-space and airport configurations. A recipient of the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) Small Business Award and FED-100 Award, CCI is recognized for improving technology evaluation practices, and now contributes expertise in aviation safety, operational capabilities, and shared situational awareness to the FAA’s Joint Planning and Development office (JPDo).

CCI has just completed construction of a new Analytics Laboratory which enables us to do high fidelity modeling and simulation. The lab includes many state-of-the-art tools such as the Sector Design and Analysis Tool (SDAT); the Total Airspace and Airport Modeler (TAAM); the Future ATM Concepts Evaluation Tool (FACET); Flight Explorer; Terminal Area Route Generation, Evaluation, and Traffic Simulation (TARGETS); and the Geospatial Applications Satellite Tool Kit (STK).

The lab also utilizes a Hewlett Packard Z-800 High Performance Computer capable of performing over a trillion floating decimal point calculations per second, which allows us to complete very complex analytical tasks quickly and economically.


fAAmA eXHiBitorspotliGHt 2011




continued FRoM page 17...

WhY IS CCI VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

We have experienced employees who are experts in the fields of air traffic control, airspace design, simulation, modeling, traffic flow management, analytics, and program management. CCI works with FAA Headquarters and the Service Centers to solve complex ATC challenges. If you have an air traffic issue, we can help you solve it.

For more information, go to www.crownci.com, contact Bruce Johnson, VP, Aviation Systems, at 703-650-0663 x3035, or via email at [email protected].

u Crown Consulting, Inc. 1400 Key Blvd., Suite 1100 | Rosslyn, VA 22209www.crownci.com | 800-785-6788

FAA IDEAhUb

IdeaHub is a DoT-wide online community that enables employees to “build” ideas in a collaborative environment. Its interdepartmen-tal nature makes it a first of a kind – a transparent and easy-to-use ideation tool. It uses social media concepts to foster innovation and collaboration within the FAA and DoT, and opens communication channels between management and employees. Its primary goal is to leverage the ideas of everyone to make the FAA and DoT better.

With more than 4,000 ideas and 12,000 comments (as of this writing), IdeaHub is a veritable mountain of employee ideas. In its first year, the IdeaHub community already has come together to offer creative solutions and/or implement employee ideas at FAA, including:

• Explore a new e-mail messaging platform;

• Rename ramps and aprons to ensure safety;

• offer tuition assistance to eligible FAA employees;

• Create a mobile MyFAA site, FAA Twitter, and FAA Facebook accounts;

• Establish paperless classrooms at the FAA Academy;

• Adopt business casual attire for the summer;

• Encourage a healthier lifestyle by promoting “consider the stairs” instead of the elevator.

WhY IS IDEAhUb VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

IdeaHub is a conduit for employee ideas to travel upstream in sup-port of FAA’s mission. We harvest employees’ ideas to benefit FAA. The program engages a team of energetic liaisons and agents from each line of business and staff office to help bring employee ideas to the surface. Ideas are monitored for merit as well as level of activ-ity; some select ideas are presented for consideration to the FAA Innovation Council which consists of decision makers from each line of business and staff office.

IdeaHub is the most direct resource for managers to get the pulse of employee morale, supplying insight into what’s on employees’ minds; supplies a medium for managers to promote a program or policy, dispel myths, and provide clarification; creates a new channel for communication; and shows employees that FAA management cares.

For more information, go to http://dotideahub.gov/. Employees can sign-in using their eCenter (Webmail) username and password, at any time, from any location. Users can join any conversation, post comments, rate ideas, or contribute their thoughts online. For pro-gram information, Q&As, and a bird’s eye view of each idea status update, visit HubBub, the FAA IdeaHub News and Information page at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/ideahub/.

Send an email to [email protected] for a complimentary copy of the IdeaHub Management and Executive Communication Guide and join the conversation today!

u Deborah Green, Program ManagerFAA IdeaHubOffice of Communications (AOC)800 Independent Avenue SW | Washington, DC 20597202-267-9499 | 202-320-4544 (Blackberry)

FAAMA STOrE

In the FAAMA online Store and at Association conferences, we provide FAAMA members with a wide variety of high quality products displaying an official, embroidered FAAMA logo. The possibilities include golf shirts for men and women, dress shirts, caps, jackets, turtleneck shirts, ties, and poplin three-quarter sleeve blouses for women. We can embroider either the FAAMA logo or FAAMA text onto any of the products shown on the websites of our two favorite suppli-ers – www.bodekandrhodes.com and www.bluegeneration.com.

Utilizing two of the industry’s premium commercial embroidery machines, we also can develop custom logos for individual asso-ciation chapters. Examples of this treatment are Los Angeles and South Florida FAAMA Chapters. Recently, we joined the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and now can provide all types of promotional products as well as embroidered items.

WhY IS ThE FAAMA ONLINE STOrE VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

High quality, customized logo products definitely make a posi-tive impression. By wearing logo products, FAAMA members can arouse curiosity, gain the attention of their colleagues, and even attract new Association members, as well as establish name rec-ognition, build a distinctive image, and inspire membership loyalty for the Association.

FAAMA members will receive the highest level of quality and service when working with the FAAMA online Store. My current service as PAC Administrator for FAAMA as well as my 38 years of FAA service as a Front Line Manager stand behind everything offered in the FAAMA online Store.

For more information, go to www.faama.org. A yellow banner at lower left on first screen leads directly to the FAAMA online Store at www.faama.org/store/. You also can send an email to [email protected], or call 406-579-2438 or 404-312-8731 (cell).

u Mike EhrlichFAAMA Online Storewww.faama.org/store/ | 406-579-2438



FEEA

Since 1986, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) has been the only nonprofit organization devoted solely to helping civilian federal and postal employees. FEEA was formed because of the needs of federal employees, but has grown through their generosity. FEEA’s goal is that every federal employee knows of FEEA in his or her time of need.

For more information, go to www.feea.org.

u FEEA3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 | Lakewood, CO 80227www.feea.org | 800-323-4140

L-3 LINK SIMULATION & TrAINING

L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) traces its legacy back to Ed Link’s invention of the Pilot Maker in 1929. Today L-3 Link remains a leading systems integrator that supplies total training systems and advanced military flight simulators. L-3 Link oper-ates a number of training schoolhouses, ranging from the U.S. Air Force’s largest total training system for the C-17 platform to a civilian air traffic control academy.

L-3 Link’s ongoing investment in internal research and develop-ment will continue to ensure that it develops discriminating products that provide customers with advanced and affordable simulation and training solutions.

L-3 Link Simulation & Training is a world leader in providing total training solutions for operators and maintainers across a wide range of military platforms and Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems. L-3 Link’s innovative solutions provide a full spectrum of state-of-the-art training technologies, including high-fidelity immersive simulations, as well as distributed academic and interactive courseware. L-3 Link is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, with key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY; orlando, FL; oklahoma City, oK; Broken Arrow, oK; and Phoenix, AZ.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Link’s parent organization, L-3 Communications, employs approximately 61,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services.

WhY IS LINK SIMULATION & TrAINING VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Link Simulation & Training operates a civilian air traffic control academy. We are licensed as a Career and Trade School by the State of Texas and our Control Tower operator course is approved for use of Veterans GI Bill educational benefits.

Individuals complete 1,354 hours of academic, simulation, and on-the-job training at our facility in Denison, TX. Successful gradu-ates are awarded a CTo certificate with facility rating for North Texas Regional Airport. This alternative hiring source can help the FAA meet its need for air traffic controllers by providing individu-als who have demonstrated their ability to do the job and been certified by an FAA CTo Examiner.

For more information about Link’s ATC Academy and training program, go to www.link.com/atc

u L-3 Communications Corporation600 Third Avenue | New York, NY 10016www.l-3com.com | 212-697-1111

ThE MITrE COrPOrATION

The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) is a not-for-profit organization, chartered to work in the public interest. MITRE operates the Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), for the United States (U.S.) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MITRE/CAASD is a world-class, independent, not-for-profit research and develop-ment center dedicated to improving the capacity, safety, security and efficiency of aviation worldwide.

MITRE’s aviation work focuses on advancing global harmonization, solving challenging operational problems, assisting with aviation infra-structure development, and prototyping new technology. Additionally, MITRE works on measures to increase airport and airspace capacity, while minimizing environmental impacts, and conducts collaborative research with the aviation industry. MITRE’s expansive laboratory capa-bilities combine the newest technology with sophisticated modeling and simulation to help solve customer challenges.

MITRE has supported the FAA for over 50 years and has been involved in the research, development, operation and moderniza-tion of every facet of the U.S. national airspace system. In addition, MITRE provides international civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers, airport operators, airlines, and other aviation orga-nizations with unbiased, objective expertise in the areas of systems engineering, aviation operations, strategic planning, modeling and simulation, safety and security, and information systems integration.

MITRE/CAASD carries out highly technical engineering and operational analyses, system development, and system specification activities to help the FAA and our other sponsors plan, develop, test, and field new capabilities that help modernize air traffic management (ATM) systems and practices to improve the safety, efficiency and security of air travel.

MITRE/CAASD’s innovations have been adopted in critical ATM pro-grams such as conflict probe and resolution, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Global Positioning System (GPS) mod-eling, and the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

Recently, MITRE/CAASD has been heavily involved in support-ing the FAA NextGen program. The NextGen implementation plan addresses the evolution of the U.S. air transportation system in the mid-term (2012 -2018) and in the long-term (2018-2025) with signif-icant coordination between government, industry and air transport carriers. The plan is focusing on providing integrated surveillance and network-enabled operations.

WhY IS MITrE VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

MITRE/CAASD’s mission is to serve the public interest by advanc-ing the safety, security, effectiveness, and efficiency of aviation in the U.S. and around the world by conducting a continuing program of research, development, and engineering collaboration with the aviation community.



MITRE/CAASD understands the complex challenges that our cus-tomers face and we tailor creative solutions to their most critical needs. These solutions place an emphasis on quality, integrity, and objectivity, and take a long-term perspective focused on the public interest, and seek ways to merge operational, technical, and program expertise.

For more information, go to http://mitrecaasd.org/ or http://mai.mitrecaasd.org/.

u The MITRE Corporation-Washington7515 Colshire Drive | McLean, VA 22102www.mitre.org | 703-983-6000

MOSAIC ATM, INC.

Mosaic ATM was proud to be an exhibitor at the Gathering of Eagles Convention held in Las Vegas. Headquartered in Leesburg, VA, Mosaic ATM develops engineering solutions and products, from research prototypes to operational systems, to support our nation’s air transport system. our focus is excellence in the design and development of intelligent, digital reasoning systems that drive the predictive planning and decision making within real-time, command and control systems.

our products are employed in NextGen air traffic control systems, airline airport operations, and in the navigation guidance systems for Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs). our dedication is to maintain our staff of industry-recognized experts in air traffic man-agement - that is why “ATM” is in our name.

The FAA, NASA, and the airlines use Mosaic ATM systems to make better operational decisions and to improve system performance:

• Surface Decision Support System (SDSS) provides surface information and tools for the FAA and airline users by supporting advanced procedures such as Collaborative Departure Queue Management (CDQM).

• Surface operations Data Analysis and Adaptation (SoDAA) brings automated airport and surface intelligence to airlines and airport authorities for use in improving the pace of operational performance.

• Unmanned System Technologies support autonomous operation through mission planning, computer vision, sensor fusion, and piloting systems. These technologies and our ATC/ATM knowl-edge are supporting UAS integration into the National Airspace System (NAS).

our research in airspace design and advanced trajectory man-aged environments is being applied to support future NextGen operational improvements. our partnering with Passur Aerospace provides an extension of our airport tolls to a broad commercial base to support airport departure metering, networked surface management, and integrated traffic management.

WhY IS MOSAIC ATM VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Service is our primary product. Mosaic ATM products and services are responsive to customer needs from research and operational analysis to design, installation, and support. We take pride in transitioning beneficial technical improvements to the operational environment, supplying cutting edge research and design for the FAA, NASA, the armed forces, and commercial users.

our technologies and system expertise provides efficient planning for airports and airspace and supports future operating of autono-mous systems in the NAS. We are a team of highly educated and experienced aviation professionals and math and software experts who are dedicated to solving the critical issues and the daily rou-tines required to make operations sing.

For more information, go to www.mosaicatm.com or contact Bill Hall, Managing Director of Commercial Applications and Services, at 202.653.2886, or Chris Wargo, Director Business Development, at 443.994.6137.

u Mosaic ATM, Inc.801 Sycolin Rd., Ste. 306 | Leesburg, VA 20175www.mosaicatm.com | 800-405-8576

NArFE

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) was founded in 1921 by 14 federal retirees who met in Washington, DC, to form a group dedicated to improving the status of retired federal employees. Since then, NARFE has worked tire-lessly on behalf of federal workers, retirees, their spouses and survivors. An advocate for both active and retired federal employees before Congress and the White House, NARFE has emerged as a significant force on behalf of the entire federal family.

NARFE is the only association solely dedicated to preserving and improving the health care and retirement benefits of federal work-ers and retirees. Today, NARFE’s efforts are more important than ever as Congress and the administration consider unprecedented cuts in federal pay and benefits. NARFE services to members include the following:

• Effective legislative representation at the federal and state levels;

• A monthly magazine, focused on federal benefits, finances and other topics;

• Electronic alerts to legislation affecting your income and health care security;

• NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, weekly Legislative Hotlines, and a wide variety of information is available only to members via our website (www.narfe.org);

• Exclusive access to a set of easy-to-use online financial planning tools and e-seminars;

• Eligibility for college scholarships for children and/or grandchildren;

• Discounts on hotels, cruises, vacation tours, car rentals, bankcards, and more.

NARFE’s expert staff of former U.S. office of Personnel Management and Social Security Administration professionals is available to advise members regarding problems related to CSRS and FERS annuities, TSP investments, health benefits, Medicare, and Social Security.

WhY IS NArFE VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Your federal benefits, health insurance and annuity are prob-ably among your most valuable assets. Currently, they are under unprecedented attack. Some lawmakers are calling for drastic cuts. The congressional “super committee,” charged with cutting an additional $1.5 trillion from the federal deficit, has our benefits



on its chopping block right now. Through our “Protect America’s Heartbeat” (www.protectamericasheartbeat.org) advocacy and communications campaign, NARFE is leading the fight in defending against these attacks.

For more information, go to www.narfe.org or call 800-627-3394.

u NARFE606 N. Washington St. | Alexandria, VA 22314www.narfe.org | 703-838-7760

PLANTrONICS, INC.

Powered by a 50-year obsession with perfecting headsets and backed by a worldwide network of services and support, Plantronics audio devices have earned a sound reputation for mission-critical applica-tions. Air traffic control (ATC), Emergency/9-1-1, E9-1-1, and Dispatch Centers for Police, Fire, EMT and other vital first responder functions rely on Plantronics for crisp, clear communications every time.

Plantronics holds the exclusive contract with the FAA for ATC headsets. We also provide headsets and audio devices for stan-dard telecommunications, radio and console, computer assisted communications (UC/VoIP) and learning applications, as well as Emergency/9-1-1 Dispatch Centers and other vital First Responder functions. The Plantronics Specials Group also provides headsets for dozens of other mission-critical applications: NASA, DoD, the Armed Forces, and emergency dispatch services to name just a few.

WhY IS PLANTrONICS VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Your conversations are mission critical communications, so your headset choice is just as vital. We design headsets for day-to-day wear in demanding environments - our expertise is used to ensure that every product we build meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

For more information, go to www.plantronics.com/gov or call 800-544-4660, option 5, ext 4063.

u Plantronics, Inc.345 Encinal Street | Santa Cruz, California 95060www.plantronics.com/gov | 800-544-4660

QINETI Q NOrTh AMErICA, INC.

The mission of Qineti Q NA, Inc. is mission assurance. We protect our customers’ most valuable resources. We listen to our customers and work with them to develop innovative technology solutions. We bring our customers more than 4,000 patented solutions and technologies developed in one of the free world’s largest defense laboratory sys-tems. Among our certifications are ISo 9001:2008 registrations and a CMMI Maturity Level 3 and Capability Level 4 for Verification.

For more information, go to www.qinetiq-na.com.

u QinetiQ North America Headquarters7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 350 | McLean, VA 22102www.qinetiq-na.com | 703-752-9595

rAYThEON COMPANY

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security, and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 89 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communica-tions, and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, MA, Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

WhY IS rAYThEON VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Raytheon systems help control more than 60 percent of the air traf-fic management systems, Raytheon trains more than 5,000 FAA air traffic controllers each year, and Raytheon has installed more solid-state ATM radars than all other manufacturers combined.

For more information, go to www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter at @raytheon.

u Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC22265 Pacific Blvd. | Dulles, VA 20166www.Raytheon.com/businesses/rts | 571-250-3399

SKY ONE FEDErAL CrEDIT UNION

Skyone’s products, quality service, and loyalty to our membership make us unique. You work hard transporting America safely through the skies. We work hard to provide you financial peace of mind.

What makes us stand out among financial institutions? We have almost 63 years of serving the air transportation industry, and we understand the specific financial needs of our members. That’s why we exist. We embrace the latest technological innovations to offer the highest level of secure, 24/7 account access services available today.

WhY IS SKYONE VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Think of it as having the best of both worlds – exceptional financial services matched with the sense of community and tradition that makes us unique. That means you can rely on us to support all aspects of your financial world, from personal checking to mortgages

For more information, go to www.skyone.org or call us at 800-421-7111.

u SkyOne Federal Credit Union14600 Aviation Blvd. | Hawthorne, CA 90250-6656www.skyone.org | 800-421-7111

SILPADA JEWELrY

Whether you are wearing professional attire or dressing just for fun, striking jewelry styled by Silpada can enhance your look and make every day memorable. Special jewelry can go a long way toward saying “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I miss you,” or “thank you” to a spouse, a significant other, a colleague, family member, or friend. Beautifully made, uniquely designed, and fully guaranteed, Silpada jewelry is an investment in beauty and satisfaction.



Silpada has become a household name for extraordinary, .925 ster-ling silver jewelry. Quality materials showcase the unique details that make a Silpada piece, as we like to say, hip-classic®. on average, six to eight artisans create each piece, making this jewelry true works of art. And, to top it off, Silpada jewelry is sold by a retired FAA air traffic control front line manager and former member of FAAMA!

For more information, go to http://mysilpada.com/sites/boots.wilson/private/.

SNOW FEDErAL SEMINArS, INC.

Get clear direction on your Federal Employee Benefits from the pre-miere educational organization providing in-depth knowledge on the complex maze of federal employee benefits. If you are struggling to understand your benefits, or are wondering how you can plan for a secure retirement, we can help you! Snow Federal Seminars special-ize in providing information on benefits for CSRS, CSRS offset, FERS, FERS Transferees, and Air Traffic Controllers.

WhY IS SNOW FEDErAL VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

We are the premier educational organization providing in-depth knowledge on the complex maze of federal employee benefits. In the business of providing quality educational training for 26 years, we supply benefit training for new hires, mid-career, and pre-retirement federal employees, providing well qualified and dynamic instructors. Plus, we can customize the agendas to suit the specific needs of your Agency.

For more information, go to www.snowseminars.com, call Snow Federal Seminars at 1-800-696-3511, or contact either Heather Clark at 303-587-0626 or Selena Maruska at 303-596-2265.

u Federal Seminars & ChFEBC, Inc.399 Perry Street, Suite 320 | Castle Rock, CO 80104www.snowseminars.com | 800-696-3511

SUNhILLO COrPOrATION

Sunhillo Corporation is the globally recognized leader in surveil-lance data distribution systems and is a successful small business prime contractor. Currently celebrating a twentieth anniversary, Sunhillo has designed, developed, tested, and integrated hundreds of surveillance data communications systems throughout the world. Many of the systems in use at the sites today are built with Sunhillo products, including the EnRoute Communications Gateway (ECG), the AToP External Communications Server, and the STARS system, to mention just a few.

We handle all lifecycle aspects for these systems, from specification to design and test, to site installation, as well as technical refresh. Sunhillo is an ISo 9001:200 certified small business with head-quarters located within 45 minutes of the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center (WJHTC). We also have an ECG support staff located inside the WJHTC to handle field support and upgrades to the ECG.

Sunhillo’s product line includes; the Longport (Surveillance Data Distribution Platform) used in the STARS, ATCBI6 systems, RICI

(Real time Interface Conversion Item), and the SGP (Surveillance Gateway Processor) used across the FAA including the FAA National Defense Program as well as the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) program. Sunhillo also supplies Simulation and Test Tools including the SGAT (Surveillance Generator and Analysis Tool), the Track Generator, and the Surveillance Monitoring System. The company provides rack integration and testing and all ERAM Racks were built by Sunhillo.

WhY IS SUNhILLO VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Sunhillo designs, engineers, fields, and sustains the most advanced mission-critical data and air traffic surveillance systems and net-works in the world today, and is proud to be your partner in FAA NextGen initiatives. Most notably, Sunhillo is now deploying the FAA’s ADS-B system Service Delivery Points (SDPs) across the U.S. as well as making ongoing deliveries of our Longport product for STARS system deployments.

For more information, go to www.sunhillo.com, write to us at [email protected], or call 856-767-7676.

u Sunhillo Corporation444 Kelley Drive | West Berlin, New Jersey 08091www.sunhillo.com | 856-767-7676

SYSTEMS ATLANTA, INC.

Management of air traffic activity demands current data and instan-taneous retrieval of that data. When you need to make decisions about air traffic flow or ground movement, wondering where some-thing is located to help in making that decision is not an option. Is your current process of entering and retrieving ATM data outdated, reliant on paper or simply not user friendly?

Systems Atlanta’s Air Traffic Management – Information Display/Dissemination System (ATM-IDS) was designed specifically to link all critical ATM facilities together into one large, interconnected data network, allowing users to simultaneously enter, view and dissemi-nate ATM data. The ATM-IDS communication system provides rapid distribution of data from several sources to all workstations on the network. The alerting system gives users a visual and/or aural alert to indicate change to critical ATM-IDS information.

ATM-IDS’s ability to share and exchange data between various types of organizations (e.g., air traffic control, airport operations, airfield management, weather) makes it one of the most robust systems on the market. The ability to completely customize each internal ATM-IDS data page to fit local operating needs is second to none.

ATM-IDS software integrates data into pages obtained from multiple sources, such as weather sensors, security cameras, reference materials, user or manual entries, etc. It can also be customized to automatically upload new documents, search for new data, and even export select information to non-ATM-IDS workstations.

The customization potential of the ATM-IDS database is virtually lim-itless. As one aviation customer explained: “IDS5’s only limitation is a person’s imagination. I have not yet found anything it cannot do for me as it relates to data entry, retrieval and alerting.”



FAAMA Corporate Partner Awards2011 gathering of eagles

plAtiNUm Federal Long Term Care Insurance Plan

GEICo

GolD Harris Corporation

silVer Blue Cross Blue Shield

Evans Consoles

BroNZe Federal Employee Defense Services (FEDS)

The Golden Key Group

Livingston Financial Group

STR-SpeechTech Ltd.

WhY IS SYSTEMS ATLANTA VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Manage with confidence knowing your operations are running smoothly and your systems users have the critical data they need. our total solutions approach means that whatever your requirements, you’ll receive the same expert guidance, service dedication, and adaptability necessary to ensure your challenges are addressed both effectively and economically.

With Systems Atlanta, you will eliminate the guesswork; save time, money, and effort; increase efficiency, responsiveness, and agility; customize a solution based on your operational needs; and get one-stop access to the technology and services you need, when and how you need them.

For more information, go to www.sysatl.com/solutions/ air-traffic-management, write to [email protected], or call 770-928-0240.

u Systems Atlanta, Inc.1100 Cobb International Place NWKennesaw, GA 30152-7618www.sysatl.com | 770-928-0240

ThALES ATM

Thales ATM is deploying sustainable NextGen solutions addressing the needs of stakeholders in these areas: air traffic automation, avionics, data communication, navigation, surveillance, and simulation.

Thales ATM provides navigational aids – Instrument Landing System (ILS), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN), and Doppler VHF omnidirectional Range (DVoR); surveillance solutions including Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), Multilateration, and Low-Cost Ground Surveillance; tower, terminal, en-route, and oce-anic automation solutions; simulation; and engineering services.

WhY IS ThALES ATM VITAL TO FAAMA MEMbErS?

Thales ATM has been providing navigation solutions in the National Airspace System (NAS) for more than 60 years. The company provides 99 percent of the ILS systems in the US, ADS-B ground stations, and multisensor tracking for Traffic Information Services-Broadcast (TIS-B) services to Information Technology Tools (ITT) for the Surveillance and Broadcast Services (SBS) pro-gram and is providing an air/ground data server to the FAA’s Data Comm program office to validate avionics that will be used for data comm services.

For more information, go to www.thalesgroup.com or write to [email protected].

u Thales ATM, Inc.23501 West 84th Street | Shawnee, KS 66227www.thalesgroup.com | 913-422-2600

WAEPA

Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) enables federal employees, and their families, to purchase bet-ter life insurance at far better prices. As a superior alternative, or supplement to FEGLI, WAEPA gives its members more coverage, more benefits, and greater flexibility, yet costs much less. WAEPA insurance not only saves money, but also actually provides better insurance at the same time.

For more information, go to www.waepa.org.

u WAEPA433 Park Avenue | Falls Church, VA 22046www.waepa.org | 800-368-3484

left to riGHt: Michael Livingston, Livingston Financial Group; Josh Tingle and Cristin Calomiris, Golden Key Group; David Rivers, Evans Consoles; David Conley, FAAMAPresident; Stephen Smith, FAAMA Vice President; Stephen Eady and Laura Bowers, STR-SpeechTech Ltd.; Deedre Daniel, GEICo; and Nanette Hayes, BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program.


save the date | oct. 14-18, 201232nd Annual Gathering of Eagles

Disney Coronado Springs Resort | Orlando

Plan now to attend by submitting an annual leave request to cover your attendance. As an incentive for attending, some FAAMA Chapters reimburse some or all of their members’ Convention expenses. Make plans now – don’t miss the 32nd Annual FAAMA Gathering of Eagles Convention – in an all-new, exciting new setting.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a Southwest-themed hotel encircling Lago Dorado – a glimmering 22-acre lake – that evokes the spirit and romance of Spanish-colonial Mexico. From the welcoming spring-fed Fountain of the Doves to the hidden treasures of the Mayan-ruin themed Dig Site pool, guests enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Coronado Springs Resort.

Plus, there are virtually unlimited options for seeing and doing much more:

• Walt Disney World theme parks are just minutes away from the hotel, and a handy shuttle bus runs from the hotel to the parks.

• Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean International cruise lines sail from Port Canaveral, just 65 miles east of the hotel.

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where you can find amazing NASA exhibits is 62 miles east of the hotel in orsino, FL (near Cape Canaveral).

Make this a family vacation! Coronado Springs Resort will honor the FAAMA convention room rate for the weekends prior to and following the Convention.

The 32nd Annual FAAMA 2012 Convention is moving to an exciting new location in orlando. FAAMA will submit the training agenda to the FAA for approval of excused time during training sessions.

I want to commend each one of you not only for the work you do, but also for promoting aviation

safety and efficiency. Because of you, your work, your dedication, and your professionalism, we have the safest aviation system in the entire world.

You are working through some very challenging times right now. Air traffic controllers need training, mentoring, and a lot of guidance from you as they

gain experience, and I know how chal-lenging that can be. And, I also know that Congress is not making your job any easier. The fact that we have not passed a long-term FAA reauthoriza-tion bill is not good.

As you know, the current FAA extension expires in January of next year and, unfortunately, the Bill expired in 2007. There is a lot of uncertainty because we can’t get the

Meeting the Challenges of FAA reauthorization and NextGenExcerpts from an address by Representative Jerry F. Costello to the 2011 FAAMA Convention

As the ranking member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I meet with a lot of groups on a whole host of issues. You should know that the FAA Managers Association has a great team working for its members in Washington DC, and that includes not only your President David Conley and the Board of Directors, but also Executive Director Louis Dupart. You should be proud of your entire leadership team.

COSTELLO ON...ThE SUPEr COMMITTEE

The Super Committee created by the Congress – with a November 23 deadline – is trying to meet the challenge of making about 1.5 trillion in federal budget cuts. If they do not reach an agreement, automatic cuts will take place right before for Christmas, with 50 percent of the cuts coming from defense. It remains to be seen where the rest of the cuts will be made and whether the FAA will take a hit.

Without question, we need to get spending under control and balance the federal budget while, at the same time, continuing to make investments in aviation, space, science and lots of other things – which raises questions about funding NextGen.

In the 2007-2009, we increased the user fees on fuel. We sat down with general aviation and said that if we can bring NextGen online, it will improve efficiency and save a lot of money. It is an investment in the future, but we don’t have the money to implement it, and they said, “Go ahead and increase the fuel tax as long as the funds are used to implement NextGen.”

Fast forward to 2011 – we have 87 freshman Congressmen on the Republican side of the aisle, and the majority have signed pledges. When John Mica, who chairs the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, came into the room right before rolling out the new FAA bill, he said, “I have good news and bad news.” He said that about 90 percent of the things we agreed upon are going to stay in the bill. The bad news is that there may be about $10 billion cut out of the bill.

We are going to roll back to 2008 spending levels. I noted that these are user fees and not everyone pays them. Chairman Mica pointed out that neither user fees nor any kind of increase at all will be allowed. So that is what we are dealing with, and it is very serious.

I have major concerns and I am not optimistic. There will be an agreement by November 23, and I am preparing for the worst of the automatic cuts to take place.

And, I also know that Congress is not making your job any easier. The fact that we have not passed a long-term FAA reauthorization bill is not good.



House and Senate to agree to pass a long-term bill. There have been 22 extensions which I think may be a record in Congress for any bill.

We’ve extended FAA reauthorization 22 times and this is simply unaccept-able. We must figure out a way to get a long-term bill. The most recent extension will take us just through January of 2012. We have made a lot of progress in the sense that the commit-tee staff is working together to smooth out a lot of disagreements between the House and the Senate. And, I’m hoping that House Republican leadership will come back to the table and try to bar-gain in good faith so that we can reach an agreement on a long-term extension.

There is a provision in the Senate and House Bill that David Conley and Louis Dupart worked on together, so I know that it is important to the Association. I supported it, and am working hard to make sure that it is in the final bill. It is essential that the FAA Administrator commission a study on frontline man-ager staffing in air traffic control facili-ties throughout the United States.

It is vitally important that we have the proper staff as far as managers are concerned at our facilities. That affects the safety in all of our facilities throughout the United States when we go forward to implement the next generation air traffic system.

When I was privileged to chair the House Aviation Subcommittee in 2007, and again in 2009, we passed a long-term bill that I thought was very healthy. We agreed on the funding levels and we agreed on almost every provision, because I insisted that it not be a Democratic bill or a Republican bill. It would be a bipartisan bill – we would come together and work on the final product.

Unfortunately, in 2009, two sena-tors put a hold on the bill and it did not get out of the Senate. Now, the Senate has passed a reauthorization bill. Going forward, the Senate has appointed conferees, but in the House we have not. We are calling on speaker Boehner and House leadership to appoint House conferees so that we can sit down and get down to business on a long-term bill. If you followed the discussion during the 22 extensions – all were clean extensions except two. Those two had riders attached to them by opponents on both sides.

During the recent shutdown of the FAA, we had a clean extension, but committee leadership attached a provi-sion dealing with essential air service that not only led to a major disagree-ment, but also resulted in a shutdown. The federal government lost almost $400 million in revenue in those two weeks and nearly 4,000 FAA workers

COSTELLO ON... hOW FAA EMPLOYEES CAN INFLUENCE ThE FUTUrE

We are in a very pivotal time in this country. We are trying to come out of the greatest recession since the Great Depression at the same time government is viewed as the problem and the federal workforce as the enemy by many making decisions today in Congress.

The federal workforce is our strength. We have the safest air space system in the world because we made investments, and once we start taking money away from those investments and those programs, we will start moving backwards and not going forward. So, now is the time to get involved. Be active! Do everything you can in terms of spreading the word!

COSTELLO ON...PrIVATIZATION

It is no secret that the leadership of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Chairman John Mica, continues to push for privatization and contracting out. Frankly, he has said so in Committee meetings both in the past and not long ago, too. He says that we should take the entire air traffic controller workforce and contract them out – they should not be government employees.

I adamantly oppose that view. It would be a mess. We need to ensure that we have the best and the brightest working with and pro-tecting the national airspace system. I will be active on the House Aviation Subcommittee for another 14 months, and will be active in aviation issues for many years to come.


were furloughed. I am concerned that it could happen again.

If we do not reach an agreement by the time the current extension expires, committee leadership may try to make additional cuts to the FAA in the next extension. I hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, I will vigorously oppose it. We must have the necessary funding to operate the FAA, and to make certain that employees are paid. As we go forward with NextGen, we must have adequate funding.

During the FAA furlough in August, your Association worked hard to make certain that members of Congress under-stood the hardship the furlough was causing not only for workers, but also for the entire system. Your efforts paid off! Those who caused the furlough really got the message when your partnership with the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) quickly established a furlough relief fund which provided immediate financial assistance to those almost 4,000 employees. This demonstrated not only to us, but also to members of Congress, your generosity and willingness to help others.

Also, I commend DOT Secretary LaHood and FAA Administrator Babbitt for the way they handled the shutdown. During the furlough, there wasn’t a day that went by without one or more calls from Secretary LaHood or Administrator Babbitt to exchange

ideas. They did everything they could to come up with a solution that would get FAA employees back on the job. They stood up for their employees – I was very pleased when Secretary LaHood made the decision to include back pay for the two-week furlough in the October 18th paychecks.

At every House Aviation Subcommittee hearing, I always ask whether we have all of the stakeholders at the table – whether we are discussing NextGen or implementation of some other program. Are you listening to the folks who run the system so that stake-holders have a voice in what’s going on? I am told that it is better now than in the past, but I will continue to press to make certain your voices are heard.

You are the people who run the national airspace system and you are the ones who should be heard in order to get NextGen or any other program moving forward. I will continue to work with House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Petri, to make sure that the FAA stays on track.

When I’m back in my district in Illinois, everyone asks the same question – what is going on in Congress? Why can’t you guys just sit down and talk things out? And, I give the same answer – you can’t find a solution to a problem unless both sides are willing to sit down. We have new members of Congress elected in districts throughout the country who

signed pledges before they were elected to office as to what they will and will not do.

Harry Truman said that the art of politics is compromise. I know that is true in marriage, it is true in business, and it is true in your work at the FAA. Two people have to be willing to sit down, talk, work together, and listen to each other in order to solve a prob-lem. We have too many members of Congress who are unwilling to listen – it is their way or no way. They believe compromise means surrender.

For 23 years, I’ve served in Congress, but two weeks ago I announced that I will not be seeking reelection in 2012. And the reason? It is not because I said in 1988 when elected to Congress that I did not want to stay there all of my life. There are other things that I want to do. I want to start a new life while I am young and healthy enough to do a lot of things I neglected over the past 23 years.

I’m not going away and I’m not retiring. I am entering a new phase of my life and plan to be active in aviation. Aviation is a passion; it is something that I have developed a deep interest in, so I will be leaving Congress, but I will not be leaving aviation. I’ll be around to work with you so that we can continue to operate the safest air traffic control system in the world as we move into the future. ❙


Let’s put that into perspective. Quite simply, it’s half a century. Fifty years ago, in 1961, when

Bill began his federal career, Howard Hughes was forced to surrender TWA after being sued. Alan Shephard, Jr. was the first American to fly in space. The Federal Aviation Agency, coming into existence in 1958, begins using distance measuring equipment on its entire system.

President John F. Kennedy announced that an American will land on the moon before the end of the decade. Chimpanzee Ham flies a sub-orbital flight inside a Mercury space-craft. Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason starred in The Hustler. Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn starred in The Guns of Navarone.

It was the swinging sixties and the average cost of a car was $2,850. One of the most beloved and popular cars of this muscle era was the Impala Super Sport Chevrolet. The 1960s were a time of pro-test and social change, from the Vietnam War protests, to Civil Right reforms to the Space Race. The national debt was 286.3 billion and the average salary was $4,743. And, it was during these times, that Bill Allen enlisted in the Air Force, beginning his air traffic control career.

“Back when I first started in 1960, our rulebook was the Civil Aeronautics Regulations Part 60, or, as we called it, ‘CAR Sixty’ or ‘The Blue Book.’ CAR Sixty was about three inches thick and I learned it in a week. Those were the ‘shrimp boat’ days and the equipment was quite something,” jokes Bill.

After three years and nine months in the Air Force, Bill worked odd jobs with his family. He says, “I’m from New York. I got a lot of uncles who helped me out,” until the FAA called him in early 1967. Bill explains his arrival to New York Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZNY) on April 22, 1967 as a “cold drizzly day.”

During those years, all training was conducted at the facility. According to Bill, “It was real easy back then. ZNY owned eight thousand feet and above and New York TRACON owned seven thousand feet and below.” Bill spent 13 years at New York Air Route Traffic Control Center before transferring to New York TRACON in 1981. He’s been there ever since.

Bill was an air traffic controller until 1984 when he was promoted into a

FAAMA’s bill Allen Celebrates 50 years of Federal ServiceBy Rich Baker, Eastern Regional Director, FAAMA

Bill Allen, Front Line Manager at New York Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility (TRACoN) N90, is an FAA legend. He has spent 50 years of his life committed to the safety of the flying public. on September 20, 2011, Bill reached a milestone that few achieve – 50 years of federal service. left to riGHt:Jim Hayden, Acting Air Traffic Manager, New

York Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility (TRACoN-N90); Bill Allen; and Carmine Gallo, FAA Eastern Regional Administrator.


letter to the editor – las vegas sun

Don’t Shift Deficit to Federal WorkersThe congressional “super committee” in charge of finding ways to reduce our national debt has an important deadline approaching…

one of the most influential aspects of the super committee’s decision will involve the federal workforce. Among the options for cutting the deficit, federal workers could be forced to contribute even more to their retirement.

on behalf of the 31,681 annuitants and 15,526 active federal employees in Nevada, I hope they support us so we can continue to fully do our part to protect and move forward our nation, rather than placing the burden solely on federal employees.

Every day, the federal workforce provided dependable services to America’s seniors, delivers vital mail to every household, brings criminals to justice, develops missile systems that keep us safe at home, and invents ways for scientists to explore the farthest reaches of outer space.

I have no doubt that members of the super committee value our service but when their sole focus is budgets and costs, it can become too easy for them to lose sight of how priceless our nation’s workers really are.

Nevada’s congressional delegation should tell the super committee that protect-ing federal employees is vital to the strength of our nation. – Bruce Bacon, Vice President, Lake Mead District, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).

Anchorage Chapter 358 Sends Six Kids to Aviation Career Education (ACE) CampFAAMA Chapter 358, based in Anchorage, Alaska, made it possible for six children from Anchorage and Washington State to attend the Aviation Career Education (ACE) camp which was held in Anchorage, Alaska, from August 10 through 12, 2011.

Chapter 358 donated $50 to the camp. Their donation allowed these children to experience aviation up close and personal. All of the children learned about: career opportunities in aviation, aerodynamics, technical operations and received tours at Merrill ATCT and Anchorage ARTCC.

Kansas City Aviation Department hosts Charity Golf Tournamenton September 29, 2011, several FAA employees from the Kansas City area recently played in the Kansas City Aviation Department’s 6th Annual Charity golf tournament. The event raises funds annually for the combined charity funds in Kansas City.

The FAA Managers Association was represented by Steve Baker, Hank Kudlacz, Joe Miniace, and Dave Price. other FAA employees attending included: Carrol Banks, Terry Van Dyne, Chris Blum, and his son Brandon Blum. They raised a good deal of money and the entire group had a wonderful time participating.

The Kansas City Aviation Department and the FAA enjoy a great working relationship. Joe Miniace, of course, is the current FAA Central Region Administrator, replacing Chris Blum after he retired from the position. Dave Price is the Kansas City District Manager and Terry Van Dyne is the Acting Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center Manager.

“Find something you love and it’s never work.” — BILL ALLEN

temporary manager position. Then, in 1986, he became a permanent FAA man-ager. His total management time is over 26 years. That’s longer than the average tenure in air traffic control.

He has worked as a Traffic Management Specialist and as a Procedures Specialist during his career. Bill is a legend in the FAA not only because of his tenure but also because he has stayed actively involved in the day-to-day operation.

He says, “I loved working live air traffic and continued doing it until September of 2010.” Bill has been working midnight shifts since 2007 and has become a familiar voice to all that work midnight shifts on the East Coast. He has been a very stabiliz-ing force on the midnight shifts at the New York TRACON for the past several years.

When asked what he views as the big-gest issue facing the FAA, he replies, “That’s easy. We need to modernize now! I hate it that we seem to be falling behind and I have always been proud to be a part of the best air traffic control system in the world.”

And, Bill plans to stick around for NextGen. When asked about retiring, he said, “Geez, I never really even thought about it. I love what I do, but after today’s celebration it’s got me thinking. Fifty years, that’s a long time.”

When describing his 50th anniversary celebration, he says, “They had a real nice reception for me and they gave me a Citizen watch with so many bells and whistles on it that it’ll take me a year to figure it out. It was so good to see all the people from my past. That was the best part of the day.”

Bill described his best memories as, “Working with the people. I also love meet-ing our counterparts. The bad times are few and far between.”

As for closing thoughts, Bill is not at a loss for words. “I am a lucky guy. Believe me, if I didn’t like what I did, I wouldn’t do it. When I tell people I’m involved in Air Traffic Control, they’re impressed. I really feel like I did something worthwhile with my life. And to all the people I have met throughout the years, thanks for the memories.” ❙


The FLTCIP Open Season, which ran from April 4th through June 24th, allowed eligible Federal

family members to apply for coverage with abbreviated underwriting. While members of the Federal family can apply with full underwriting at any time, this was only the second Open Season opportunity since the Program’s incep-tion in 2002.

Over 45,000 individuals were approved for enrollment during the 2011 FLTCIP Open Season – coming from more than two and a half times the number of appli-cations anticipated. The FLTCIP now has more than 270,000 enrollees, a rise of 20 percent. The Program remains the largest group long term care insurance program in the country.

Support Was Instrumental Many factors contributed to the FLTCIP Open Season’s success, including the strong outreach efforts of Agency Benefit Officers and Federal Executive Boards across the nation.

“The FLTCIP Open Season would not have been as successful without their support,” said Paul Forte, Chief Executive Officer of Long Term Care Partners, LLC, administrator of the FLTCIP.

High-quality, easily-accessed online and personalized phone support also drove the response. Thousands of appli-cants turned to the information and tools available at LTCFEDS.com for help in deci-sion making, with almost 60,000 visitors to the FLTCIP’s award-winning Online Consultant Tool.

“This response reinforces the notion that members of the Federal family understand the value of long term care insurance protection and the quality of FLTCIP as a group benefit,” Paul Forte

remarked. “The number of applicants is very gratifying.”

Majority Select Solid, Affordable Coverage After weighing their plan design options, the majority of applicants ultimately chose balanced coverage that offered solid protection for an affordable pre-mium. Most (67%) gravitated to the FLTCIP’s pre-packaged plans and chose not to customize their coverage.

The most popular plans were those with a Daily Benefit Amount of $150 or $200 per day and a Benefit Period of three years - a good match for the average national cost and duration of long term care services.

With respect to inflation protection, the most popular choice was the 4 percent Automatic Compound Inflation option. This percentage rate is in line with the 50-year average annual growth of the CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers) and exceeds the 9-year average annual increase in long term care costs.1

While people of all ages took advan-tage of the FLTCIP Open Season, the average age of approved applicants was 53 - a full four years younger than the average age for buyers of individual poli-cies.2 The FLTCIP premiums are lower for buyers at younger ages.

There’s Still Time to ApplyFLTCIP Open Season may be over, but members of the Federal family can still apply for coverage with full underwrit-ing. (New and newly eligible employees and their spouses have 60 days to apply with abbreviated underwriting.) Anyone applying now has access to the same

coverage options and rates as those who applied during the FLTCIP Open Season.

About the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program

Established by an act of Congress in 2000 and overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is designed to meet the specific needs of the Federal family. Administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC, the FLTCIP provides industry-leading benefits and offers flexible options that allow enrollees to tailor coverage to meet their needs.

Long Term Care Partners also adminis-ters BENEFEDS, a secure website enabling Federal family members to enroll in and manage their FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) coverage, under the oversight of OPM.

Take action now and you’ll have a choice of four pre-packaged plans or a cus-tomized design. To learn more about the FLTCIP’s features and benefits, visit www.

LTCFEDS.com or call us at 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) TTY 1-800-843-3557. A certified long term care insurance consultant will speak with you about your particular situation, your coverage options and the application process, and of course will answer any questions you may have. ❙

rEFErENCES1 John Hancock 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

2 AALTCI 2011 Long-term Care Insurance Price Index

Report.

Certain medical conditions, or combinations of condi-

tions, will prevent some people from being approved

for coverage. You need to apply to find out if you are

eligible for this coverage.

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is

sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Manage-

ment, offered by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance

Company, Boston, MA 02117, and administered by Long

Term Care Partners, LLC.

FLTCIP Open Season results: More Than 48,000 Apply “A complete success” is the phrase being used to describe the 2011 open Season for the Federal Long Term Insurance Program (FLTCIP).

Anita Engelmann My first federal job was as a GS-4 secretary at offutt Air Force Base (AFB). After several years there, I took the air traffic control test and transferred to the FAA. My first assignment was as a controller for Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZKC).

While there, I became involved in several projects, and my participation as an Air Traffic Teamwork Enhancement facilitator became motivation for me to move into the training area. After more than a decade at ZKC, I bid to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center as an Initial En Route Instructor for newly-hired controllers.

A few years later, I became interested in the course development process and worked with the International Training Division on a detail. For the last several years that I worked in oklahoma City, I was assigned to the Air Traffic organization (ATo) and was the lead for Performance Verification (PV) of new-hire en route students. one of my responsibilities was to set standards to which we would evaluate students at the end of their 53-day course to determine if their skills were satisfactory to continue training at their field facilities.

My next career move was to the Eastern Service Area Quality Control (QC) Group. As a specialist, I was assigned specific facilities but also routinely worked the on-call duty for the office. About two years ago, I transferred from QC to the newly established AoV Eastern operations Branch office. This office provides system-oversight to the ATo and assists with the Safety Management System (SMS) process.

After participating in the Leadership Training that is sponsored by FAAMA, I knew that I wanted to be a part of FAAMA. The people associated with this course were exceptional! It was impressive to see a cadre of instructors who were so obviously motivated to the success of a course. It was apparent that this was the tip of the iceberg of what the FAA Managers Association has to offer. So I joined.

This year, I attended my first FAAMA convention and was overwhelmed at the level of organization and professionalism – not to mention the passion of each person who participated. The training offered and the presenters were phenomenal! It is easy to see why so many people are sold on this organization – every component is an ingredient in the recipe for career success.

Chapter 157 rocks! We have the best of the best in our leadership positions. Every member is always well-informed and there are routinely opportunities to join in gatherings with each other. In FAAMA’s Chapter 157, each member has an opinion that is valued and that counts toward the future and direction of our Chapter. It is an honor to be a member of this Chapter and of this truly exceptional organization!

New Member ProfileFAA MANAGErS ASSOCIATION

Corporate Partners

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CondolencesWith sincere condolences to FAAMA member Michael Hawrysko on the passing of his father, Lawrence Hawrysko, Korean War Army veteran. on Sunday, october 16th, Michael and his father traveled together to the FAAMA Convention. Upon arrival, the elder Mr. Hawrysko suffered an injury and passed away.



To join go to www.faama.org/join

Complete a Membership Application and an SF1187 (if a current FAA Manager) – then fax, scan or mail to:

FAA Managers Association2957 Heirloom LaneGreenwood, IN 46143-6668Fax: (720) 920-1552 Email: [email protected]

Join FAAMA Today!

The FAA Managers Association Leadership Training Seminar provides 16 hours of outstanding opportunities to learn or refresh your leadership skills. The seminar fea-

tures a highly interactive format that provides steps for influenc-ing leadership, the traits and principles of leadership, the levels and impact of leadership, and emotional intelligence. Check www.faama.org for the latest information on each seminar.

December 6-7 and 8-9, 2011 .................. Memphis Metro

January 17-18, 2012 ............................... Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma City

January 31 – February 1, 2012 .............. Seattle Metro

February 2012 (TBD)............................. San Diego Metro

February 2012 (TBD)............................. Oakland Metro

March 2012 (TBD) ................................. Boston Metro

April 2012 (TBD) ................................... Cleveland Metro

May 2012 (TBD) .................................... Atlanta Metro

To EnrollAll federal managers are encouraged to enroll. FAAMA mem-bership is not required although FAAMA members do have priority and enrollment is limited. To enroll now or for more information, please contact your FAAMA Regional Director or Hal Albert, FAAMA Membership Education Committee Chair, via email at [email protected]. ❙

2011-2012 FAAMA Leadership TrainingEffective leadership in a world-class organization(FAA Course Number 30200354)

FAAMA in the NewsExcerpts from an October 1, 2011 article by Keith Laing in The Hill:

FAA Workers to Get back Pay For FurloughsFederal Aviation Administration employees who were furloughed for nearly two weeks this summer during a congressional impasse over the agency’s funding will receive back pay for the time they missed, officials have said...The FAA Managers Association, which had set up a relief fund for the fur-lough workers, also applauded the news that back pay was coming for the employees who were temporarily displaced.

“This is a great outcome for our FAA employees,” FAAMA President David Conley. “We congratulate and commend Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt for discovering the legal mechanisms to bring the back pay issue to a close. It is the right thing to do.”

Excerpts from a September 19, 2011 article by Naureen Khan in Congress Daily:

A Voice for Furloughed Workers...Last week, David Conley, president of the FAA Managers Association, came to Washington to lobby lawmakers to chew on the implications of their actions on workers...Conley called the last shutdown experience “traumatic” for employees, many of whom contemplated going to the unemployment line for the first time as members of Congress headed back to their districts.

“The thing that made the furlough last time so difficult and so traumatic for them was that they didn’t know how long it was going to last,” Conley said. “They didn’t know that they were going to come back and pass something to end it within two weeks… ”

Conley also went to Capitol Hill to push for legislation restoring the wages of those who missed paychecks... “It’s just a matter of equity for those people,” he said. “They were victimized during the period of the furlough. It had an impact on their lives, and we’d like to see it made right.”

Conley, who has worked for the FAA for 29 years and been involved with the FAA Managers Association since the mid-1990s, said the opportunity to help his colleagues be treated fairly keeps him involved in the organization on a solely voluntary basis...

Excerpts from an August 5, 2011 article by Keith Laing in The Hill:

FAA Managers Association Calls for back Pay for Furloughed EmployeesThe Federal Aviation Administration should pay employees for the nearly two weeks they were furloughed during the partial shutdown of the agency that ended Friday, the FAA Managers Association said.

The organization, which set up a relief fund for furloughed workers, praised Congress for agreeing to pass an appropriations bill to end the impasse that had shut down the FAA. But FAAMA President David Conley said the agency should do more for the workers who were displaced.

“This is extremely good news for our FAA employees and their families,” he said in a statement Friday. “It is our association’s hope that Congress and the administration can come to an agreement on a long-term FAA reautho-rization bill before this short-term extension expires.”

Conley quickly added, however, that “since the bill does not include back-pay provisions, FAAMA urges [FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt] to use agency resources to restore furloughed employees with back pay for the time that have been out of work.”

The shutdown is projected to have cost the federal government $30 million because taxes that are normally collected on airline ticket purchases were unable to be deposited into the Aviation Trust Fund…

Documents

» Celebrating Courage, Leadership, and Collaboration · > A Professional Magazine of the FAA Managers Association November/December 2011: Vol. 9 No. 6 photo by terence chang » Celebrating