Benjamin Burkel Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois

- Jointly responsible with the Captain for operational control, preflight planning, delay, and release of each individual flight.- Monitors progress of each flight and issues necessary information for flight safety, - Analyzes and disseminates meteorological information, reviews maintenance limitations, and calculates the amount of fuel required for safe flight.- Updates the pilot in command of significant changes to the flight plan and provides assistance during irregular and emergency situations.- Maintains qualification and competency in accordance with FAA and United Airlines requirements.

Chicago, Illinois

- Assigned all open flying to qualified flight crew members according to FAR, Pilot Contract, and United policies.- Monitored flight crew legalities, reassigned pilots for on-time performance or to ensure compliance with FAA / CBA limitations, and communicated changes.- Point of contact for pilot work group providing support to flight crew members with regards to schedule and flight-related issues, sick notices, delay notifications, and assignment modifications.- Assisted pilots with schedule management as well as performed CMS transactions to ensure preservation of pilot activity records and quality assurance.

Indianapolis, Indiana

- Performed flight planning, performance calculations, flight monitoring, aircraft routing, operational and weather advisory service duties.- Checked, monitored, and analyzed weather conditions over regular and alternate routes, field conditions, inoperative navigational facilities, and ground station communications.- Provided pilots with all current reports and information regarding airport conditions and navigational facilities that may affect the safety of flight.- Authorized, regulated, and controlled airline flights according to government and company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.- Acted as the focal point to pilots for operational weather concerns affecting routine flight planning.

Madison, Wisconsin

- Anchored the weather for Wake Up Wisconsin Weekend newscasts.- Presented accurate coverage of severe weather events including tornadoes and heavy snow.- Updated company webpage and other social media with the latest weather information and data.- Involved in community activities, charity events, and local fundraisers.

Bend, Oregon

- Forecasted the weather for the region’s highest rated weekday evening newscasts.- Provided in-depth briefing to the Deschutes County Search and Rescue team regarding adverse weather conditions.- Reported on weather topics and performed live remote weather broadcasts.

Chicago, Illinois

- Analyzed 16 years of data for development of Acciona Energy’s second wind farm in the United States to be completely constructed and owned by the company. The project produced about 430 GWh/year of renewable energy to homeowners in western Oklahoma.- Collected and evaluated technical data critical to a particular region's effect on wind shear, turbulence intensity, anemometer accuracy, reference correlations, and wind distributions in compliance with company and industry standards.- Conducted site visits across the United States to evaluate the potential for future wind farms.

Tucson, Arizona

- Directed 25 forecasters in providing continuous weather support to over 100 Department of Defense locations as the Lead Meteorologist.- Improved mission flight planning by providing routine products such as TAFs and weather warnings to support military customers 24 hours a day.- Analyzed, monitored, and disseminated all available weather information to pilots that affected flight safety and efficiency.- Completed comprehensive training on Doppler Radar generated products such as: tornadic vortex signature, hail detection, and severe weather probability.- Supervised severe weather support at Edwards Air Force Base during the landing of the Space Shuttle.- Obtained a Top Secret security clearance and identified Unmanned Aerial Vehicle mission-limiting weather for surveillance operations.