The Air Traffic Organization has 35,000 controllers, technicians, engineers, and support personnel whose daily efforts keep aircraft safe, separated, and on time. System Operations Services leads the agency in a broad range of operational services, including all national air traffic flow management initiatives, policy and concept development for airport surface flow management programs, all national flight service functions, and operational oversight of National Airspace security issues.
Duties
The Director oversees an organization responsible for optimizing the overall efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and coordinating NAS-wide operations. Through real-time management of the NAS, the Director ensures a strategic balance between system capacity and operational efficiency for the safe, effective use of airspace while enhancing the overall reliability and performance of the aviation system.
The Director oversees and has direct line authority over seven (7) groups comprised of approximately 143 highly technical positions, including 34 senior managers responsible for ensuring system efficiency throughout the NAS. The Director oversees and manages a budget of approximately $7.1 million.
Principal Responsibilities
- Oversees and directs the tactical and strategic operations supporting air traffic control systems and traffic management services at the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center.
- Oversees several NAS-wide functions, including Space Operations, Collaborative Decision Making (CDM), and the coordination of NAS-wide efficiency initiatives.
- Manages and coordinates real-time air traffic movement, including military and space operations, to balance air traffic demand with system capacity.
- Oversees the operational integration of commercial space operators into the NAS.
- Executes Traffic Flow Management (TFM) functions in conjunction with Traffic Management Officers to develop TFM plans and collaborates on decision-making and post-event analysis, along with the entrance of new users and technologies into the NAS.
- Leads the formal CDM process by facilitating coordination with Industry and International Air Navigation Service Providers on TFM topics to maximize traffic flow efficiencies, establish standards and technologies, and develop a fully interoperable global traffic management system.
- Represents the FAA in meetings and forums as an authority and serves as a focal point to address or resolve issues pertaining to System Operations Services. Exercises delegated authority to make commitments on behalf of the FAA on matters directly affecting the safety and efficiency of the air traffic management services.