PASS Representative Discusses Aviation System Modernization at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Details: Published: January 08, 2016

Today, Kurt Donnelly, Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) representative for the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), joined Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Assistant Administrator for NextGen Edward Bolton to discuss how NextGen is benefitting travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“PASS and the employees we represent are working together with the FAA to help ensure our nation’s successful transition to the next generation of air traffic services,” said Donnelly. “This work is shaping the future of air travel in the United States and beyond.”

Donnelly discussed the role various PASS members play in the integration of NextGen systems and equipment. Among these employees represented by PASS are FAA systems specialists who certify and maintain this country’s air traffic control system as well as safety professionals in Flight Inspection Services and Mission Support Services who develop, integrate and maintain the FAA’s conventional and performance-based instrument flight procedures and en route airway segments. “PASS representatives work with the FAA to resolve technical issues, address safety concerns both for the FAA workforce and other stakeholders, and help safely integrate emerging systems into the National Airspace System,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly cited specific examples of PASS’s involvement in modernization successes throughout the National Airspace System (NAS), including the following:

Data Comm: PASS has been directly involved in the development and integration of the Data Communications (Data Comm) system, which involves transition from the current analog voice system to digital communication and will be online in Charlotte in the coming months. PASS worked to ensure that the Data Comm system is certified by FAA employees. Certification is the process in which an FAA systems specialists ensures that air traffic systems and equipment are safe for use, and PASS worked with the agency to develop appropriate certification criteria for the Data Comm system in Charlotte and throughout the aviation system.
Charlotte Metroplex: PASS-represented employees from Mission Support Services and Flight Inspection Services contributed to advancements in the Charlotte Metroplex project by developing, evaluating and flight checking 15 new or amended arrival and departure procedures serving Charlotte Douglas International Airport as well as 15 new or amended arrival and departure procedures serving airports throughout Georgia and the Carolinas.
2016 NAS Performance-Based Navigation Strategy: Subject-matter experts from PASS are directly involved in the development of the 2016 NAS Performance Based Navigation Strategy. This connects many pieces of the overall NextGen effort and consists of the concepts, ideas, and goals for improving the safety, efficiency and management of the NAS in the coming years.

“The PASS workforce is a proud partner in the development and implementation of NextGen systems and equipment,” said Donnelly. “As federal employees, our sole focus is on the safety and efficiency of our country’s aviation system. We look forward to continuing to serve in these roles now and in the future for the benefit of the American flying public.”

For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Cigich at 202.293.7277.

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Since 1977, PASS has represented more than 11,000 employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense who install, maintain, support and certify air traffic control and national defense equipment, inspect and oversee the commercial and general aviation industries, develop flight procedures and perform quality analyses of the aviation systems. For more information, visit the PASS website at www.passnational.org.