I NTERCOM IW I J. H I T I C I · 2001. 6. 20. · ACT-70’s Aviation Education Program and the ATC Engineering & Test Division (ACT-200), teamed up with the New Jersey Department

INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM INTERCOM








INTERCOMWILLIAM J. HUGHES TECHNICAL CENTER

Red, orange, blue, and pinkflower arrangements, balloon arch-es, and other colorful arrangementsgreeted employees, their families,and visitors as they entered theauditorium for this year’s ceremo-ny. This year's theme, “OurPeople: Our Future,” focused onthe dedication, talent, and accom-plishments of all employees.

Chinita Roundtree-Coleman(ACT-202) and John Wilkes(ACT-510) opened the program,singing We are the World. The daycare students led the Pledge ofAllegiance, followed by Wilkes’acappela rendition of the NationalAnthem. MC’s Tony Wilson(AAR-421) and Larry Stroud(RMS) added a light touch withLarry assuming the "voice of expe-rience role," while Tony alluded tothe fact that Larry had been around"more years than Bruce Singer."Steve Zaidman (ARA-1) and AnneHarlan (ACT-1) presented theplaques to this year’s selectees:

PublicationJohn Bakuckas (AAR-431)

Professional Society/Model Work Environment

Catherine Bigelow (AAR-430)

Field SupportTom Poussart (AOS-420)

Joe Mahon (AOS-420)

Technical ProgramKelly Leone (AAR-510)

Technical SupportAnthony Cerino (AAR-510)

(Photo not available at this time)

Administrative SupportMelissa French-Gates (ACT-50)

Secretary of the YearFred Breen (AOS-340)

Community OutreachBeth Burkett (ACT-400)

Volume 3, Issue 8/9 August/September 2000

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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CELEBRATE

LeadershipOlithia Lawson-Brown

(ACT-232)

InnovatorLee Spanier (AAR-520)

Employee of the YearKenneth Allendoerfer (ACT-530)

NAFEC Association AwardHannah Dixon

Friend of the CenterTom Boyd, Executive Director

of the Atlantic CountyImprovement Authority

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WJHTC INTERCOM AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2000

Bobby Nichols (ACT-423)Cheryl White (ACT-204)

Jim May (AOS-610) Rick Astillero (ACT-360) Adam Grecco (ACT-510)

Dan Warburton (ACT-510) Bill Hoffman (ACT-01C)

Tom Ryan (AOS-430) Daniel Haubrich (ACT-410)

Scott Matusek (AOS-520) Bob Fietkiewwicz (ACT-210)

Ernie Heinz (ACT-211) Cheryl Matthews (AOS-520)Dennis LaMagna (AOS-540) Steve Reynolds (AOS-310) Tom Jennings (ACT-330)Angela Lewis (ACT-240)

Team Achievement

Director’s AwardImaging Technology Branch (ACT-73)

Verna Artis, Ron Boyden, BillDawson, Dale Dingler, Donna

Elbertson, Carl Genna, MichaelGross, Annette Harrell, Anna Kertz,

Bob Marks, Ron Meilicke, FrankMerlock, Robert Michael, ErniePappas, Mike Roames, Sue Wall

While a composite video of threeImaging Technology productions playedon an overhead screen, Anne Harlanpresented Telly Awards to: ACT-73’sVerna Artis, Dale Dingler, AnnaKertz, Bob Marks, Ron Meilicke, andFrank Merlock; and Adam Greco,

ACT-510 for the Y2K program video; Verna Artis, Dale Dingler, Anna Kertz, Bob Marks, Ron Meilicke,and Frank Merlock for the Tech Center Overview Video; and to ACT-73’s Verna Artis, Dale Dingler, AnnaKertz, Bob Marks, Ron Meilicke, and Frank Merlock: (2000 Communicator and Telly Awards) for thevideo "Controller Pilot Data-Link Communications: A New Technology for Business Aviation."

Dot Buckanin (ACT-300), chair of this year’s awards program, expressed appreciation to the followingemployees for their time and efforts in coordinating the program: Ken Beisel (ACT-52A), Ginger Cairnes(ACT-70), Carl Genna (ACT-73), Lana Haug (ACT-70), Rich Morton (ACT-330), Patty Naegele (AOS-600), Allan Oswald (ACT-300), Chinita Roundtree-Coleman (ACT-202), Ella Terrell (ACT-510), DianneTrazzera (AOS-310), Debbie Waters (ACT-370), John Wilkes (ACT-510), and Stephanie Zvanya (AOS-630) -- all members of the Host Committee. She also thanked the Nominating committee members: SamCrowell (AOS-400), Marcelle Grasso (AAR-432), Marlene Gunn (ACT-500), Jennifer Hall (ACT-530),Barbara Mong (ACT-52), Rosanne Weiss (AAR-423), and Carol White (AOS-620) for all of the time theyspent in processing and tabulating nominations.

CELEBRATE

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IT’S COMING!

If you don’t already have it, your copy of the FAA Employee Attitude Survey will soon be delivered.The Agency last conducted such a survey in 1997. These surveys are only as good as the number of employ-ees who are willing to provide honest, straightforward feedback and management’s willingness to respond inkind. So, please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Your Opinion Does Count!


Ellis Peopples came toNAFEC in the summer of 1968from Eastman/Kodak (Rochester,NY), a career change that affordedhim the opportunity to work nearhis native Atlantic City. RecentlyEllis retired from the Tech Center.To celebrate his achievements, hisfamily and friends honored him ata dinner at the Wash's Inn banquetfacility in Pleasantville.

Basilyn Bunting (Manager,ACT-400) presented Ellis with aRetirement Certificate for his 32years of Federal service. AngelaLewis, President of NSBE SouthJersey, presented Ellis with aplaque honoring his longtimemembership in the NationalSociety of Black Engineers(NSBE), and for the support anddedication he rendered to NSBE.

A TRUE RENAISSANCE MAN

A mathematician by training,Ellis probably is best known forhis wonderful sense of humor. Toput it simply, if Ellis is going to beat a social function, you will havea good time if you enjoy a goodlaugh (actually, lots of goodlaughs). Everyone who knows

Ellis is aware that you alwayscould count on him for a livelypolitical discussion, especially ifyou were talking about AtlanticCity and Atlantic County politics.Besides his interest in local mat-ters, many people also know thathe is an avid boxing fan, but nottoo many may know that Ellis hashad a long-standing interest inplaying the great classics on thepiano. He also took many cookingclasses at The Culinary Institute atAtlantic County CommunityCollege, and really enjoyed spend-ing time in the kitchen.

VARIETY OF TECHNICALASSIGNMENTS

He started work at NAFEC asa programmer with the support-programming group in the CentralProgramming Group (CPG). Acouple of years and a few reorgan-izations later, Ellis landed in thenewly created terminal group (RD-140), which helped specify andtest the ARTS system. He laterworked on the EngineeringManagement Staff (EMS), in theProgramming Branch, and in theManagement Systems Division,the Information ResourceManagement Division, and theLaboratory Management Division.

As manager of theInformation Resources Branch ofthe Management SystemsDivision, Ellis had primary respon-sibility for the first broad-basedpersonal computer (PC) acquisitionby the Technical Center, a compet-itive purchase of about 400 PC's.Ellis defined the acquisitionrequirements, standardized the

connectivity requirements, gainedthe required funding andapprovals, and managed all associ-ated tasks including training, fabri-cation, and deployment. Later,Ellis became the manager of theInformation Management Division,and subsequently, executive staffto the manager of the LaboratoryManagement Division.

DEDICATED TOHELPING OTHERS

Ellis felt an obligation for, andmaintained an active interest inimproving the condition of minori-ties in the local area. He could becounted on to assist in fund rais-ing, scholarship efforts, and foodcollections for the poor and similaractivities.

During the 1970s, Ellis was anadvocacy type of EEO Counselor.His many and varied efforts helpedto forge concrete social change forthe betterment of the people whowork at the Center.

One of his most significantachievements was the key role heplayed in forming the South JerseyChapter of the National TechnicalAssociation (NTA), and the subse-quent creation of the NTA-spon-sored Career Awareness Program.NTA is the oldest national minori-ty technical organization in thecountry. The purpose of this pro-gram was to expose interested jun-ior high and high school studentsto engineering and the sciences,and to provide them with assis-tance and direction on what theyneeded to do to establish careers inthe engineering and scientificfields. Ellis was very instrumental

ELLIS PEOPPLES RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS

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Ellis Peopples enjoying his retirementparty with his friend Lisa.


in meeting and gathering the finan-cial and moral support of localcommunity members.

Largely through his efforts, theAtlantic County Private IndustryCouncil, and subsequently the Cityof Atlantic City, funded as many as50 qualifying Atlantic City andPleasantville students each year towork and attend classes at theCenter for a 10 week period duringthe summer.

Ellis participated in structuringthe program, establishing the qual-ifying criteria, interviewing andevaluating students and their par-ents, instructing classes, discipli-nary actions, and all other aspectsof the program. Subsequentlynamed the Technical YouthProgram (TYP), this program pro-vided hundreds of young peoplewith an educational experience, asense of direction and a boost thatpositively affected their lives. Hisenthusiasm, commitment, andefforts significant contributed tothe development and and successof many local students.

BON VOYAGE!

When told that Ellis haddecided to retire, Jay Brown(ACT-210) reminisced about howhe and Ellis began their careers atabout the same time. Jay went onto say, that "he (Ellis) is one of themost gracious people I've everknown."

Bon Voyage, Ellis, from all yourfriends at the Tech Center!

ACT-70’s Aviation EducationProgram and the ATC Engineering& Test Division (ACT-200),teamed up with the New JerseyDepartment of Transportation(DOT), Division of Aeronautics &Freight to provide special awardsfor the New Jersey winners of theInternational Aviation Art Contest.This was the first year the Centerhosted the awards ceremony.

The students were so excitedto come to the Center to receivetheir awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rdplace, or Honorable Mention. Itdidn't matter to them what placethey took -- they were all excitedto be at the Center. As soon asthey entered the building, they sawtheir artwork on display for theday. They proudly stood next totheir piece while their familiestook photos.

Then they were off to theauditorium to see the Tech Centeroverview video and shake handswith Center Director Dr. AnneHarlan. They also had a chanceto meet DOT Commissioner JamesWeinstein, DOT Chief of StaffLaurie Gutshaw, DOT Aeronautics& Freight Systems Acting DirectorTed Matthews, his administrativeassistant Linda Zajac, ACT-200Manager John Wiley and AviationEducation Program ManagerCarleen Genna-Stoltzfus.

The awards given tothe kids proved more thanthey could handle. Eachone received not one, nottwo, but THREE plaques,a letter from theGovernor's office, a port-folio, and much more.With awards in hand, the

students went to the second floorof Building 316 for more photo-graphs, a chance to see the displaycases that house their winningpieces of art, and, what they werewaiting so patiently for, a piece ofthe huge cake (donated by theNAFEC Association) with the 1stplace winners artwork on it.

Next they toured: Federal AirMarshalls (FAM) Shoothouse,Airway Facilities Tower Integra-tion Laboratory (AFTIL), Engin-eering Cockpit Simulator (ECS),and the General Aviation Trainer(GAT).

ACT-70 wants to thank therepresentatives from the NJ DOTthe Federal Air Marshall Division,AFTIL’s Bernie Garbowski, BillVaughan, and Roger Bawgus;ECS’s Al Rehman, Al Adkins,Dave Carty, and Tony Stevens;GAT’s Joe McCall, GeorgeBollenbach, and Mike Cullum ;ACT-70s Carl Genna, AnnetteHarrell, Dave Hess, CarolMartin, Verna Artis, Ann Kertz,Bill Dawson, Carolyn Pokres,and Ginger Cairnes; Wackenhutdrivers Ron and Willie; and mostof all the NAFEC Association foradding that special touch to a won-derful day for the kids.

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INTERNATIONAL ART CONTEST CEREMONYPEOPPLES CONT.

Some of the students enjoying their visit.


FAA AIR SHUTTLE SERVICE

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On October 2, the Air Shuttle moved its reservation system from phones to aweb-based system. This will mean that you, the traveler, will be able to makeyour own shuttle reservations on line. Phone reservation will still be accepted forthose who do not have access to the FAA Intraweb. If you would like to visit theShuttle Reservation web site (under construction) and see how it works, log on athttp://intraweb.tc.faa.gov/swrs. Feel free to log in and look around.

If you have any questions please call Frank Hines (ACT-600) at (609) 485-5670.

All employees who are required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, MUSTattend a training session on the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. Thetraining will be held in the auditorium on the following dates:

10/03 Tuesday 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 10/12 Thursday 2 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11/08 Wednesday 2 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 11/15 Wednesday 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

All other employees, whether they file a financial disclosure report or not, are invited to attend since theStandards of Conduct apply to all employees. Please call Brenda Martello (ACT-7), Office of the CenterCounsel, with any questions.

CONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

MORE INFORMATION AT

YOUR FINGER TIPS

The Department of Transportation Library is now providing you with desktop access to hundreds of tech-nical, scientific, legal and business databases. Without leaving your desk, you can browse through automatedinformation such as Transport (TRIS), electronically search our Online Catalog of the entire DOT collection,or look up public laws in the U.S. Statutes.

To access these databases, see: http://isweb.tasc.dot.gov/Library/library.htm. For more information con-tact Annette Wilson at (202) 267-3117.

GET THE SCOOP

Catch up on what’s happening throughout the FAA by calling the VOICE toll free number at 1-877-888-4325. The information is changed weekly on Wednesdays. VOICE is the agency’s internal communica-tions advocate. If you have questions or suggestions for VOICE, contact the ARA representative, David Kerrat (202) 493-4437 or contact VOICE via cc:mail at 9-AWA-AOA-VOICE.


The stories are true, the penal-ties can be harsh, and all we ask isfor you to make the call! What arewe talking about? They are the theweekly articles titled "You MakeThe Call," published on the cc:Mail, Safety News Bulletin Board.

Each week a sad, but truestory from the files of OSHA isoutlined. The articles highlighthow such tragic mishaps happenand encourage you to consider theconsequences suffered by theemployee(s) and the companies.You are asked to make the call toheighten your awareness of specif-ic safety issues that have resultedin injury or death at work sitesthroughout the U.S., so that suchmishaps will not happen at theCenter.

Below is a recent "You MakeThe Call" article. As you read it,remember that the conclusion isthat not knowing is no excuse,which leads to one final thought.Now that you know about thesearticles, there is no excuse not tovisit the Safety News BulletinBoard where you can make thecall! ***************************

Asbestos is one of those sub-stances that you don't want toignore or take lightly whether youare involved with it at work or athome. Asbestos can cause lungcancer and other respiratory dis-eases that can lead to death. Thus,OSHA takes very seriously theenforcement of the AsbestosStandard and will take swift actionagainst those who violate it. Out-lined here is an OSHA investiga-tion of a baked goods manufactur-er who removed asbestos contain-

ing materials from a boiler. Asyou read, remember that safetyshould not be compromised whenworking with asbestos.

Incident @ Mr. TwinkiesA major baked goods manufac-

turer, who we'll call Mr. Twinkies,has several bakery plants locatedacross the U.S., with 32,000 work-ers nationwide. It is a big compa-ny with a perishable product lineand, therefore, management stress-es the importance of getting theproducts out "fresh" to the mar-kets. The incident involvingasbestos occurred at one of Mr.Twinkies’ older plants. Some ren-novation work included replacingthe heating unit at the plant. Tosave time and money (sound famil-iar) the company decided toremove the old boiler and preparethe area for the contractor to installthe new heating unit.

Management directed threeemployees to perform the demoli-tion, which included removingthermal insulation from the boiler.The employees doing the workwere not given any personal pro-tective equipment, nor were theytold that the insulation containedasbestos. Some employees at theplant, however, knew or had rea-sonable suspicion that the materialbeing removed contained asbestosand one of them notified OSHA.

OSHA's investigation con-firmed that the insulation con-tained 75% asbestos. WhenOSHA asked management why theboiler and insulation material werenot checked for asbestos and whythey permitted the employees towork/remove asbestos without

being protected, Mr. Twinkiesreplied "we didn't know!"

OSHA's Decision OSHA cited Mr. Twinkies

with stiff fines for willfully allow-ing workers to remove insulationwithout checking for asbestos.Considering the age of the boilerand the material to be removed,OSHA stated that there was noexcuse for any employer to exposeunprotected and unknowing work-ers to this hazardous substance.Violations included:

-- Failure to establish a regulated area where employees removedthe asbestos.

-- Failure to follow pertinent workpractice controls such as wet methods, use of efficient filter vacuums, and cleanup and dis-posal of waste.

-- Failure to provide appropriates personal protective equipment to the employees performing asbestos removal.

-- Failure to conduct airs monitor-ing.

-- Failure to provide a decontami-nation area for employees per-forming asbestos removal.

-- Failure to dispose of asbestos material properly.

-- Failure to provide asbestos training to employees.

-- Failure to provide a competent person to supervise the asbestosremoval activities.

These violations were consid-ered "Willful" violations that car-ried a penalty of $910,000!

When it comes to safety thelesson to be learned from this caseis that not knowing is no excuse!

YOU MAKE THE CALL!

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“OUR PEOPLE:


OUR FUTURE”

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HEADQUARTERS HEADLINES

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FAA Demonstrates AffordableGPS Technologies. On August23-24, the FAA, in conjunctionwith the University of AlaskaAnchorage (UAA) and the Alaskaaviation industry hosted an openhouse to view satellite-based tech-nologies that promise to reducedramatically the number of acci-dents in Alaska. The technologiesdemonstrated in this program,known as Capstone, will beapplied to the National AirspaceSystem (NAS) throughout thecountry.

Capstone ultimately will equipup to 150 aircraft used in passen-ger, mail, or freight operationswith an avionics package designedto improve situational awarenessof the pilots by putting weather,terrain, and traffic information inthe cockpit for the first time.Essentially, pilots will have thesame information in the cockpitthat air traffic controllers have onthe ground. All this informationwill assist in averting mid-air colli-sions and controlled flight into ter-rain.

To complement this operation,the FAA is also publishing non-precision approach procedures andinstalling the automated weatherobservation system (AWOS) at 10village airports in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of south-west Alaska. The FAA will alsoinstall 12 ground broadcast trans-ceivers. The airports in questionusually consist of a short gravel-surfaced runway with edge light-ing. There are no terminal elec-tronic navigation aids and weatherobservation stations are generally

very far apart. There is little radarcoverage in the demonstration areaat low altitudes and icing condi-tions preclude most of the smallaircraft from flying in instrumentmeteorological conditions.

The avionics package consistsof a Global Positioning System(GPS) navigation/voice communi-cations unit, a multifunction com-puter display, and a digital datalink radio operating on theUniversal Access Transceiver(UAT) mode. The display includesa GPS-based terrain database ofAlaska on a ¼-mile grid accurateto approximately 100-feet of eleva-tion. The display delivers to thepilot airplane-to-airplaneAutomatic DependentSurveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)position reports from other aircraftand eventually will displayground-to-air Traffic Information Service (TIS) aircraftposition reports. The display willinclude both visual flight rules(VFR) and instrument flight rules(IFR) charts, graphic weather andtext messages, and moving mapcapabilities.

ADS-B is a key technologythat will both enhance the efficien-cy of the NAS as well as reducerunway incursions. In Capstone,airport ground vehicles will ulti-mately be equipped with aGPS/data link radio to transmitposition reports and thus provide asurveillance display capabilityeither in the aircraft, the tower, oron the ground thereby increasingrunway safety.

The University of AlaskaAnchorage will be conducting an

in-depth safety study and assess-ment of the Capstone program.The university has also developeda sophisticated training system forCapstone pilots, which was alsodemonstrated during the Augustopen house.

Capstone is part of a jointgovernment-industry partnershipknown as Safe Flight 21, an initia-tive designed to demonstrate andvalidate, in a real-world environ-ment, the capabilities of advanced surveillance systems and air trafficprocedures associated with freeflight, using ADS-B and TIS asenabling technologies. Free Flightwill allow pilots and controllers towork together to manage air traffic and it will permit pilotsto fly the most direct, cost-effec-tive routes, saving airlines and pas-sengers time and money.

FAA Flight Data Link BecomesOperational at Oshkosh. For thefirst time, general aviation aircraftcan now get cockpit displays ofdigital weather graphics and textthrough a service sponsored by theFAA. The agency's FlightInformation Service Data Link(FISDL) became operational dur-ing the Experimental AircraftAssociation's (EAA) Air Venture2000.

FISDL provides basic textweather information directly togeneral aviation pilots at no costafter meeting the additional avion-ics requirements. Using a smalldisplay in the cockpit, flight crewscan receive the basic text mes-sages, including Aviation RoutineWeather Reports, Special Aviation


HEADLINES CONT.

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reports, Terminal Area Forecasts,Significant MeteorologicalInformation, Convective Sigmets,Airman's MeteorologicalInformation, Pilot Reports, andSevere Weather Forecast Alertsissued by FAA or the NationalWeather Service. Avionicsrequirements include a VHF dataradio and a multifunction displayunit capable of displaying digitalgraphic and text messages.

There are also graphical prod-ucts, such as NEXRAD maps, andother text products, such as SpecialUse Airspace and Notices toAirmen, available through a sub-scription service. The FISDLservice is designed to provide cov-erage throughout the NAS.

FISDL is a government-indus-try partnership with ArnavSystems and Honeywell Inter-national, both of which will act asservice providers for FAA's infor-mation. Under the five-year agree-ments signed during the 1999Experimental Aircraft Associa-tion's AirVenture, both Arnav andHoneywell will receive two nation-wide data link frequencies for thebroadcast of basic aviation weatherreports as well as additional infor-mation they provide by subscrip-tion. The Arnav system will beavailable at the 2000 EAAAirVenture, while the Honeywellsystem comes on line in the Fall.

U.S. Transportation SecretarySlater Announces Contracts forAdvanced Security Equipmentand Threat Imaging X-Rays. On July 19, Secretary Rodney E.Slater announced that the FAA had

awarded contracts to purchaseadditional certified explosivesdetection systems and trace explo-sives devices for the nation's air-ports, and will begin purchasingX-ray machines with new imagingsoftware to improve screener per-formance.

The Threat Image Projection(TIP) system projects digitalimages of hundreds of differentguns, knives, and bombs onto theX-ray displays to test screeners'abilities to detect threat objects.While the screener is on duty, TIPprojects the images at random intoreal carry-on bags going throughthe X-ray or inside bag imagescreated by TIP. When a screenerhits the button to stop the suspectbag, TIP flashes a "congratula-tions" for detecting the threat andrecords the screener's performance.It also records missed threatimages.

TIP not only will help trainscreeners and keep them morealert, but also will allow compa-nies to monitor each screener's per-formance. Those who needretraining in detecting specificitems can be removed andretrained, while those who havegeneral difficulty in detectingthreat images could be shifted toother responsibilities, such as oper-ating hand wands or trace detec-tors. It also will give the FAAobjective data for measuring thescreening companies' performance.Under a proposed rule expected tobecome final next year, companiescould lose FAA certification if their screeners don't meet perform-ance standards.

Wide Area AugmentationSystem Signal Now Available. On August 24, after a successful21-day stability test of the Wide Area Augmentation System(WAAS) signal in space, the FAA declared that it is now avail-able for some aviation and all non-aviation uses. The test demon-strated required system stability,allowing immediate use of theWAAS signal by a broad range ofusers.

The test demonstrated that the system can operate without inter-ruption, providing a stable and reliable signal to augment GPS.The system demonstrated one to two meters horizontal accuracyand two to three meters vertical accuracy throughout the contigu-ous United States. Raytheon will operate the system for the FAA ona continuous basis, interrupting itonly as necessary to upgrade ortest the system. Information onthese outages, is available atgps.faa.gov/Programs/ NSTB/Provisions/sis.htm or www.raytheontands.com/waas.

The current WAAS signal isavailable to aviation users for increasing situational awarenessduring flight under visual flight rules and on the airport surface,among other uses. WAAS contin-ues to be developed to provide thenecessary integrity for the WAAS-required, safety-critical applica-tions. Until the system design iscompleted and initial operationalcapability is declared, the WAASis not an approved source of air-craft navigation under instrumentflight rules.


THE END OF AN ERA

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AOS-300 recently gatheredfor a finalfarewell tosome oldfriends, as thelast of severalEnrouteRadarDisplaySystems weredecommis-sioned at theTech Center.Those sys-tems included: the ComputerDisplay Channel (CDC), designedby Raytheon Corporation anddeployed at fifteen of the twentyEnroute Air Traffic Centers(ARTCC); the Display ChannelComplex (DCC), recently replacedby DCCR, designed and built byIBM and deployed at five of the

twentyARTCC facil-ities; theComputerUpdateEquipment(CUE),designed andbuilt byRaytheon andinstalled at alltwenty ARTCC facilities.

These three systems were

operational at all twenty Centers,the Tech Center, and the FAAAcademy for thirty years.

The systems performed functionaldata processing of Radar, Beacon,Weather, and associated data fromthe Central Computer Complex(CCC) and provided digital Radardisplay for Air Traffic Control.

The systems were designed sothat the FAA could extend andenhance operational performancethrough continuos hardware andsoftware modifications and systemupgrades by AOS-300 over theirthirty-year life cycle. These sys-tems have now been replaced bythe Display System Replacement(DSR).


DID YOU HAVE A SHADOW?

A DAY AT MAUD ABRAMS SCHOOL

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Stanley Wirpsza (ACT-431)recently spent the day with 3rd and4th graders at Maud AbramsSchool, Lower Township, CapeMay County, for its First AnnualAvocation Day. Stan reports that,“this was a very interesting experi-ence. It involved several individu-als bringing to Maud Abrams theircraft, hobby, or avocation. As itturned out, when I arrived, there

was an ice sculptor carving a largesailfish right in front of the build-ing, which captivated the entireschool population. I felt thiswould be a hard act to follow.

My presentation was given inthe library in two sessions. Eachgroup consisted of three or fourclasses, totaling 50 to 70 children.For the FAA, I presented theCenter’s overview video. Interest-ingly enough, I observed that theseyoung children were intrigued withthe complexities of our work andpresented sincere questions involv-ing the aviation industry.

For the second half of my pres-entation, I gave a slide show aboutcastles of Europe, along with some design background on each castle.

For a conclusion, I sketched aneight foot wall elevation of a castleentry door opening, describinghow it was constructed of both cutstone and rubble infill and some-times possibly a cement composi-tion, depending on the geographiclocation. Trying to instill a valuethat math would play in the con-struction of medieval Castles, Idimensioned the wall opening andmajor stone elements, adding atotal wall height. This seemed toimpress my young audience andsaved me from the overpoweringsilhouette of the adjoining icesculpture. This was a rewardingexperience that if presented withthe opportunity again, I wouldrepeat next year.”

Recently, the Community Outreach/AviationEducation Program hosted 12 students from SouthernRegional High School in Ocean County. The studentswere split into two groups, and over a two-day periodthey shadowed professionals in various areas of theCenter. The students were spread throughout theCenter to shadow employees working in the areas of their chosen career goals.

They visited with ACT-70’s Jim Valleley, DaleDingler, Annette Harrell, Robert Marks, and

ARTZ Graphics Laurie Zaleski, Dave Hess, andCarol Martin to get an overview of the Center’scommunications activities.

Other students interested in Computer Fields vis-ited Bob Lin (IAI) to learn about computer repair;John Hensyl (ACT-202) for computer programming;and Missy Passmore (ACT-550), Sue Lake (ACT-550), Lisa Weidman (Kenrob), Andrew Jones(Kenrob), Debbie Levey (Kenrob), Bob Chupein(ACT-550), Scott Dalaba (IAI), Ken Daily (IAI),

and Shelley Yak (ACT-550) for com-puter network programming.

Center and contractor profes-sionals prepared agendas for the stu-dents that piqued their interests andshowed them the wide range of infor-mation and technology that is used ona daily basis, and demonstrated thevarious aspects of their job duties.The students enjoyed their visit andwere impressed enough to mentionthat they would like to work at theCenter someday.


The Center of Excellence (COE) forAirworthiness Assurance (AACE) is highlightingPhase I research results at a major symposium beingco-hosted by the Boeing Company and the NorthwestMountain Region in Seattle, November 14, 15, and16.

Phase I accomplished some significant technicalgoals according to Dr. Catherine Bigelow,Airworthiness Assurance COE Technical Director(AAR-430), "this Center has been quite a successstory, conducting $20 million of research activities tosupport the FAA's regulatory mission for aircraft safe-ty over the last three years." Of this amount, $3 mil-lion was provided by academia as a result of theCOE's matching funds requirements, significantlyleveraging FAA research dollars."

Phase II, beginning December 1, 2000, willinclude a new management structure and otherstreamlining initiatives, such as web-based applica-tions to publicize, coordinate, and process researchopportunities between multiple government sponsors,academic institutions, and industrial partners.According to Patricia Watts, FAA Centers ofExcellence Program Manager (AAR-400), "anothersubstantive program component planned over the nextthree years is the expansion of the Center to includeNASA as a joint research sponsor."

Additional plans call for the inclusion of DoD lab-oratories as cosponsors. The anticipated expansion offunding organizations will provide important programvisibility and will maintain an agenda aggressivelysupporting the current government fatalaviation accident reduction goal.

This aggressive agenda necessitateschanges to further support the memberorganizations. "Streamlining theCenter's operations should help attractfederal funds outside the FAA toenhance aircraft safety research initia-tives," stated Watts. Included in thestreamlining activities are plans to makethe grants and contracting processesmore responsive to COE sponsors and

partners, and modifying the management infrastruc-ture that supports over 45 academic institutions, 90industrial affiliates, and other government labs.

Centers of Excellence are long-term partnershipsestablished with academia and industry. At the cul-mination of each three-year phase, Center close-outactivities include formal audits of their matchingfunds and a major symposium to present researchresults to a wide audience. COE partners are intend-ed to serve as a world-class pool of nationalresources, accessible to assist immediately the agencyin performing mission critical research and develop-ment.

The Airworthiness Assurance Center ofExcellence is the fourth COE established by the FAAsince 1992. Funded through cooperative agreementsand contract awards, 150 COE academic and industrypartners and affiliates have conducted joint aviationresearch for FAA and NASA over the past eightyears. Including matching funds on all governmentgrant awards, these partnerships now reflect a $60Mlevel-of-effort. Plans are underway to establish a newCOE in FY 2001. FAA Centers of Excellence aremanaged under the direction of Chris Seher,Director, Airport and Aircraft Safety R&D Division(AAR-400).

The Airworthiness Assurance Symposium detailsand registration materials are available on the AACEwebsite at www.aace.ohio-state.edu. For furtherinformation regarding the Air Transportation Centersof Excellence, contact Patricia Watts at (609) 485-5043, or [email protected].

14

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE SUCCESSFULLY

COMPLETES PHASE I RESEARCH


FAMILY DAY: A NEW TRADITION

Often in a family's life thatplace called "work," whereMom, Dad, or spouse disap-pear to for many hours a day,is a complete mystery. If theplace these family memberswork is the Tech Center, thatmystery was recently solvedby a new event called"Family Day."

The management teamcame up with the idea ofdemystifying those familymembers' dilemma by pro-viding a day of fun and edu-cational activities that alsorevealed just how interestingsome of their families' jobs are.The Communications ManagementDivision (ACT-70) took chargeand assembled the many volun-teers and events necessary to makethe day a success. The first

Family Day was born onAugust 30, 2000.

Almost 200 em-ployees brought theirchildren and spousesthrough the SecurityOperations Center wherethey received officialbadges like those givento the most importantVIPs. Visiting children

enjoyed age-appropriate learning

activities, ranging from an airplanecoloring con-test to modelrocket con-struction.Familiesshared specialtime togetherplaying on theFlightSimulator,touring theATC labs, andriding on theairport firetrucks (com-plete with

Fireman's hats) as well as theFAA's most unusual vehicle, theNational Airport Pavement TestMachine. A K-9 Team performeda demonstration to the delight ofthe children. One child was heardto remark that she couldn't wait tostart a career in a place where theyhad a Magic Show, Face Painting,and a full-size moonwalk attractionin the spacious atrium.

Despite the wet weather, afamily-style barbecue was held inthe Center cafeteria. Familiesenjoyed traditional summer fare,and a real feeling of a communitypicnic. All of these activitiescould not have been possiblewithout the cooperation of man-agement and the many volun-teers from the Center community.

Declared a success by allinvolved, plans have been dis-cussed to extend next year'sFamily Day to include our otherbase families. If the traditioncontinues, don't be surprised ifthe name is changed to "Tech

Center Family Reunion!"

15


DON’T FORGET

Please try to get Intercomsubmissions (articles, photos,

ideas) to Terry Krausvia email by the second

Tuesday of every month.

16

William J. HughesTechnical Center

Intercom

Editor:Terry Kraus

Contributors:

Ginger CairnesStan CiurczakBill Dawson

Genia EmbreyCarleen Genna-Stoltzfus

Annette HarrellLana HaugDavid HessFrank Hines

Paul LawrencePat Lui

Bob MarksCarol Martin

Brenda MartelloAl Oswald

Ernie PappasKaren SheairsKaren StewartBob WarnerPat Watts

Harry WilsonStanley WirpszaLaurie Zaleski

For any questions,comments, or ideas,

please contactIntercom’s editor at (202) 267-3854

FAMILY DAY CONT.

Special thanks go to:

ChairpersonKaren Sheairs (ACT-70)

Committee Members:Bea Campfield (ACT-50)Tina DiIanni (ACT-31)Carleen Genna-Stoltzfus(ACT-70)Marlene Gunn (ACT-500)Jean Komeski (ACT-1A)Kathy Mann, JSA, Inc.Gayle Martin-Taylor(ACT-3)Dan Petitt (ACT-600) Jason Reap (AAR-540)

Sub-committee MembersCarolyn Pokres (ACT-70) Ginger Cairnes (ACT-70)Ken Beisel (ACT-52)

InstructorsTara Clark (ACT-10) Carl Genna (ACT-73)Lana Haug (ACT-70)Robert McQuown(AOS-310)Carolyn Pokres (ACT-70)Rosanne Weiss (AAR-424)Donna Young (ACT-10)Carleen Genna-Stoltzfus(ACT-70)

Contributors

Annette Harrell (ACT-73)Ann Kertz (ACT-73)Bill Dawson (ACT-73)Larry VanHoy (ACT-370)Keith Biehl (ACT-370)Carol Martin, ARTZGraphicsDavid Hess, ARTZGraphicsConnie Moran (ATQ-3) Judy Doherty,WachenhutKen Daily, InformaticaSteve Wehling,InformaticaD.J. Jones, Wackenhut Amanda Petitt (ACT-1) Tina Fabrizio (ACT-71) Charlie Kern (ACT-71)Mike Latyn (ACT-50)Dan Greis (ACT-70)Deanna Super (ACT-50)Lew Hakes, WackenhutJoyce Robinson (ACT-422)Satish Agrawal (AAR-410)Mike Roames (ACT-73)Ronald Heist (ACT-601)Bob Mast (ACT-71)NAFEC AssociationNobil Food ServicesFire Station Personnel


Documents

I NTERCOM IW I J. H I T I C I · 2001. 6. 20. · ACT-70’s Aviation Education Program and the ATC Engineering & Test Division (ACT-200), teamed up with the New Jersey Department