Peoria International ATCT/ TRACON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Letter 3 Peoria Tower/TRACON 4 Leadership Team 6 Our Expectations of All Employees 9 Policies 10 Local Area Information 11 Attractions 13 Sporting and Special Events 14 Area Restaurants 16 Online Resource 17 Peoria International Airport 18 Airport Diagram & Map 19 Directory 20

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Dear New Employee,

Welcome to Peoria Tower! Here you will have an opportunity to work with an outstanding team of professionals that help make us a great place to work and develop your skills. Your knowledge, abilities and positive attitude made you a highly regarded addition to our team, and I am certain that you will make a positive impact on our future.

All of us want to make your tenure at this facility as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Please feel free to ask any questions and express your thoughts and ideas to the staff and senior leadership. Our aim is to create an informal atmosphere and involve everyone in the process of making our facility an exceptional place to work.

I look forward to working with you, and would like to welcome you again to our team!

Sincerely,

Brian Smith

Peoria Tower/TRACON Manager

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Peoria Tower/TRACON

Peoria Tower/TRACON (PIA) controls the Peoria class C airspace under the Chicago Center (ZAU) airspace. The facility is a level six and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Located four miles west of Peoria, the airport consists of two crossing runways (04/22 and 13/31) with 13/31 being the longest at 10,104 feet. Instrument approaches include VOR/DME or TACAN, ILS, NDB, and RNAV.

Peoria hosts several air carriers including Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta, and United Express. They offer flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Tampa. Also, cargo carriers FedEx and UPS operate out of Peoria nightly.

The 182d Airlift Wing Air National Guard, which operates C-130 “Hercules”, calls Peoria home. The Illinois Army National Guard also operates CH- 47 “Chinook” helicopters. As a controller at Peoria, you will be handling military operations on a daily basis as the Air and Army National Guard perform tactical exercises.

The airport is also home to several corporate jets for Caterpillar, Maui Jim, and RLI Corporation. The FBO, Byerly Aviation, operates several chartered aircraft out of the airport. In addition to the air and cargo carriers, military operations, corporate, and chartered flights the airport is also used by general aviation pilots.

Within the Peoria airspace are a variety of public airports and hospitals with helipads. To assist over flights and pilots getting to and from these airports, TRACON utilizes ASR-11 radar system with ARTS IIE scope. The largest satellite airport that we provide RADAR service to is Regional Airport (BMI) in Bloomington. BMI is utilized by both general aviation and airlines including Air Tran, American Eagle, and Delta.

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History Charles Lindbergh loading mail on his first airmail route

Peoria’s history in aviation began on October 9, 1911 when the first aircraft landed at what is now Peoria Stadium. Later, in 1926, a young man named Charles Lindbergh arrives with the first airmail. Peoria, along with Springfield, was one of his stops on the route from St. Louis to Chicago. It is said that Lindbergh offered Peoria the chance to sponsor this trans-Atlantic flight but refused. His plane would have been called the “Spirit of Peoria.”

As the 30’s came, commercial passenger travel grew along with the size of aircraft. This required longer runways, and a need for a new airport. In 1932, Peoria constituents voted to have an airport after being twice defeated. Once the airport was completed several airlines, including American Airways (now American Airlines) utilized the airport. As airplanes and commercial air travel continued to grow over the years, the airport continued to accommodate that growth.

In 1959, a new terminal, which includes our offices, TRACON, and tower cab, was built. In April 2011, the airport opened its’ new $65 million terminal. Plans are being made to build a new tower, in order for the old terminal to be demolished.

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Leadership Team

Air Traffic Manager: Brian Smith

Hello, my name is Brian M. Smith. I have been the Peoria ATCT manager since August 2009. I have been employed by the FAA since August of 1985. My first facility was in Bloomington, Il (BMI), a VFR tower. In January 1989, I transferred to Peoria. As enjoyable as the time at BMI was, I wanted to expand my experience in the FAA. Peoria was a good transition for me, because it was a combined Tower/TRACON facility. This allowed me to experience both parts of the terminal world. I gained a great deal of experience in the environment PIA offered. I have also been fortunate enough to be a controller selected to work the EAA Air Venture Air Show in Oshkosh 9 times. My son has kept me attached to the Peoria area since. IN July 2006, I became a Front Line Manager. A few years later, the opportunity rose for me to become the Facility Manager. I have enjoyed the challenges that have crossed my paths. I am also excited about the direction the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) is headed. We are about to embark on a whole new way of handling airspace and aircraft. I enjoy and am very proud of my profession. This job requires a lot of teamwork, which has led me to meet and work with many wonderful individuals in my career.

In my time away from the facility, when I am not engaged with a teenage son, I officiate and at the high school and collegiate levels. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle and scuba diving. The FAA has been a very enjoyable career for me. It sure seems like a long way from lying in the backyard during the summers, as a kid, listening to airplanes talk to ATC while on finals for Milwaukee’s Mitchell Field or Chicago’s O’Hare field.

In closing I would like to thank you for your interest in Peoria Tower. Please feel free to call with any question you may have or to set up a facility tour. I look forward to meeting you soon!

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Front Line Manager: Jay McKinty

Jay graduated from the ATC co-op program at Southern Illinois University, and entered the FAA in 1991. He became a controller in 1994 at Grand Forks, North Dakota (GFK). In 1997, Jay transferred to Peoria where he became a Front Line Manager in 2010. When not at the facility, Jay enjoys spending time with his wife, who is a school teacher, and three boys. Jay also coaches youth football, basketball, and baseball.

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Staff Specialist: Gary Main

Gary Main joined the FAA in 1982, with prior experience as a military Air Traffic Controller from 1975. His first FAA facility was here at PIA, working at both Peoria and Bloomington over the years. As Support Staff Specialist, his duties range from quality assurance, training, airspace and approach procedures to pretty much the ‘go-to’ guy. He and his wife, Carol, reside in Morton, IL along with their son Ben, and daughter Lindsay currently away at college. The majority of Gary’s spare time is spent with youth sports and community service.

Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Schupbach

Jennifer Schupbach is Administrative Assistant at the Peoria ATCT, joining the team in July, 2007. Prior to the FAA, Jen has worked in the advertising industry and in various non-profit organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and Lifeline Pilots. However, having always had a love of aviation and holding a Private Pilot Certificate, working at the FAA has made for a good mix in all respects. Along with her husband, Phil, also a Private Pilot, family and travelling top the list of enjoyment followed closely by the love of Golden Retrievers. “Peoria is a wonderful place to raise a family, a welcoming place to work, and though travels take us away for awhile, this will always be home”.

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Our Expectations of All Employees

The leadership team at Peoria ATCT/TRACON expects all employees to:

Come to work, be on time

Be prepared – mentally and physically

Understand leave policy and manage your leave appropriately

Be cooperative and professional

Treat people with respect and dignity

Take initiative

Be accountable

Lead by example – be a good role model

Do not tolerate or engage in any form of harassment or discrimination

Actively participate in training

Know your airspace and systems, know your equipment

Use prescribed phraseology/correct facility and equipment names

Follow rules and procedures

Be open to feedback – provide honest information

Be an effective team member

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Policies

Reporting for Duty

Once arriving at PIA, call the Administrative Office (309-697-0751 or 309-697- 1363). Someone will greet you at the exterior door to the tower building.

Hours of Duty

PIA is a 24 hour facility. You will initially be assigned to an 8 ½ hour administrative shift for classroom training, which includes an unpaid lunch break. When you begin on-the-job training, you will be assigned to either permanent or rotating days off. Normal shifts are 8 hours in duration with a minimum of 9 hours off between shifts.

Parking

Employee parking is available and mandated by the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria (MAAP). A permit will be issued, which shall be hung from your rear-view mirror.

Cell Phones

Electronic devices of any kind are not permitted in the operating areas due to potential interference issues. Please turn electronics off while in these areas.

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Local Area Information

As the largest city on the Illinois River, Peoria sits right in between the cities of Chicago and St. Louis. Each is about 170 miles, or a three hour drive. Peoria is also the third largest metropolitan area in the state, only after Chicago and East St. Louis. The city became famous for its representation of the average American and mainstream culture. In 1890, the renowned question “Will it play in Peoria?” derived from the vaudeville theaters. This has become a metaphor for how successful something will appeal to mainstream America. Peoria is home to several world headquarters including Caterpillar Inc. heavy equipment and engine manufacturer, Maui Jim sunglasses manufacturer, and RLI Corp. insurance company. There are four public K-12 school districts in the Peoria Area. There are also several Catholic, Christian, and other private schools. There are also multiple higher education opportunities with , Midstate College, Illinois Central College, and Robert Morris University, and nearby Eureka College. The health-care industry in Peoria is so outstanding, that it accounts for at least 25% of our economy. The Hospitals include Methodist Medical Center, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Proctor Hospital. Also, in close proximity is Eureka and Pekin Hospitals. St. Francis is the largest, with over 700 physicians and top of line technological equipment. It includes the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, which is a St. Jude Children’s Research affiliate. Health-care education is prominent with both Methodist and St. Francis having nursing schools. Also, St. Francis is home to the University Of Of Medicine. We also have the largest USDA research facility, the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. This is where the mass production of penicillin was invented.

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Average Precipitation & Temperature

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Attractions

Distinct Midwest seasons allow us to host a variety of festivals, attractions and other fun in our communities, big and small. Whether you visit the Botanical Garden for spring blooms, local wineries, O'Brien field for hot dogs and soda at a summer baseball game, the miles of fairway, the Morton Pumpkin Festival in its autumn prime or a glass blowing studio and gallery, you'll experience a new kind of fun each and every time. Come and “Play in Peoria!”

The beautiful Gateway Building was designed and created to be the focal point of Peoria's Riverfront. The Gateway is conveniently located downtown just one block from Interstate 74 and is within walking distance of hotels, major businesses, and many restaurants.

“The Spirit of Peoria”

Turn-of-the-century paddle wheeler available for sight-seeing, themed cruises, private charters, and overnight excursions to Starved Rock State Park and the Saint Louis riverfront

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Sports

Since we are centrally located between Chicago and St. Louis, many residents are able to easily travel to enjoy some of the major city professional sports teams. However, Peoria is home to several teams both professional and collegiate. Most notably are:

The Peoria Rivermen are an AHL professional hockey team. They play at the , and are affiliated with NHL’s St. Louis Blues.

The are a class A Minor League Baseball team. They play at O’Brien Field, and are affiliated with the .

The Bradley University Braves are a part of the Missouri Valley Conference. Athletics include baseball, basketball, cross country running, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Perhaps most recognizable is men’s basketball. They have participated in the NCAA tournament eight times, and most recently appeared in the Sweet Sixteen in 2006. The Braves also play at the Peoria Civic Center.

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Special Events

Peoria hosts the Steamboat Classic and Race for the Cure running races. The Steamboat Classic is a 4-mile event which draws over 4,000 participants. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s largest fundraiser for breast cancer education and research, with over 14,000 people participating in the event. The Foundation is in memory of Susan G. Komen, a Peoria native, who died from breast cancer.

Peoria has great events and festivals for all to enjoy. One is the Taste of Peoria. Here you can enjoy samples from a wide variety of restaurants. Live entertainment, drinks, and specialty cocktails are also available. Another great event is the Steam Boat Festival. This features world-famous sports, carnival, food, music, and entertainment. In July is the Heart of Illinois fair, which includes all the great things that are typically involved with fairs. During the holiday season East Peoria hosts the Festival of Lights, which is a two mile drive through animated light scenes.

Area Restaurants

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Local Area Restaurants

Avanti's, central Illinois' most award-winning Italian restaurant, a customer favorite since 1966, and home of the famous Gondola.

It's Midwestern Steak House Fare at its finest. Comfortable, casual dining with emphasis on quality and service. The menu features succulent, savory Midwestern beef, served sizzling on the table. Fresh pond-raised catfish, award-winning ribs and that special touch on cocktails, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts ensure a memorable dining experience.

At Kelleher’s we offer traditional Irish fare as well as American Style pub food. Along with our food we offer 20 micro or import drafts and 90 different bottled beers. We also have Peoria’s best liquor selection and a reserve wine list. Here at Kelleher’s we’re sure there is something for everyone. And remember everyone’s Irish when they step into Kelleher’s. 16

Online Resources

Local Area Resources http://www.peoria.org/ http://www.city-data.com/city/Peoria-Illinois.html

Chamber of Commerce http://www.peoriachamber.org/

Housing http://www.realtor.com/peoria http://www.apartmentfinder.com/Illinois/Peoria

Local News

WEEK: http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com WMBD: http://www.centralillinoisproud.com Peoria Journal Star: http://www.pjstar.com/

Public Schools

Peoria District 150: http://www.psd150.org Peoria Heights District 325: http://www.phcusd325.net/ Dunlap District 323: http://www.dunlapcusd.net Limestone District 310: http://limestone.k12.il.us/

Local Sports Teams

Baseball: Peoria Chiefs http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t443 Hockey: Peoria Rivermen http://www.rivermen.net/ : http://www.bradleybraves.com/

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Peoria International Airport

Photo Courtesy: Thomas Dittmer 18

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Contact Peoria ATCT/TRACON at:

FAA Peoria ATCT/TRACON General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport 6100 E.M. Dirksen Parkway, 5th floor Peoria, IL 61607

Phone: 309-697-0751 Fax: 309-697-9711

Administrative Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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