I am a TSS Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Federal Aviation Administration, Safety and Technology office through Veracity Engineering, LLC. Tower Simulation Systems (TSS) allow the agency to provide improved Air Traffic Controller (ATC) training. (same job I've been doing just with a new contract employer)

I am a TSS Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Federal Aviation Administration, Safety and Technology office through LS Technologies, LLC. Tower Simulation Systems (TSS) allow the agency to provide improved Air Traffic Controller (ATC) training. (same job I've been doing just with a new contract employer)

I currently advise FAA Technical Training management on best practices and system development for utilization of ATC Terminal Simulation as a training and NextGen tool.

As the Tower Simulation Specialist for the Houston area I was responsible for programming, maintaining, scheduling and operating a $500K Air Traffic Control Tower Simulation System (TSS). The TSS is built by Adacel, a leading supplier of advanced simulation and control systems for aviation and defense worldwide. The TSS provides a 360-degree 3D tower view and voice recognition operation of any airport in the system. The system is comprised of 21 computers and uses Windows, Linux and Unix operating systems and voice recognition software. With this technology, we can create anything in the virtual trainer that a controller will encounter in a real tower. We can also recreate actual occurrences that might prove useful for training other controllers. Just like simulator use in flight training, the TSS allows us to shorten training times while improving overall training. The TSS is used for training of air traffic controllers both for initial training and refresher training. It is also used for planning, researching and modeling new air traffic procedures and equipment. This position requires proficiency in MaxSim, Linux, Unix and Windows operating suites. I performed site adaptation, scenario development, test plan development and training plans for IAH, HOU, DWH, BPT and MSY. I troubleshot and maintained TSS components, loaded operating systems and applications, performed start-up and shut-down procedures, troubleshot, isolated and resolved software problems, replaced projectors and computer equipment, i.e. hard drives, video cards, etc., as necessary, installed software upgrades and patches, evaluated conditions and made proper decisions in conjunction with the Adacel Support Center, performed system back-up procedures, trained FAA personnel on TSS operation, operated TSS for proficiency, recurrent and qualification training, developed and maintained simulator utilization reports and briefed management on simulator performance and utilization.

As a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) in an ATC-12 level terminal facility, I was responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditions flow of air traffic throughout the Houston area. Managed air traffic operations including TRACON and Traffic Management functions. Provided separation for aircraft operating under IFR and VFR procedures from other aircraft landing, departing and/or overflying within designated airspace. Operated radar and communication equipment to apply radar separation standards and vectoring procedures. Detected and adjusted malfunctions and interferences in the equipment. Issue speed, altitude, and directional instructions to pilots to keep aircraft properly separated. Provided air traffic advisory services to pilots including clearances to operate aircraft, weather and field conditions, and safety and traffic alerts. Provided training to developmental air traffic controllers and other employees in the facility.

Conducted certifications and performance evaluations on all Instructional personnel in Tower, Terminal, En Route and Specialized Training. Managed the Quality Management System (QMS) including conducting audits, assessments, risk analysis and root cause analysis. Wrote, responded to and tracked Corrective Action Requests (CARS) and Preventive Action Request (PARS) within the QMS. Conducted follow-up assessments and evaluations to identified QMS issues to ensure compliance and effectiveness of actions taken. Designed and implemented new performance metrics for Instructional Personnel for performance measurement. Collected, tracked and assessed performance and risk analysis data for periodic reporting to management. Designed and implemented new Performance Verification System for ATCS Training courses. Represented the Agency during Congressional and Executive visits and meetings. Conducted periodic and random classroom and curriculum audits. Represented the Division on Accountability Board investigations and EEO complaints. Found ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed. Adjusted work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Recommended goals and objectives for the area and tracked accomplishments. Communicated and reinforced diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibilities, including selection, training, and transfers. Supported and participated in the labor management partnership process and fostered a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Continuously reviewed work processes to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customer's needs, add value to facility services, and are efficiently achieved. Served as a member of the management team to improve organizational performance and to meet strategic goals. Certified as an Internal Auditor for ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems as well as a Lean Six Sigma Project Champion.

Supervised a workforce of FAA Instructors, Course Managers and Training Specialists. Oversaw a complex training operation that had at any time up to 150 students, 90 contract instructors, 40 remote pilots and support personnel. Continuously interfaced with contract managers, field managers and numerous other program offices. Represented the agency during Congressional and Executive visits and meetings. Handled numerous HR and LR issues associated with a large group of employees. Monitored and evaluated all agency and contract personnel to maintain a high level of instructional delivery. Oversaw all course management and curriculum development. Conducted classroom and curriculum audits. Briefed students on agency policies. Counseled students including termination when required. Reviewed and responded to evaluations and critiques. Oversaw extensive construction projects and tower simulation equipment installations. Planned and assigned work to be accomplished by subordinate employees. Set work priorities and schedules. Evaluated performance of employees and recommended ratings. Resolved complaints from employees and stakeholders. Identified and arranged for developmental and training of employees. Found ways to improve production and increase the quality of the work. Adjusted staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resources. Recommended goals and objectives and tracked accomplishments. Communicated and reinforced diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibilities, including selection, training, and transfers. Supported and participated in the labor management partnership process and fostered a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Continuously reviewed work processes to assure that results meet agency needs, add value to facility services and are efficiently achieved. Served as a member of the management team to improve organizational performance and to meet strategic goals.

Served as Lead Instructor for FAA ATCS Initial Tower Training. Conducted classroom and laboratory instruction, organized class and lab schedules, performed all academic evaluations, scheduled and oversaw contract instructors and remote pilot operators. Oversaw up to 24 students per class with the goal of helping them succeed in the Performance Verification process and ultimately as air traffic controllers in the field. Served as the agency representative in charge of the CTO Airmen Written Exam for all tower controllers throughout the FAA, Contract Towers and DOD. Served as Course Manager for multiple resident and field course such as ASDE-X, AMASS, TDLS, ICMS and numerous others. During this period, I completed courses for Basic Instructor Training, Curriculum Development Training and Advanced Adacel TSS Simulation Training. Conducted OJT for new instructors. Developed and wrote training and test scenarios for the TSS using MaxSim software and ATCoach using Signal software. Found ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed. Adjusted staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Recommended goals and objectives for the area and tracked accomplishments. Communicated and reinforced diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibilities, including selection, training, and transfers. Supported and participated in the labor management partnership process and fostered a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Continuously reviewed work processes to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customer's needs, add value to facility services, and are efficiently achieved.

As a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) in an ATC-10 level terminal facility, I was responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditions flow of air traffic. Managed air traffic operations including TRACON, Tower and Traffic Management functions. Provided separation for aircraft operating under IFR and VFR procedures from other aircraft landing, departing and/or overflying within designated airspace. Operated radar and communication equipment to apply radar separation standards and vectoring procedures. Detected and adjusted malfunctions and interferences in the equipment. Issued speed, altitude, and directional instructions to pilots to keep aircraft properly separated. Provided air traffic advisory services to pilots including clearances to operate aircraft, weather and field conditions, and safety and traffic alerts. Provide training to developmental air traffic controllers and other employees in the facility. Developed work and leave schedules. Served as a union representative and on facility FAB, HRC, QTP and Airspace Redesign workgroups. Due to my extensive automation, computer and networking background, I served as the facility focal and site adaptation specialist for configuration management of the STARS CountOps Traffic Count program, the RDVS and ETVS Voice Switch systems and the Systems Atlanta SAIDS Information Display system that is still in use. Supported the Training Department and assisted with training scenario development on the ARTS3A and STARS automation platforms. Designed the current expanded TRACON for the STARS project including providing line level drawings in AUTOCAD format.

Served as a Front Line Manager (FLM) in a Level 10 terminal facility, responsible for planning and directing operations within delegated areas of responsibility. Managed air traffic operations including TRACON, Tower and Traffic Management functions. Reported and processed incident and accident events in accordance with Agency orders. Provided first line supervision to a team of developmental and certified professional controllers responsible for carrying out complex air traffic control assignments within a geographic area. Planned and assigned work to be accomplished by subordinate employees. Set work priorities and schedules. Approved leave; gave advice, counsel and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Evaluated performance of employees and recommended performance ratings. Heard and resolved complaints from employees and referred group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level manager. Identified and arranged for developmental and other training needs of employees. Found ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed. Adjusted staffing levels and work procedures to accommodate resource decisions made at higher levels. Recommended goals and objectives for the area and tracked accomplishments. Communicated and reinforced diversity and EEO policies and programs in all areas of responsibilities, including selection, training, and transfers. Supported and participated in the labor management partnership process and fostered a work environment where all employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner. Continuously reviewed work processes to assure that results meet the agency's mission and the customer's needs, add value to facility services, and are efficiently achieved. Served as a member of the management team to improve organizational performance and to meet strategic goals. When assigned as Watch Supervisor, assumed overall management and supervision of the control room.

Served as the user representative to the STARS program. Provided Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to the STARS Program Office. Interfaced extensively with numerous technical and professional personnel from Raytheon, STARS, OSF, Safety, Training, Finance, Security, Tech Center, Field Facilities, Regions and other Headquarters groups. Traveled throughout the country visiting every ATC ARTS facility on the STARS waterfall. Coordinated with an extensive network of regional and site STARS representatives as well as the STARS CHI, OT+E and Training teams. Interfaced with HQ, Regional and Field personnel on a daily basis as well as regular meetings with agency management executives. Interfaced extensively with Software development teams and Site Implementation teams. Co-Led the STARS PTR group and software test activities at the Tech Center. Participated in all site surveys and deployment activities. Evaluated and analyzed all facets of air traffic control (ATC) operations and activities pertinent to the automated system. Recommended modifications, enhancements, and problem resolution to the ATC operational program. Performed cost/benefit analysis for proposed system hardware/software changes and recommended adoption, modification or rejection based on this analysis of time and available resources. Provided direction and on-site assistance to program representatives offering technical information, guidance and recommendations covering a broad range of requirements such as problem identification, evaluation and resolution. Utilized analytical abilities to identify, define and determine the cause of the problems with recommended or developed resolutions for immediate correction and steps to avoid future occurrences. Directed and conducted functional verification and test activities to ensure that developed changes were implemented as designed and met air traffic operational requirements.

As a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) in an ATC-9 level terminal facility, I was responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditions flow of air traffic. Managed air traffic operations including TRACON, Tower and Traffic Management functions. Provided separation for aircraft operating under IFR and VFR procedures from other aircraft landing, departing and/or overflying within designated airspace. Operated radar and communication equipment to apply radar separation standards and vectoring procedures. Detected and adjusted malfunctions and interferences in the equipment. Issued speed, altitude, and directional instructions to pilots to keep aircraft properly separated. Provided air traffic advisory services to pilots including clearances to operate aircraft, weather and field conditions, and safety and traffic alerts. Provide training to developmental air traffic controllers and other employees in the facility. Served as a union representative. Served on facility FAB, HRC, QTP and Airspace Redesign workgroups. Due to my extensive automation, computer and networking background, I served as the facility focal and site adaptation specialist for configuration management of the Traffic Count program and the Systems Atlanta SAIDS Information Display system. Supported the Training Department and assisted with training scenario development on the ARTS3A automation platform.

As a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) in an ATC-5 level terminal facility, I was responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditions flow of air traffic. Managed air traffic operations including Non-Radar Approach Control and Tower functions. Provided separation for aircraft operating under IFR and VFR procedures from other aircraft landing, departing and/or overflying within designated airspace. Operated communication equipment to apply non-radar separation standards and procedures. Detected and adjusted malfunctions and interferences in the equipment. Issued speed, altitude, and directional instructions to pilots to keep aircraft properly separated. Provided air traffic advisory services to pilots including clearances to operate aircraft, weather and field conditions, and safety and traffic alerts. Provide training to developmental air traffic controllers and other employees in the facility. Served as a union representative. Served on facility FAB, HRC, and QTP workgroups. Supported the Training Department and assisted with training scenario development. Certified LAWRS Weather Observer.

Served as an initial hire ATC student attending the Screen and Terminal Follow-on. This was a developmental Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) training position learning the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic through the nation's airspace. The Terminal option controls air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances, advice based on their own observations, information from the National Weather Service, Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), flight service stations, pilots, and other sources. Terminal Air Traffic Controllers transfer control of aircraft to the En Route Center controller when the aircraft leaves their airspace, and they receive control of aircraft coming into their airspace.