PASS Regions I, II and III are currently seeking volunteers to participate in virtual workshops for the development of airway transportation systems specialist (ATSS) comprehensive competency model for the 2101 series. Volunteers participating in the virtual workshops will remain at their current location on duty time as subject matter experts (SMEs) and will record their time that way.

The FAA is working with the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) to develop a competency model for the ATSS FV-2101 job, generalizable across non-supervisory roles and organizations/work sites. Competencies are the collection of measurable knowledge, skills, abilities, or other characteristics needed to successfully perform in work roles. This project will identify and document competency requirements across 2101 positions (F, G, H, I and J Bands) as well as unique to five disciplines: automation, communication, environmental, navigation and surveillance.

PASS has an Article 13 representative participating with the FAA on the ATSS Competency Workgroup. Collaboratively, we have established a competency model development process which includes PASS SMEs in the disciplines mentioned above. PASS is looking for highly experienced ATSSs (H-band or higher) working at the following facility types:

• GNAS
• TRACON
• ARTCC
• SOC
• NOCC

PASS wants to provide expertise from each service area (ESA, CSA, WSA and NSA) to capture any specific work activity particular to different locations that could be overlooked by the agency. In this way, the union believes the expertise provided from each service area, facility type and discipline will capture their specific work situations, thus providing a robust and accurate final report. The only way we can be sure to capture all the facets of your work is for you to participate and provide in depth information about your profession. Ultimately, we believe this will drive agency decisions in hiring, training, performance and promotions in the future. PASS needs highly experienced ATSSs skilled in the following disciplines:

• Automation
• Communication
• Navigation
• Environmental
• Surveillance
• Control Center

Workshops will be held virtually and follow a structured protocol. The purpose of the virtual workshops is to have ATSSs review the initial competency model statements and work behaviors to ensure they are accurate and job relevant. This allows you to provide feedback and make additions or revisions to the draft list. During the workshops, each competency will be discussed on whether:

• anything is missing or aligned to the wrong place, and
• the language is appropriate for all ATSS positions.

Please reach out to your regional vice president (RVP) or their assistants to express your interest in participating and include the facility types and discipline you would represent. Please note that if you work multiple disciplines you can volunteer for each. (Region I) (Region II) (Region III) Please respond to your RVP/assistant by July 1, 2023.

Virtual Workshops to be Held (all times EDT):

Round 1 Workshops: specialists to review and refine core competencies common to all non-supervisory ATSS roles to ensure they capture the important aspects of the ATSS job across work sites, disciplines and levels.

• The project team will facilitate a total of three, 3.5-hour virtual workshops.
• Each specialist will be asked to participate in one of the three Round 1 workshops.
• A set number of specialists (TBD) per workshop to ensure all participants have the opportunity to share their feedback and provide input.
• Cross-section of specialists from the five work sites, five disciplines, and levels so all aspects of the ATSS job are represented.

Round 1 Workshop – Review of Core Competencies

• Proposed Session Times (all times EDT)
  • Core Session 1 of 3: Tuesday, August 1, 9am – 12:30 pm
  • Core Session 2 of 3: Tuesday, August 1, 1 – 4:30 pm
  • Core Session 3 of 3: Wednesday, August 2, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Make-up Session: TBD

Round 2 Workshops: specialists, for each discipline, to review and refine technical competencies unique for each discipline and to develop behavioral indicators. 

• The project team will facilitate two, 3.5-hour virtual workshops for each discipline (for a total of 10 workshops).
• Each specialists will be asked to participate in one of the two discipline-specific workshops. Specialists can participate in multiple Round 2 workshops if they currently hold multiple credentials.
• A set number of specialists (TBD) per workshop to ensure all participants have the opportunity to share their feedback and provide input.
• Cross-section of specialists from the five work sites and levels so all aspects of the ATSS job are represented.

Round 2 Workshop – Review of Technical Competencies

• Proposed Session Times (all times EDT):
  • Automation Session 1 of 2: Thursday, August 3, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Automation Session 2 of 2: Thursday, August 3, 1 – 4:30 pm
  • Communication Session 1 of 2: Monday, August 7, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Communication Session 2 of 2: Monday, August 7, 1 – 4:30 pm
  • Navigation Session 1 of 2: Tuesday, August 8, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Navigation Session 2 of 2: Tuesday, August 8, 1 – 4:30 pm
  • Surveillance Session 1 of 2: Wednesday, August 9, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Surveillance Session 2 of 2: Wednesday, August 9, 1 – 4:30 pm
  • Environmental Session 1 of 2: Friday, August 11, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  • Environmental Session 2 of 2: Friday August 11, 1 pm – 4:30 pm
  • Make-up Session: TBD