By this time next week we should have a pretty good idea of where we stand with Congress on our comparability issue. Our visibility on the Hill is high and several offers of support have been received. All of your work on this is very much appreciated.
The Senate bill on ATC retirement (S.871) now has a House counterpart (HB2523). Our lobbyist advises that there is only a lukewarm reception from Congress on this but we're lending as much support as possible and keeping a close eye on the issue. If you're so inclined, we encourage you to contact your congressional representatives. My thanks to Al Osborn, MIA AFSS, for his help on this.At the FAA Labor Management Relations Council (FLMRC) meeting last week we discussed the Model Work Environment implementation rollout. I've asked Webmaster John Dibble to post a copy on our web page. A reminder - MWE is not supposed to be disciplinary in nature. Any questions or comments should be directed to our national MWE representative Craig Campbell or me.
Another issue discussed at the FLMRC is the new FAA Performance Management System (PMS). NAATS Chief Negotiator Bill Dolan is bargaining this matter and a copy will be posted on our website. Please contact Bill with any questions or comments.
The agenda for our national meeting in LAS will be finalized next week. We have commitments from Fanny Rivera (ACR-1), Jim Washington (ARS-1) and Jeff Griffith (AT-2) as FAA speakers. There is also the chance that our friend from north of the border, Ron Smith, will attend. The Facrep training will be scheduled the same as last year. We should have all the details out to you in the next 10 days or so.
I'll be at IPT tomorrow to meet with the members. I've also received invitations to MIV and BOI. We're still working on the DEN, SEA and SW Region meetings. All meetings are subject to congressional workload and coordination with the appropriate Regional Directors.
Wally Pike
Yesterday was a tragic day in our nation's history but we've survived worse and terrorism can't be allowed to prevail. We can only hope that the loss of life won't be as great as some have predicted and that our retaliation for those responsible will be swift and sure.
I'm proud to say that NAATS controllers are standing firm and doing our part in helping the FAA manage the NAS during this crisis.
I'm coordinating with Jeff Griffith, AT-2, during these trying times and I've assured him that we will continue to do everything possible. As you no doubt already know, military readiness status is at DEFCON Delta, the highest level. The FAA is at the same readiness level and this guidance is contained in FAA Order 1900.1. This has been the only national instruction given by Air Traffic. CISD services are also available for those so interested. Please feel free to contact your Regional Director or me with any questions or comments.
Congress is expected to reconvene today but hearing schedules are subject to change.
Yesterday was also the day for counting the ballots in our national election. Congratulations to all who ran for office. I look forward to working with those elected and my thanks to those who have served our membership in the past.
Wally Pike
I talked with AT-2 Jeff Griffith about the fact that our controllers are being swamped with pilot questions regarding when GA will be able to fly again. Secretary Mineta has issued a news release today that states the airports will remain closed. Mineta goes on to say that "we remain committed to resuming commercial flights as soon as possible". The release outlines five stepped-up security measures that will be implemented once airports are reopened but there is no mention of general aviation.
I've faxed this release to John Dibble for posting on our web page. Since the matter is being handled at the Secretary's level there is nothing Air Traffic can do.
I've called DOT to try to find out if Mineta has given consideration to general aviation. They are supposed to call me back. We do know that the priority will be commercial flights before GA.
We'll dog DOT until we find out something on this and continue to provide details as we receive them.
Wally Pike
I talked with AOPA President Phil Boyer this morning. His concern is that pilots are receiving conflicting information about when GA will be able to fly again. He understands that we're only following instructions and doing the best we can. Boyer emphasized that he was not blaming FSS controllers for the lack of definitive information.
NAATS Headquarters is on a continuous telcon with Air Traffic. The latest info is that GA flight, IFR or VFR, is not authorized at 15Z. The exception is Alaska where GA has been opened up. Please understand this Update is not an authorized FAA communication tool but is intended to keep you informed. If you receive instructions that are contrary to this information please do as instructed by FAA management. We will continue to provide details as we receive them. Any questions or concerns should be directed through your supervisors and managers to the Regional Offices.
Wally Pike
In my discussions with AOPA President Phil Boyer he expressed concern that some of our members are trying to guess or anticipate when GA will be able to fly again. He understands that we're trying to help but guessing or anticipating when GA will be released has the net effect of confusing the situation. Mr. Boyer appreciates our efforts and I'm working with Air Traffic to provide you with firm information as it becomes available.
Some of our members have National Guard or Reserve obligations. If you have any questions regarding these please feel free to contact NAATS Headquarters and we will get you the answers.
As I mentioned yesterday, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is available for any controller who desires it. This service should be requested through the FacRep/Facility Manger to the appropriate region. EAP is also available. Again, if you have any questions feel free to contact us at NAATS Headquarters.
FAA Human Resources (HR) will have guidance available later today regarding leave for those stuck enroute or for future planning. This includes OWCP and those who are experiencing fear of travel. Emergency leave transfer will also be implemented today. Employees can expect to receive their pay on time through a blanket T & A process that provides 80 hours to all for the pay period.
We'll continue to keep you informed.
Wally Pike
, 2001As of 5pm Eastern we still do not know when GA flight will resume. Secretary Mineta, the National Security Council and the Department of Defense are controlling the issue. Any of the three seem to have veto power.
I've talked with both AT-2 Jeff Griffith and ATS-1 Steve Brown today and they are aware of your efforts during this time. I'll also talk with Administrator Garvey about this at the earliest opportunity.
FAMS have been temporarily suspended. All we have for now.
Wally Pike
We are continuing to work closely with Air Traffic during this national crisis and keeping them informed of the hardships you are enduring in dealing with our customers with limited information from DOT. As soon as we have any information we will pass it along.
We remain at Security Condition "Charlie".
We've been asked to consider postponing the National Meeting in LAS due to the circumstances. I've asked the BOD to respond to this request as soon as possible. If you have any comments or thoughts on this I encourage you to contact your Regional Director or me. I will let you know once a decision is reached.
Wally Pike
NAATS has had Chief Negotiator Bill Dolan in the FAA Situation Room since yesterday morning. The following is his report.
The system is understandably in chaos. I have investigated the NOTAM problems and as far as I have been able to determine it is a case of either the Flight Service personnel have not received the latest NOTAM information or the NOTAM information that was transmitted was so poorly thought out that it caused great confusion as to the state of the air traffic system and what type of flights were authorized.
I have been in the Air Traffic Situation Room most of the day Thursday and most likely Friday will be more of the same. I think we have gotten most of this straightened out. If any aeronautical information or procedures cause significant problems please contact me by e-mail or If it is an issue that requires IMMEDIATE attention, contact me at 301-346-6592 Through Friday, 9/14/01.
Thanks for all of your hard work. You may not realize it but it is being noticed here by the management officials dealing with this massive problem in difficult times. Please keep up the hard work. Your efforts indicate just how important you are to the National Airspace System and your professionalism is apparent to those involved. Some misunderstandings will occur but they can be corrected after we get beyond these very difficult times.
Keep the faith,
Bill Dolan
The following report is from NAATS National OASIS Representative Jeff Barnes.
09/13/01 - I watched the tragic events on Tuesday in horror from AND AFSS. We were there for the OASIS site survey. The site survey was cancelled and since I had driven down from DC I was able to drive back that evening. Seeing the still-burning Pentagon with my own eyes was a numbing and surreal experience when I got back. At this time what other impacts there might be on OASIS is unclear. We are going to try to go ahead with our Human Factors Team meeting next week at the Tech Center, but travel difficulties for the Team and for Harris may force us to delay the meeting. Operational testing of the SEA October software upgrade remains scheduled for the following week. In light of everything that has happened this week talking about the OASIS Program seems kind of trivial, but it is why I'm here, and the work must go on.
I think I can safely speak for the Human Factors Team that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has lost friends and family in this tragedy, and our hopes are for a thorough accounting for those responsible and for those who aided them.
Jeff Barnes
NOTICE
Given the current circumstances the NAATS Board of Directors has decided to postpone the LAS National Meeting to a future date to be determined. Please contact the hotel and cancel your room reservations. Any questions or comments can be directed to your Regional Director and/or me.Wally Pike
No. 89, 14 September, 2001
If it hasn't happened by the time you get this, expect Part 91 IFR operations in the continental US to begin shortly. We're continuing to coordinate with Air Traffic to work through all the confusion, it's understood that you are bearing the brunt of the ATC workload. In some instances our AFSSs have tripled their workload.
Everyone expects a surge when they release IFR GA. You are entitled to breaks from operational duties and we encourage you to take advantage of these.
No word yet on VFR flights but we'll do our best to keep you advised.
Wally Pike
Please understand, this Update is for your information only and not an official FAA position. It is not meant to be used in controller/pilot communication. Having said that, GA VFR flight now appears doubtful this weekend; looks like Monday at the earliest but please do not speculate with pilots. This could change at any time, no one really knows. Both President Bush and Secretary Mineta are interested in resuming these operations as soon as possible and different options are being prepared for them.
By any objective analysis, Flight Service has performed yeoman's work in getting the NAS back in operation. I will contact AT-1 Bill Peacock next week and ask for meaningful recognition for you and all of your efforts. We're also keeping Congress fully advised of your contributions.
A number of factors went into the decision to postpone our National Meeting, including uncertainty about air travel, membership feeling regarding a meeting in LAS so soon after a national tragedy, anticipated membership attendance and lack of membership travel preference options. This was balanced against the fact that no one knows what the situation will be next month. The driver was the fact that yesterday was the deadline for the meeting room deposits at the Luxor. Considering this, the BOD decided to postpone. I believe it was the right choice. We knew this decision would not be universally popular but the majority of the membership response I've received indicates agreement.
I've been asked about cancellation fees for membership non-refundable airfare purchased for the meeting. No one knows what the breakdown on membership travel preferences is but my feeling is that NAATS should refund these cancellation fees if they are substantiated. The BOD will, however, decide this matter.
Bill Dolan is in the Situation Room again today and I'm still on the AT telcon. If you need any help please feel free to contact Bill at 301-346-6592 or me at 202-437-0764. My thanks to Bill for all his help.
Wally Pike