> A Journal of the FAA Managers Association July/August 2009: Vol. 7 No. 4
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Leading with Financial Discipline » faa managers association, inc. #315 4410 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 Tel 202.741.9415 | www.faama.org A JOURNAL OF THE FAA MANAGERS ASSOCIATION Communicate. Educate. Advocate. Promoting excellence in public service, the FAA Managers Association is recognized by the July / August 2009: Vol. 7 No. 4 FAA to represent all levels of management through all lines of business. We are committed to increasing the accountability to our owners, improving service to our customers, and fostering a professional workplace for our employees in which they can excel and take pride. FAA Managers Association is a forum for managers, supervisors, administrative, and non-bargaining unit staff to effect change. officers President, David Conley About the Cover: The cover collage concept was suggested by Laurie Zugay and John Sideris to coordinate with the Vice President, Stephen Smith story about how Tampa International Airport (TPA) is using the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Secretary, Julie Fidler stimulus dollars (see page 6 and pages 18 to 24). The airplanes shown are each towing a sign representing the six Treasurer, Tom Dury airports (BWI, DTW, IAD, LAX, SGF, and JFK) that received the largest stimulus sum – $15 million each. We’ve added directors TPA, which received $8 million, because of the article detailing how the stimulus funds are being spent. Designers Director of Administration, Mark Guiod Sung Hee Kim and Kelly Goggins executed the exciting final image. Director of Communications, Laurie Zugay Director of Legislative Affairs, Tony Tisdall Director of Membership, Karen Illg Parliamentarian and Convention Chair, Andy Taylor Corporate Relations, Arthur Blank Membership Education Committee Chair, Hal Albert Political Action Committee Chair, Dan Cunningham Alaskan Region, Keith Lindsey Central Region, Lori B. Penwell Contents Eastern Region, Ben LaFleur Great Lakes Region, Brian Harmelink New England Region, Michael Wayne Northwest Mountain Region, Ralph Walters Southern Region, Bob Hildebidle 04 06 07 12 Southwest Region, Bob Jefferson perspective: Aviation Provisions An FAAMA Interview: profile: Western Pacific Region, David Chappuies Accountability and of the American Ramesh Punwani, Rep. Eric Cantor, Leadership Recovery and Chief Financial Republican Whip Reinvestment Act Officer, FAA (ARRA) publisher Kathleen Cummins Mifsud managing editor Laurie Zugay staff editors Pam Adams, Glenn Forbes and John Sideris 15 18 26 30 contributors “It’s Your Serve” – Tampa Which Airport Really is FAAMA New Member David Conley, Kathleen Mifsud, Gerald E. Lavey, Laurie Zugay, FAAMA Convention International “The World’s Busiest” Profile: Andy Cook John Burton, and Andy Cook. 2009 Airport: Financial illustration and photography Discipline in Action Join FAAMA Today/ New Cover illustration and page 3, created by Sung Hee Kim and FAAMA Website: Member Registration Kelly Goggins; photograph page 4, Thomas Clarke, FAA; photo- New Look, New Form graphs, pages 8 to11, Kathleen Mifsud; photographs, pages 18 to 24 supplied Tampa International Airport Authority; and photo- Functionality graphs, pages 25 to 29, Jon Ross—www.jonrossphotography.com. design Sagetopia, 703.726.6400, www.sagetopia.com production Colorcraft of Virginia, 703.709.2270, www.colorcraft-va.com advertising, editorial & subscription inquiries Managing the Skies 2501 M Street NW, Suite 612 Washington, DC 20037 Telephone: 202.955.7987 Fax: 202.478.0431 Email: [email protected] Managing the Skies is a benefit of membership in the FAA Managers Association, Inc. To become a member, go to Index to Advertisers www.faama.org. For all others, the annual subscription rate is $49. Please address your inquiries to [email protected] and [email protected]. 02 GEICO www.geico.com Managing the Skies is published bi-monthly by the FAA Managers Association, Inc. 14 Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program www.fedsprotection.com The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors and 32 BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program www.fepblue.org should not be construed to be the opinion of the FAA Managers Association. Suggestions and opinions expressed in Managing the Skies are not necessarily endorsed by the FAA Managers Association. Nothing in these pages is intended to supersede operators’ or manufacturers’ policies, practices, or requirements, or to supersede government regulations. www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 3 ©2009 FAA Managers Association, Inc. All rights reserved. p e r s p e c t i v e
Accountability A message from the President
Pardon the pun, but the first half of 2009 has literally flown by. We’ve gone from winter to spring to summer, watched a new President leap into action, observed a major swing in federal doctrine, and sworn in both a new Secretary of Transportation and a new FAA Administrator. Change is the word for each new day, and without a doubt, things are changing – like it or not.
uring these days of change, ply our influence in the Congress. His more exciting are the 20-plus new we are keeping a keen eye on Legislative Updates are outstanding and members in the Western-Pacific Region. D the Congress as they work unprecedented, and I know that you are Welcome to all of you! on legislation that both will directly appreciative because I frequently am In the last several months, many of and indirectly impact the National hearing from you. By the way, I hope you have expressed an interest in getting Airspace System, as well as our lives you are using the Legislative Updates to more involved in the FAAMA national and career. As an Association, we are encourage your fellow managers to sign organization. Let me start by saying, very interested in seeing the passage up to be part of the FAAMA team. It is thank you; we need you now more than of FAA Reauthorization legislation time for growth – and that growth starts ever before. However, let me encourage and are working diligently to see that with you and me. you not to wait for a national position Frontline Managers’ positions are On that note, it has been very encour- to get active. There are lots of things to adequately staffed throughout the aging to see many of you stepping up be done at the local levels. Get in touch system. in a more active role in the Association. with your Regional Director and find Our FAAMA legislative team, led by Western-Pacific Regional Director Dave out how you can get busy making a Tony Tisdall, has been mindfully watch- Chappuies has done a tremendous job difference. ing the store on your behalf. He has leading a recruitment effort and starting Whether you hold a national office stepped up our involvement with the new chapters. Under his leadership, we of not, I have long observed that the Government Managers’ Coalition and is now have a revived chapter in Oakland, local chapter leader is the most impor- employing a smart strategy to multi- CA and a new chapter in Hawaii. Even tant position in this Association. Case
“For it is in giving that we receive.” - Saint Francis of Assisi
FAA Managers Association President David Conley meets with FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt in Washington, DC.
4 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org in point: Jack Allen in the Atlanta area Agency and our employees, as well as Discover the Many Paths for has become a tremendous leader in his our members. “Leading with Financial Discipline” chapter. I wish I could take an ember Also, I listened with great interest In this issue, the theme is “Leading with from the fire in his camp and spread as new Administrator Randy Babbitt Financial Discipline.” In a day and age the flame all across the country. While held his first town hall meeting on when incomprehensible amounts of he will admit it is a team effort, his June 17, 2009. Among the themes and money are being tossed around, never influence is leading a much needed goals that he expressed, the concept has it been more important than now revival of interest and participation for that remains most firmly in my mind to be good stewards of public funds. the members of Chapter 157. Thank was his comment on accountability. Our success in NextGen depends upon you, Jack. Although there is something about that it; the aviation industry itself depends In addition, the leadership that is word that may bring a sense of dread upon it; and our livelihoods literally being shown by Association members into the heart of a government worker, depend upon our financial discipline throughout the FAA encourages us. I there is great value – far beyond what as managers. It is a relevant topic and I am very pleased to report that FAAMA’s typically comes to mind – in being held am sure you will find the various stories relationship with the FAA Air Traffic accountable and being willing to do so. about different aspects of financial dis- Supervisors Committee (SUPCOM) is One of things I particularly appreciated cipline interesting and enlightening. at an all-time high and getting better by was his emphasis not only on being In closing, I hope you are enjoying the day. Impacting this relationship is accountable externally, but also in your summer and getting that respite the open-minded and inspiring leader- being accountable to each other. that we all need from time to time. ship of Bob Clyburn and his team At the heart of accountability is an Wherever you are in your career and of officers. underlying notion that causes us to be in life, let me encourage you to give Vice President Steve Smith and I had willing to submit ourselves to someone of yourselves to make a lasting differ- the opportunity to join them for their or something beyond ourselves. While ence. Because I believe you will, our national meeting in Denver during the I don’t know all that the Administrator outlook for the future is bright: in this month of May, and we both were very had in mind, I can relate to the value of Association, in our Agency, and in our impressed to see a growing affinity submitting to one another. In doing so, country. I believe that as long as we between our organizations. As Bob we essentially ask – without always hav- hold true to the principles that made us great…we can and will remain great! Clyburn says, “we are on congruent ing to verbalize it: paths,” and that cooperative spirit will Join Us at the 29th Annual Gathering take us far in the coming months and “Am I doing OK?” of Eagles, October 18-22, 2009 years. He and I believe that we stand “Am I being honest?” Also, let me invite you to join us at the at a vital crossroads in aviation and “Am I delivering what I promised?” 2009 Gathering of Eagles at the South we have the opportunity to produce Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV held long-lasting benefits for the people we Peer-to-peer accountability – October 18-22, 2009. We are planning mutually serve. when demonstrated consistently a fun and informative week for you with On June 12, 2009, I had the privilege – promotes teamwork and team the theme, “It’s Your Serve”. You won’t of sitting down on your behalf with our spirit with shared efforts and shared want to miss a single minute of it! Be new FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. acknowledgment. an early bird and register online now at Though billed as our “first encounter,” Laying down the “me” spirit tends www.faama.org. ❙ it was an opportunity to continue a to multiply our abilities to contribute conversation face-to-face that we had and mitigates our vulnerability to fail. Communicate. Educate. Advocate. been engaging in for some weeks prior. What is most appealing about it is that It is good that we both share the same the behavior represents the opposite of values of showing respect for employ- arrogance and egotism, which destroy ees and we hope to work together to teamwork and discourage feedback. It is promote a positive work environment in the learning of accountability that we for all employees. Our connection was come to appreciate the frequent correc- good and I am optimistic that we can tions and admonishments that keep us David S. Conley, President forge a relationship that will advance on the right path. FAA Managers Association, Inc. the interests of the American public, the
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 5 Aviation Provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
n June 25, FAA Administrator help upgrade FAA’s power and navigation a detailed story about how the Tampa Randy Babbitt testified before systems and modernize air traffic facilities.” International Airport (TPA) is using the Othe House Committee on At the hearing, the FAA was praised stimulus funds received.) Transportation and Infrastructure, stat- by the DOT for its quick work in get- NextGen ing that: “Just a little over four months ting economic recovery money out the The DOT has undertaken a comprehen- ago, Congress passed and President door and into the hands of hard-hit sive effort to plan for NextGen future Obama signed ARRA into law. The communities that rely on aviation. And aviation needs. The FY 2010 budget Act provides a total of $48.1 billion the word from on top is that the FAA provides approximately $800 million for DOT’s transportation programs. has a lot to be proud of, because the to develop and deploy a new system for The purposes of the law are clear: to FAA has been one of the first modes to air traffic control that uses a combina- preserve and create jobs; promote eco- put its money to work in getting proj- tion of new technologies and operational nomic recovery; and invest in transpor- ects underway. The FAA received $1.1 improvements to address future air traffic, tation, environmental protection, and billion, which was significantly lower national security and emergency response other infrastructure that will provide than other modes within the DOT. requirements in the national airspace. long-term economic benefits…” The Federal Highway Administration Babbitt continued, “Of the $48.1 billion received the lion’s share at $28 billion. Essential Air Service appropriated to DOT, the FAA received a Exactly six months from the day the The Essential Air Service program pro- total of $1.3 billion for aviation infrastruc- Recovery Act came into law, on June 17, vides air travel assistance for rural areas. ture improvements. $1.1 billion of that the FAA was under the gun to get $550 Keeping small communities connected to amount was for grants to individual airport million obligated, a time-consuming the transportation system is important to owners for airport development such as process that involves identifying projects their continued economic viability. The runways, taxiways, aprons, airfield light- and getting them approved. By June 18, budget provides a $55 million increase ing, terminal buildings and high priority $710 million has been obligated, which over the 2009 level to the DOT to fulfill safety or security equipment. The remain- means that as many as 20,000 people current program requirements as demand ing $200 million was provided for the are going to be at work because of these for subsidized commercial air service FAA’s Facilities and Equipment program to airport investments. (See page 18 for increases. ❙
a r r a aviation p r o g r a m s u m m a r y : Summary of Title XII Transportation Provisions American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009
FAA Grants in Aid for Airports / ARRA Funding FAA Supplemental ARRA Funding
» $1.1 billion to remain available through September 30, 2010. for Facilities and Equipment » Discretionary airport grants for repair and improvement with » $200 million for necessary investments in FAA infrastructure will remain priority given to projects that can be completed within two (2) available until September 30, 2010. Eligible improvements include: years, and which will not supplant planned expenditures. • Power systems, • Air route traffic control centers, » Fifty (50) percent to be awarded within 120 days, remainder • Air traffic control towers, awarded within one (1) year. • Terminal radar approach control facilities, and • Navigation and landing equipment. » Federal share shall be 100 percent. » Priority will be given to projects that will be completed within » Not subject to: two (2) years. • Grants in Aid to Airports limitations, • Apportionment formulas, » Federal share shall be 100 percent. • Special apportionment categories, or Funds may be provided through grants in addition to the other • Minimum percentages under Chapter 471 of title 49. » instruments authorized by 49 U.S.C. § 106(l)(6). » Two (0.2) percent of funds can be used for oversight/ » FAA can use these funds to administer this program. administration. » Criteria for award will be announced within 60 days of enactment. » Buy American (49 U.S.C. § 50101) applies.
6 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org LEADING WITH FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
An FAAMA Interview: Ramesh K. Punwani Chief Financial Officer, Federal Aviation Administration
Five years ago, when then FAA Administrator Marion Blakey selected Ramesh Punwani to oversee the FAA’s operating budget as well as the development and agency-wide application of cost accounting and financial management systems, she said, “We needed someone who could balance a $14 billion checkbook, and we found him. Ramesh brings financial, management, and technical skills that are tailor-made for the agency. He knows budgets, and he knows aviation. It’s just the right mix for the FAA.”
amesh Punwani’s background in aviation and the travel indus- R try spans over three decades, and includes CFO and Vice President positions for Pan American World Airways, Tower Air, and Trans World Airlines. Prior to joining Cendant Corp. as Senior Vice President for Global Strategy, he was the Executive Vice President and CFO of Travelocity. com. Mr. Punwani was also Vice President of Tour and Cruise Relations and Director of Business Development for American Express before joining Travelocity.com. From 1993 to 1996, he was Senior Vice President and CFO for Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Ramesh Punwani came to the US L to R: Ramesh Punwani, FAA Chief Financial Officer, was interviewed by Glenn A. Forbes, a member of the from India in 1964 to earn an MS in FAAMA Communications Committee, and, Manager, Technical Operations, Tampa OEP SSC. management science from Cornell University in 1966. Going to school at night, he earned an MBA from New York Punwani: The FAA is my sixth Chief The move to Travelocity was probably University in 1978. He also holds a BS in Financial Officer position in the aviation one of the best moves I’ve ever made in industrial engineering from the Indian industry. Including the FAA, I have over my career. I was expected to bring a lot Institute of Technology in Mumbai. 20 years of CFO experience. Basically, of discipline into the organization. We Q: Please share some of your I’ve been in the finance business for grew a $400 million dollar company to background. You’ve been involved almost 40 years. After working for three a $4 billion dollar company in two years with the aviation industry in previous airlines – TWA, Pan Am, and Tower and nine months, ultimately selling financial positions with TWA, Pan Am, Air – I moved over to the travel distribu- Travelocity to Sabre. Tower Air, and Travelocity. What is the tion side – American Express. Then I get Next, I returned to New Jersey to difference in being accountable to a phone call from Travelocity in Dallas: work for Cendant Corp. At the time, shareholders and being accountable “Would you like to come down and talk?” Andy Steinberg was FAA General to taxpayers?
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 7 Ramesh Punwani, FAA Chief Financial Officer
Counsel, and he convinced me to meet Q. How did you go about bringing feed the data into a managerial cost the FAA Administrator, Marion Blakey, financial discipline to the FAA? accounting system which helps us make who told me: “We want to operate FAA Can you define what you mean by better managerial decisions. FAA has a like a business. We want to use best “improving financial management?” relatively sophisticated cost accounting practices.” Punwani: We’re talking about a major system which our auditors tell us is one In the private sector, if a business is cultural change. In the five years that of the “best in class.” going to be world class, it needs to have I’ve been at the FAA, it is useful to look Q: What are some of the best practices excellence in financial management. at where we have been and were we are going. Along the way, it has been that you’ve put into place since coming Every financial textbook says that you to the FAA? exciting – it has been a great journey. need to maximize stockholder value Punwani: I do think that we’ve achieved a lot by When I joined FAA, I was – in other words – you need to maxi- instrumental in consolidating the mize profitability. The primary driver is improving financial management. “Improving financial manage- accounting offices, saving $4 million profitability. dollars a year. Also, I discovered that At FAA, the single biggest motivation ment” can include everything from cost efficiency, program management, in terms of office supplies – paper, is safety, followed by capacity – making pens, toner cartridges, software, etc. sure that people make it from point to performance budgeting, and, the most important thing of all – good financial – everyone was going out and buying point safely and efficiently. At the same what they needed from wherever they time, the common theme between maxi- data. Without good financial data, you can’t have financial controls, you can’t wished. There was no consistency in the mizing profitability and maximizing purchase. safety and efficiency is good financial have program management, and you can’t have performance efficiency. No one thought about the fact that management. You have to achieve goals when you have a large order you can with financial efficiency. We brought in a new general ledger system – which records of raw account- bring down the unit price, so I brought Q: What effect does the stimulus ing data – that can analyze data from in a firm and asked them to do what is package have on the FAA? the general ledger system, and then called “strategic sourcing,” which means Punwani: The stimulus is a good thing: getting the best single contract for all we got $1.3 billion which has allowed office supplies and office equipment needed by the FAA. us to accelerate a lot of things that we “We put their bids on a screen in a were going to do further out in time. So I asked the firm to give me an conference room. After two hours It is, without a doubt, going to create estimate, and also said, “By the way jobs. FAA also is doing a good job of we got down to the lowest bid, and – the bill you give me when you are implementing the stimulus funds. The FAA is saving 22 percent on office finished should be zero.” They looked effect it is having is to give FAA more supplies compared to what the at me and said, “Do you want us to do money to achieve its objectives while, at agency was paying before.” the job for nothing?” I said, “No. For the same time, meeting the job creation every dollar you save, I’ll give you five objectives of the administration. cents on the dollar. By saving the FAA
8 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org so much, just think of how much you The Flight Plan is the FAA roadmap – Q: Congratulations on winning will make!” They took the deal, and our operational plan for the current year; the Certificate of Excellence in implemented contracts for us. To date, and a strategic plan for the next four Accountability Reporting, again, FAA is saving a documented $10 million years. Performance targets for increased for the fifth time. What does it take to win the CEAR? dollars a year. safety, greater capacity, international Punwani: We won the CEAR by hav- As part of the process, several com- leadership, organizational excellence, ing an annual accountability report that panies were asked to supply a bid, and and strategic performance are all there. discusses in great depth the performance then an auction was held in a confer- For the current year, we draw from the of the agency relative to the goals. It pre- ence room here. The competing office Flight Plan for the goals that we use, and cisely defines the goals and demonstrates supply companies were called A, B, C, the budget ties into it. whether or not we have met them. We and D to hide their identity. We put Every month we meet and those received this award from the Association their bids on a screen in a conference individuals responsible for the individual of Government Accountants. room. After two hours we got down to performance targets give a report. It is a It is a performance accountability the lowest bid, and FAA is saving 22 short one-hour meeting, but it keeps the report as opposed to an annual report. We percent on office supplies compared to management team linked. In the past, don’t have a P&L statement since we are a what the agency was paying before. there has not always been this level of not-for-profit organization, but we have all Remember, FAA has done the larg- discipline and cost control. the equivalents of private sector financial est outsourcing in the Federal govern- Another target is getting a clean audit statements: cash flow statements, balance ment when we outsourced Flight Service opinion on our financial statements from sheets, and income statements. Stations to Lockheed Martin. We expect our auditors. To achieve this, we have It is the content of the FAA to develop good policies and procedures savings of over $2 billion dollars over ten Performance and Accountability Reports and train people to correctly report all years. that gets us the awards. It is a terrific financial transactions. We have been So we’ve been doing creative things accomplishment, but every year, we have working hard to repair any broken like that, and the list just goes on to keep on doing all the things we did to processes. and on. improve financial management. We have For example, when the FAA builds a detailed list of tasks that are assigned Q: Can you explain how the FAA is a a tower – labor costs, material costs, to different organizations within FAA performance-based company? Is this etc. – are put in a bucket called helping the agency become a world that they must report on routinely. “Construction in Process.” It is just a leader in managing to budget? FAA is way ahead of many, many bucket to collect costs. When the tower Punwani: We track 31 performance goals private companies in the quality of our is complete, the costs are treated as an as shown on the chart of FY 2009 FAA annual performance and accountability asset, because the cost of that asset is Performance Targets. Depending on how report. It takes a lot of people to put this then depreciated over the life of the the agency does on each goal, at the end together – it’s the team, and this is qual- asset. If we incur $50 million dollars in of year, the Administrator decides how ity work. We also compete in a private costs to build a tower that is going to much of a pay increase is given to employ- sector annual report contest where we last ten years, this means the true cost ees. If we blow FAA performance goals by ranked seventh. of the tower is $5 million dollars for ten a certain percentage, employees don’t get I should point out that FAA has been years as opposed to $50 million dollars the full pay increase. removed from the GAO High Risk List in year one. To demonstrate the significance for both financial management and air To make this work, we need people of financial management, one of the traffic modernization program manage- in the field to tell us when the tower is performance objectives is cost control. ment. This is a direct result of improved built. Unfortunately, in the past, no one financial discipline at FAA. Being off the We have a target to reduce costs by X was doing the paper work. We had a High Risk List assures Congress that we every year and it is made up of different bucket of costs which kept getting bigger are better managers and can be entrusted programs that people have committed and bigger until there was $5 billion dol- to manage large budget requests like the to. For example, Human Resources (HR) lars sitting in there. The auditors asked, $865 million we are requesting in 2010 has committed to control Workman’s “What is this?” So they came in and for NextGen programs. Compensation costs which means they discovered that over half of what was in (Editor’s Note: The award-winning, will work with people on Workman’s this bucket should have been written off 148-page FAA FY 2008 PERFORMANCE Compensation to manage the claims. years ago. AND ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT and
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 9 reports for prior years are available on contract is $90 per hour while in other the FAA website at www.faa.gov/about/ FAA groups, the labor cost being used is “We do an independent cost esti- plans_reports/.) $80 an hour. We will inform the program mates from within. For example, manager who usually will change the Q. Explain the benefits of program we will note that the labor cost labor cost to the lower amount. management? How does it work? being used in a specific contract As we begin putting discipline into the Punwani: The FAA used to be criticized independent government contract instru- is $90 per hour while in other FAA for cost over-runs, but right now, over ment, when contractors come in with groups, the labor cost being used 95 percent of our major programs are estimates, we have a yardstick to measure in $80 an hour.” on schedule and within budget because them against. That’s how the FAA puts what we have put in place is a disci- discipline into the contracting process. plined process for any FAA office that We’re putting in check and bal- comes in and requests funds to imple- ances. We’re not trying to be policemen Q: In general, what qualities do you ment a certain program. because we are a service department. look for in your team of managers? We ask them to break their requests But our job is to help the agency operate Punwani: Number one, good financial down into manageable segments. Next, efficiently, utilizing all the mechanisms skills, but also an ability to manage they appear before the Joint Resources that I’ve outlined. people. Quite often, finance department Council – the JRC – a team of senior people act like policemen – we are not executives including the head of the Q: How does the unresolved FAA –we’re a service organization. Our job is ATO, the head of AVS, the CFO, the Reauthorization Bill impact your to bring good financial management skills ability to manage FAA’s budget? CEO, and others. JRC looks at the to the agency and to operate efficiently. Punwani: justification for the program and studies Reauthorization allows us So, I look for people who will be able a detailed financial analysis, asking for to collect and to spend from the Trust to do it by motivating their staff and the cash flow statements, return on invest- Fund, so if we have no Reauthorization, organizations that we service. So I really ment, etc. In fact, all major FAA pro- we’re not allowed to collect any ticket need good people managers. In fed- grams must be approved by the JRC. or fuel taxes, and, moreover, we’re not eral government, we do not have stock In handling requests, the JRC may allowed to spend out of the Trust Fund options and do not have a bonus system say: “What you want to do makes sense. where we have about $9 billion in cash – for all employees, so we need to create a You should do Phase One, and then mostly committed. good system of incentives. come back to us in three years, and The current Reauthorization expires Therefore, it is very important that re-justify it, telling us how you did it September 30th, and we’ve had nine the managers that I hire be able to get during those three years.” extensions, all very short-term. Stop. people to care about the work that they We are managing programs in manage- Start. Stop. Start. It is very inefficient. are doing above and beyond just the able segments – which we call “useful seg- There is a risk of laying people off. financial compensation. ments.” Also, we’re doing very, very heavy Three or four times, we’ve sent notices financial analysis of the programs brought to employees saying to prepare for a Q: Does the shrinking airline before the JRC before they are approved. furlough. Invariably, we receive an industry affect your planning? extension of the Reauthorization. Punwani: True, the industry is shrinking, Q. How do you determine As part of Reauthorization, the but I also think it is evolving into what whether or not a contract is being administration would like to think I predicted many, many years ago – the competitively bid? about a mechanism to get funding stronger airlines would start forming part- Punwani: This department has a small through user charges and this is very nerships to basically become global mega- group of people who analyze the program, controversial. The administration says: carriers. Today the foreign carriers have asking whether this is a competitively “We want to get revenue to the Trust more capital reserves than the US carriers, bid contract. In the government as well Fund that is cost-based and equitably but I appreciate the reasons why the DOT as in the private sector you need to know distributed among users of the air traffic wants the majority ownership of US carri- generally what something is going to cost control system.” ers to stay in the US. But there should be before you complete the bidding process. From an FAA perspective, we have less interference in bilateral agreements How do you know an estimate is fair? big funding challenges ahead of us, and between carriers. The result might be the We do independent cost estimates Authorization needs to address those same amount of capacity – if not more – from within. For example, we will note challenges. with fewer airlines providing it. ❙ that the labor cost being used in a specific
10 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org FY 2009 FAA Performance Targets*
Measure (Location) Actual (Line) Target (Line)
Data Data Index Range
INCREASED SAFETY 09 (FAA) 09S1 Commercial Air Carrier Fatality Rate 6.8 8.4 GREEN 09S2 General Aviation Fatal Accident Rate 0.98 1.11 GREEN 09S3 Alaska Accidents 33 99 GREEN 09S4 Runway Incursions (Category A and B) 0.17 0.47 GREEN 09S6 Commercial Space Launch Accidents 0 0 GREEN 09S7 Operational Errors 2.29 2.10 RED 09S59Safety Management System 1 1 GREEN 09S104 Total Runway Incursions 500 537 GREEN
GREATER CAPACITY 09 (FAA) 09C1 Average Daily Airport Capacity (35 OEP Airports) 102,387 100,707 GREEN 09C2 Airport Average Daily Capacity (7 Metro Areas) 42,873 39,484 GREEN 09C3 Annual Service Volume 3 0 GREEN 09C4 Adjusted Operational Availability 99.8 99.7 GREEN 09C5 NAS On-Time Arrivals 88.81 88.00 YELLOW 09C6 Noise Exposure 3 3 GREEN 09C7 Aviation Fuel Efficiency 3 3 GREEN
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP 09 (FAA) 0912 CAST Safety Enhancements 2 5 GREEN 0917 International Aviation Development Projects 1 0 GREEN 09123 NextGen Technology 0 0 GREEN 09142 Aviation Leaders 1 0 GREEN
ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE 09 (FAA) 09E2 Cost Control 3 3 GREEN 09E3 Critical Acquisitions on Budget 100.0 90.0 GREEN 09E4 Critical Acquisitions on Schedule 95.3 90.0 GREEN 09E5 Information Security Program 0 0 GREEN 09E6 Customer Satisfaction 0 0 GREEN 09E61 OPM Hiring Standard 3 3 GREEN 09E102 Reduce Workplace Injuries 3 3 GREEN 09E104 Clean Audit 2 3 YELLOW 09E107 Grievance Processing Time 3 3 GREEN 09E108 ATC Positions Workforce Plan 15,622 15,333 GREEN 09E234 Continuity of Operations 0 0 GREEN 09E265 Aviation Safety Critical Positions Workforce Plan 6,978 6,998 GREEN
STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE 09 (FAA) 09E1 *Leadership and Accountability 3 3 GREEN
*Monthly Status, May 15, 2009
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 11 p r o f i l e | Republican Whip | US House of Representatives
Representative Eric Cantor (r-v a 7th) Republican Whip, US House of Representatives
Eric Cantor is a results-oriented leader dedicated to helping solve problems for America’s families. He was unanimously elected Republican Whip for the 111th United States Congress after serving as chief deputy whip for the previous six years.
fifth-term congressman serving jurisdiction over taxes, trade, Social Force on Terrorism and Unconventional since 2001, Cantor has earned Security, Medicare, prescription drugs Warfare which studies the threat of A a reputation as a consensus- for seniors, health care, and welfare international terrorism on the United builder respected on both sides of the reform. He was the chief sponsor of a States and develops policy proposals and aisle. The Weekly Standard recently bill to make permanent the slashed indi- legislative recommendations regarding featured him as an emerging leader vidual income tax rates for capital gains the fight against terrorism. among an impressive group of “Young and dividends, rewarding entrepreneurs, ABOUT ERIC CANTOR Guns of the House GOP.” retirees, and investors with the ability to Eric Ivan Cantor, born June 6, 1963, Cantor sits on the powerful House create more opportunity for their fami- is a lifelong resident of the Richmond Ways and Means Committee, where he lies and jobs for our communities. area. He graduated high school in 1981, is a proven advocate for America’s work- In addition, Rep. Cantor serves as and got his start in politics as a student ing families. The Committee has direct Chairman of the Congressional Task
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Excerpts from a June 10, 2009 discussion by Jonathan day that’s what rules come November 2010.” GOP leadership late last year, signifying a Karl, Rick Klein and Z. Byron Wolf on ABC: meteoric ascent for someone who entered …Despite Cantor’s optimism, Republicans Congress only in 2001… With polls showing GOP Leader Rep. Eric Cantor are in a deep hole. There’s a popular Demo- the GOP brand tarnished, Cantor aims to Predicts Republican Landslide crat in the White House, and according to recast House Republicans as more than the in 2010 the latest ABC News poll, only 21 percent of “party of no.” He’s promoting what he calls voters identify themselves as Republicans These may be dark days for the Republican an “entrepreneurial insurgency” by offering – a 26-year low… But Cantor says there is a Party, but a top GOP congressional leader alternatives on the stimulus, the budget, and growing public backlash against Democrats predicted today that Republicans would housing. Proposals on healthcare, energy, because of massive deficit spending and trounce Democrats in the 2010 midterm and retirement security are in the works… the administration’s approach to national elections and could take back control of the security, especially the decision to close Cantor, who calls Ronald Reagan his political House of Representatives. the Guantanamo Bay prison…. hero and has never lost a race for elected of- “I really believe we’ve got a shot at taking fice, wants the GOP to return to its roots as
back this House because you see what’s gone Excerpts from an April 16, 2009 article by Katherine Skiba the party of low taxes and less government… on here with the unfettered ability of this in US News & World Report: Cantor attracted national attention when administration and Nancy Pelosi to run this In Congress, Eric Cantor Is rumors surfaced that he was a possible Congress,” Rep. Eric Cantor, R-VA, the No. 2 running mate to McCain… On the fundrais- Republican in the House, told ABC News in Plotting the GOP’s Comeback ing circuit, Cantor estimates he has brought an exclusive interview. “The American people The shorthand on House Republican Eric in at least $50 million for other Republican see that this agenda is way far out of the Cantor: He’s Jewish, southern, a fundrais- candidates… Today, tomorrow – perhaps for mainstream. They want a check and a balance ing dynamo – and ambitious. Cantor was years to come – count on seeing more of one on this power. And I think at the end of the elected to the No. 2 spot in the House of the Democrats’ top antagonists.
12 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org at George Washington University by New York. Cantor worked for over a sional district which includes most interning for Congressman Tom Bliley decade with his family’s small busi- of the northern and western sections in Bliley’s Washington office and serv- ness doing legal work and real estate of Richmond, along with most of ing as a driver on Bliley’s first re-election development. He served in the Virginia Richmond’s western suburbs and campaign. House of Delegates from 1992 until portions of the Shenandoah Valley. He received his law degree from January 1, 2001. While studying in New York, Eric The College of William and Mary and Cantor was first elected to the U.S. met his wife Diana and brought her his Master’s degree in real estate devel- House of Representatives in 2000, back to Virginia. The Cantors have three opment from Columbia University in representing Virginia’s 7th congres- children, Evan, Jenna, and Michael. ❙
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Excerpts from a column by Eric Cantor in the January 28, conservative solutions to the challenges fac- Federal civilian employees’ receive their ini- 2009 edition of Townhall Today: ing the hardworking middle-class American tial pension benefits based on the average Fix the Stimulus taxpayers… of highest earnings over three consecutive years. The private sector commonly bases …Congress is moving forward with an First, we must begin the rehabilitation of these benefits on a five-year average. Ac- economic stimulus plan that will swell this our conservative voice by being honest cording to the Congressional Budget Office, fiscal year’s deficit to roughly $2 trillion, or an with ourselves and the American people… moving to the five-year average would save astounding 13 percent of GDP… the stimulus From day one we will serve as the check and $1.2 billion over five years. bill that has emerged falls hopelessly short of balance on majority rule envisioned under the mark, crippled by non-stimulative spend- the Constitution. But our opposition will not Eliminate Full-time Union ing and insufficient tax cuts… we must ensure be reflexive and automatic; it will be honest Representatives from Federal Payroll that vast government spending doesn’t lead and responsible… ($60 Million Over 5 Years) to rampant inflation in the future. House Republicans Propose Federal employees who are part of a union At $825 billion, this Democrat stimulus $375 Billion in Taxpayer may, legally, be granted “official time” to proposal causes us great concern. While the Savings perform representational duties for the Fed remains rightfully concentrated on fight- union. Employees are paid by the govern- ing deflation, uncontrolled spending and Majority Leader John Boehner and Republi- ment during the time they act on behalf of borrowing will most ultimately lead to infla- can Whip Eric Cantor proposed budget cuts the union. In 2008, the Federal government tion if the spigot is not turned off in time. that would save taxpayers $375 billion over spent $120 million paying employees for That could trigger a flight of foreign capital the next five years. Here are brief selections their time spent working on union activi- and a steep drop in the purchasing power of from their proposal: ties… Eliminating 100 percent official time the dollar for the American consumer…. would save millions of dollars each year. BROADBASED BUDGET REFORMS Savings of 10 percent a year would save
Excerpts from Eric Cantor’s letter to House Republicans Terminate Funding for the Department of $12 million next year and $60 million over explaining why he was running to be Republican Whip: Defense Innovative Readiness Training five years. Program (Saves $100 Million Over Years) My Letter to House Eliminate Retirement Payment for Federal Republicans: An Innovative The Innovative Readiness Training program Workers Who Retire Before Age 62 (Indeter- Path to the Future uses military resources to support non-mil- minate, But Potentially Saves $1.3 Billion itary projects including the building of rural Over 5 Years) As we gear up for the 111th Congress, our roads, airplane runways, small building, and The Federal Government should not provide beliefs seem under fire… Building an agenda warehouse construction. its employees with retirement benefits of reform based on self-empowerment and superior to those found in the private sector. entrepreneurialism is absolutely essential to REFORM FEDERAL PERSONNEL Currently, a federal employee who retires at expanding our tent and making inroads with POLICIES TO REFLECT PRIVATE age 55 with 30 years of service or at 60 with an increasingly diverse electorate. SECTOR PRACTICES at least 20 years of service receives benefits Update the Formula for Federal Pensions to I am running to be your Republican Whip to which a private sector employee would Reflect Private Sector Practices (Saves $1.2 because I am determined to help re-establish not have access until age 62. Billion Over 5 Years) the forward momentum of common sense
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 13 “It’s Your Serve” uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Why the Federal Program is a October 18-22, 2009 | South Point Hotel Casino, Las Vegas Smart Choice for Members of the FAA Managers Association:
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14 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org 29TH ANNUAL FAA MANAGERS ASSOCIATION: GATHERING OF EAGLES CONVENTION & TRAINING CONFERENCE
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AA Managers Association manag- Learn Proven Tools and a beverage or snack in the hospitality suite, ers and supervisors must meet Techniques to Ensure Success and for making new friends and contacts. the daily challenges of ensuring Outstanding professional training will F Participate Fully In Association Business that the FAA accomplishes its mission in gives 2009 Convention attendees insight tough economic times. The Association into how to deal with difficult situations One-and-one-half days of the Convention is engaged, informed, and considered as well as how to get the most out of their will focus on Association business. The a valuable, trusted resource by aviation people. Members who have attended past Executive Board, Directors, and Committee industry leaders both inside and outside Conventions say that the training is the Chairs will report on their accomplishments the FAA. best they have ever had. during the past year. On Thursday afternoon, The coming 2009 Convention and delegates will cast their votes for Association Visit Exhibits to Discover the Training Conference promises to be Vice President and Treasurer. Latest ATC Tools and Techniques one of the most memorable, productive Beginning in 2008, an expanded, state- Save! Book Your Hotel By September 28! gatherings in recent years. Convention of-the-art exhibit area became a popular The South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, attendees will take away valuable new feature of the FAAMA Convention. For the 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, leadership skills, gain a supportive net- 2009 Convention, exhibitor space is again NV 89183, can be reached toll free at work of new friends and colleagues, and generous with many interesting exhibits.. 866.796.7111. You can reserve a room at experience the power and satisfaction http://southpointcasino.com/ . resulting from full participation in the Enjoy Ample Time for Networking The special FAAMA negotiated rate at Association. In addition to a formal agenda rich with the South Point is $85 per night, before Every FAAMA member should experi- opportunities for expanding knowledge, the taxes, valid through September 28, 2009 ence this Convention! To register now, go 2009 Convention is packed with occasions and based on availability. On www.faama. to www.faama.org. for meeting FAAMA corporate sponsors, org, see the “Hotel Reservation” page for networking with other attendees, enjoying more details. ❙
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FAAMA Website: New Look, New Functionality
In the newly-designed FAAMA website (www. rig h t side of w eb page h as lin k s to a faama.org), you’ll find 2009 FAAMA Annual w ealt h of information Convention information right on top with handy At the top – for FAAMA members only – is a Member links to: Login button linking to a secure portion of the • Convention News and Information website which includes reports, notices, docu- • Register Now ments, downloads, etc. about the Association. • Approved FAAMA Training Conference Below the Member Login are links to six areas of the Information FAAMA website where visitors can: Convention registration is open and can easily be • Check FAAMA Webmail • Subscribe to Managing the Skies accomplished online. When you click through to the • Contact the Association • Download the latest issue of 2009 Convention information, you’ll find everything • Visit the FAAMA Online Store Managing the Skies or check out back you need to know about the Convention: the most Below the six FAAMA website links are an additional issues in the archive up-to-date Agenda, a link to hotel reservations, an 29 links to a rich variety of information sources rang- online registration form, facts about Las Vegas, and • Take a survey about Managing the Skies ing from the NextGen portion of the FAA website to more. at “Tell Us What You Think” the Washington Post to 24/7 live aviation radio.
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 15 29TH ANNUAL FAA MANAGERS ASSOCIATION: GATHERING OF EAGLES CONVENTION & TRAINING CONFERENCE
Convention & Training Conference Professional Development Seminars
Monday, October 19 What is the most important leadership Thursday, October 22, 2009 trait for surviving our tough-as-nails serving y our countr y : public service : it’s serving y our cre w : genuine leaders economy? You might guess intuition or w h at w e do (afternoon training session ) serve (morning training session ) persuasiveness. But according to Mike On My Honor, I Will: Proven Principles Staver, the most critical leadership trait is Servant Leadership: Finding Meaning by for Integrity Driven Leadership something you’re more likely to associ- Identifying and Meeting the Needs of Your ate with firefighters than with managers. Customers and Colleagues In this interactive leadership training Courage. session, Pennington will lay out the Fortunately, courage can be developed In this one-half-day training session, Dr. blueprint for how integrity-driven leaders and nurtured. Staver explores what cour- Kent Keith will guide FAAMA participants succeed and provide participants with age really is, why it matters, and what in finding personal meaning in a crazy knowledge on how to move from being you can do to bring it out in yourself and world. According to Dr. Keith, each of us a manager to becoming a leader who others. is more productive, more committed, inspires trust, respect, commitment, more innovative, and less likely to burn and results from others. Michael Staver is a out when we find meaning in our work powerhouse in the field and our daily lives. Randy Pennington helps of strategic advisors, leaders and organizations Participants in Dr. Keith’s powerful train- sharing his message to ing session will become revitalized and build cultures focused on over 20,000 people a year. reenergized, as they come to realize that results, relationships, and “Energy,” “passion,” and managers – by following the servant accountability. A twenty- “focus” are the words most commonly used leadership model of embracing employ- year business perfor- when people describe their experience ees and tapping into their passion – can mance veteran, author, and consultant, he with Michael Staver. produce a better, more efficient, and has worked with many of this country’s As a speaker, he has the uncanny more fulfilling organization. best-known organizations in addition to ability to make the most complex ideas government agencies at the local, state, Dr. Kent M. Keith, CEO simple and memorable. With a sense of and national level. of the Greenleaf Center humor and the knowledge that comes His ideas and comments on integrity, for Servant Leadership, from a BA in Business and an MA in trust, and commitment have appeared he has been an attor- Psychology, he understands the impor- in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, ney, a state government tance of results and leaves you with prin- Executive Excellence, and on CNN, Fox official, a high tech ciples that are simple and memorable. News, the BBC, the ABC radio network, park developer, a university president, a and in numerous professional and trade YMCA executive, and a full-time speaker association journals. Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and author. His first book, On“ My Honor, I Will,” Dr. Keith earned a BA in Government serving y our customers received endorsements from President (t h ree morning training sessions ) from Harvard University, an MA in Gerald Ford, Zig Ziglar, and Stephen Philosophy and Politics from Oxford NextGen Component: Data Covey, Ph.D. He has a MA in Psychology. University, a Certificate in Japanese from Communication Waseda University in Japan, a JD from the – ATO Vice President (TBD) University of Hawaii, and an EdD from Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Staying Out of the Limelight the University of Southern California. He serving y our communit y : serving – Carol Might, FAA System also is a Rhodes Scholar. t h e faa w it h courage (morning and Operations Litigation During the past seven years he has afternoon training sessions ) published four books, including: “Anyway: We Are Who We Serve Leadership Isn’t for Cowards: How to The Paradoxical Commandments,” which – Fanny Rivera, FAA Assistant Lead Courageously in a Turbulent Age became a national bestseller, and has Administrator for Civil Rights been translated into 17 languages. ❙
16 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org Schedule 2009 f a a m a c o n v e n t i o n exhibitors* • Early Registration • AHR Office of Human Resources • President’s Corporate Reception – Texas Style Barbeque
SUN, 10/ 18 • Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield • Registration • Crenlo (Emcor Enclosures) • Opening Ceremonies
• Association Business: Nominations (Vice President and Treasurer) • Crown Consulting and State of the Association • FAA 1st Federal Credit Union
MON, 10/ 19 • Keynote Address: TBD
• Training: Randy Pennington – On My Honor, I Will: • Federal Employee Defense Services Proven Principles for Integrity Driven Leadership (FEDS)
• Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA)
• Training: Michael Staver – Leadership Isn’t for Cowards: • GEICO How to Lead Courageously in a Turbulent Age • Harris Corporation TUES, 10/ 20
• Livingston Financial
• Training: NextGen Component – Data Communication • Long Term Health Care, LLC. • Training: Carol Might, FAA System Operations Litigation – Staying Out of the Limelight • Raytheon • Training: Fanny Riviera, FAA Assistant Administrator for Civil Rights – We Are Who We Serve • SRA International
WED, 10/ 21 • Association Business: Nominating Speeches (Vice President and • Systems Atlanta Treasurer); Committee Reports
• Banquet/Awards Dinner * As we go to press, these companies are confirmed exhibitors – additional exhibitors are expected.
• Training: Dr. Kent Keith – Servant Leadership: Finding Meaning by Identifying and Meeting the Needs of Your Customers and Colleagues
• Association Business: Seconding Speeches (Vice President and Treasurer); Committee Reports; Election of Vice President and
THURS, 10/ 22 Treasurer; Oaths of Office.
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 17 LEADING WITH FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
tampa international airport: financial discipline in action
By Laurie Zugay, Director of Communications, FAAMA
Many of us remember the FAA days in the 1970s and 1980s when minimal budgetary compliance was the norm. Consequently, during the 1990s, FAA’s budgetary compliance came under close scrutiny by Congress. Then, as we ventured into Y2K and the millennial year, we also became much more financially disciplined. tampa international airport: financial discipline in action
hile operating the FAA and today we’re approving the 2,000th is for airports and Federal Aviation like a business is a fairly project. I am proud to utter the two rarest Administration facilities and equipment, W new concept, others in the phrases in the English language – projects and $100 million for shipyards. aviation industry must be financially are being approved ahead of schedule and In early February, prior to the pas- disciplined to survive. Airlines, air- they are coming in under budget.” sage of the ARRA, DOT Secretary Ray craft manufacturers, fixed base opera- “The Recovery Act is being imple- LaHood established the Transportation tors, and airports, to name a few, mented with speed, transparency and Investments Generating Economic must continually weigh the benefits accountability,” said Vice President Recovery (TIGER) team to ensure that against the costs. Biden. “Don’t take my word for it – just economic recovery dollars for transpor- look at what’s happening today. We have tation infrastructure projects is rapidly 2009 Stimulus Package the 2000th transportation project now made available and that project spending Recently, I had the opportunity to dis- underway – that’s going to help create is monitored and transparent. On March cuss financial discipline with a leader jobs, make it easier for folks to get to the 3, President Obama unveiled a TIGER in aviation – the Tampa International jobs they have, and improve our nation’s logo, as well as an ARRA logo, that will be Airport. We discussed actions taken by infrastructure all at the same time. The placed on construction signs across the Tampa Airport (TPA) management to Recovery Act is full-steam ahead on country, to mark projects being built and control costs while focusing on cus- helping us build an economy for the 21st jobs created with Recovery Act funds. tomer service. Tampa Airport is the century.” State departments of transporta- recent recipient of funds from President “This is the government working for tion around the country have reported Obama’s stimulus package. As a recipi- the people, creating jobs today and lay- intense competition by contractors for ent, the airport must comply with fis- ing the foundation for a bright economic ARRA projects. Bids have been roughly cally responsible practices. future,” said Secretary LaHood. 15 to 20 percent lower on average and as In early 2009, President Barack much as 30 percent lower in some cases, Obama announced funding for trans- ARRA Provides $1.3 Billion than engineers anticipated. These lower portation projects under the American for Airports and FAA Facilities than expected bids are allowing states Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). ARRA provided a total of $48.1 bil- to stretch economic recovery funds to On April 13, 2009, Transportation lion for transportation infrastructure pay for additional projects, which the Secretary Ray LaHood was in atten- projects to be administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation predicts dance when President Obama and Vice Department of Transportation. Of that, will create even more jobs and yield fur- President Biden announced funding for $27.5 billion is for highways and bridges, ther infrastructure repair nationwide. the 2,000th project funded by the ARRA. $8.4 billion is for transit, $8 billion is For example, at Baltimore-Washington President Obama stated, “Just 41 for high speed rail, $1.3 billion is for International Marshall Airport, a recent days ago we announced funding for the Amtrak, $1.5 billion is for discretion- project to reconstruct the area around first transportation project under ARRA ary infrastructure grants, $1.3 billion
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 19 Piers C and D received six bids instead the ARRA funds, the project funding project could not receive more than $15 of the usual two or three. The result: the percentages changed and the work was million and one sponsor could not receive estimated $50 million project will be advanced. ARRA funds have taken the more than $20 million. Each project is built for $8 million less than was bud- place of the FAA discretionary funds eligible to receive 100 percent funding. geted and the savings will be allocated to although the FAA is considering ARRA other projects. funds to be like discretionary funds. Tampa International Airport was the ARRA Funds Must “Supplement” – “Aviation traffic is down and this recipient of Recovery Act funds, and I Not “Supplant” – Project Funding is the perfect time to use the had the opportunity to speak with Jeff The Recovery Act, enacted February 17, Siddle, Deputy Director of Engineering, stimulus and other funding to 2009, requires airports to use the funding about their plans for the money. Jeff told complete needed infrastructure. to supplement and not supplant project me that all airports first became aware This includes over-pass taxiways, funding. Therefore, any project already that stimulus funds would be available planned and budgeted for 2009 could site drainage, and relocation of in early 2009 and that the main purpose not compete for the funds. Consequently, existing cargo facilities.” of the Recovery Act was to stimulate TPA accelerated the Taxiway Bravo the economy and create jobs. As part of Rehabilitation project and proposed it and the transparency and reporting require- six other projects to the Federal Aviation ments of ARRA, the airport is required Tampa Received 26 Percent Administration Airports Division. to report on the number of jobs created of the Overall Costs After ARRA’s enactment, the FAA from the received stimulus funds. Tampa International Airport asked for and determined which submitted projects met received $8 million. This is 26 percent all of the criteria of the Act, determined Taxiway Bravo Rehabilitation Project of the overall $31 million project cost of the amount of funding to award each At TPA, the decision was made to the Taxiway Bravo Rehabilitation proj- project and advised the airports of their proceed with the design of the Taxiway ect. As part of this project, the existing decisions. The Act requires 50 percent of Bravo Rehabilitation project. This Taxiway Bravo will be replaced with a the $1.1 billion FAA funds be awarded rehabilitation project was originally raised taxiway and a bridge mid span. The construction of the bridge will eliminate the current situation of ground traffic crossing the taxiway and will improve airfield safety. The new taxiway layout will also improve capacity and efficiency. The awarded contractor will document any new or retained employees, and the proj- ect is anticipated to create 100+ new jobs. Emphasis is placed on getting projects started early to inject the funds into the economy. Two of the FAA’s requirements are to award the contract within 15 days and to issue a Notice to Proceed within 30 days of the grant offer. At Tampa, the project was bid on May 1st, 2009; the grant offer was received on May 20th; awarded to the contractor on May 29th; and a Notice to Proceed was issued on Tampa International Airport has been rated one of the Top 5 airports in the world by the Official Airline Guide June 3rd. and one of the Top 10 by Condé Nast. Ground breaking began in June with substantial completion in the fall within 120 days and that the project be scheduled for 2011 and was budgeted to of 2010. The awarded contractor and completed in two years. There were two be funded by FAA discretionary funds, airport staff will track the ARRA funds very important criteria to be a recipient Florida DOT grant funds, and Passenger separately from the other funds used for of recovery funds: the first was that one Facility Charge funds. Upon receipt of this project. This tracking system readily
20 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org COSTS PER PASSENGER: Airline Versus Airport Operating Costs The two comparisons here are based upon 2007 data. These numbers obviously go up when passenger numbers go down – as they are doing now – even though actual costs also may be going down due to cost cutting measures. airline c o s t p e r enplanement (All the costs paid by the air carriers relative to the number of enplaned passengers)
Response Airport Code Airport Name Hub Size
$ 4.11 BNA Nashville International – Nashville, TN Medium
$13.59 BOS Logan International Airport – Boston, MA Large
$10.48 DCA Ronald Reagan International – Wash. D.C. Large
$ 4.46 FLL Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International - FL Large
$10.06 IAD Washington Dulles International – Wash. D.C. Large
$ 3.93 MCI Kansas City International – Kansas City, MO Medium
$ 5.05 MCO Orlando International – Orlando, FL Large
$ 6.40 OAK Oakland International – Oakland, CA Medium
$11.11 PDX Portland International – Portland, OR Medium
$ 4.29 PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International – Phoenix, AZ Large
$16.57 PIT Pittsburg International – Pittsburg, PA Medium
$ 6.34 SAN San Diego International – San Diego, CA Large
$11.66 SEA Seattle-Tacoma International – Seattle, WA Large
$14.14 SFO San Francisco International – San Francisco, CA Large
$ 5.06 SMF Sacramento International – Sacramento, CA Medium
$10.72 STL Lambert-St. Louis International – St. Louis, MO Medium
$ 4.33 TPA Tampa International Airport – Tampa, FL Large
t o t a l o p e r a t i n g c o s t p e r enplanement (Total operating cost of the airport relative to the number of enplaned passengers)
Response Airport Code Airport Name Hub Size
$ 8.96 BNA Nashville International – Nashville, TN Medium
$17.60 BOS Logan International Airport – Boston, MA Large
$13.60 DCA Ronald Reagan International – Wash. D.C. Large
$11.30 FLL Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International - FL Large
$16.97 IAD Washington Dulles International – Wash. D.C. Large
$12.74 MCI Kansas City International – Kansas City, MO Medium
$10.68 MCO Orlando International – Orlando, FL Large
$14.72 OAK Oakland International – Oakland, CA Medium
$11.56 PDX Portland International – Portland, OR Medium
$9.01 PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International – Phoenix, AZ Large
$16.16 PIT Pittsburg International – Pittsburg, PA Medium
$11.76 SAN San Diego International – San Diego, CA Large
$10.96 SEA Seattle-Tacoma International – Seattle, WA Large
$17.00 SFO San Francisco International – San Francisco, CA Large
$14.51 SMF Sacramento International – Sacramento, CA Medium
$12.54 STL Lambert-St. Louis International – St. Louis, MO Medium
$9.09 TPA Tampa International Airport – Tampa, FL Large
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 21 identifies which area of the project was 2009 arra funding levels paid for solely by the ARRA funds. Perfect Timing $27.5 billion is for highways and bridges The airport is involved in other measures to reduce costs. I discussed these mea- $9.3 billion is for high speed rail sures with Al Illustrato, Senior Director (including $1.3 billion for Amtrak) of Maintenance, and with Paul Ridgeway, Director of Maintenance. Al and Paul $8.4 billion is for transit programs explained that TPA is bidding and accelerating construction projects during $1.5 billion is for discretionary infrastructure grants this construction market downturn. Bids have come in at prices 30 to 50 percent $1.3 billion is for airports and Federal Aviation Administration facilities and equipment less than expected. Aviation traffic is down and this is the perfect time to use the stimulus and other funding to complete needed infrastructure. This includes over-pass taxiways, site drainage, and relocation of arra funds cover 26% of tpa taxiway bravo rehab costs existing cargo facilities. Then, as traffic picks back up, the airport will be ready for the new north terminal to be ready for operation just in time for the antici- 26% pated need. The Tampa Airport Master Plan The Tampa International Airport asked for describes action needed to keep up and received $8 million. This is 26 percent with traffic. The strategic business plan, of the overall $31 million project cost of updated regularly, anticipates fluctua- the Taxiway Bravo Rehabilitation project. tions in passenger activity and aircraft operations, and ties that information to the airport’s financial plan. Tampa is a Turn-Key Operation The airport is considered a turn key operation because the rates and charges to the airlines include most of the ser- vices required by the airlines to operate less than one-fourth of all airports are turn key operations at the airport. The rate structure used at TPA is called, “Compensatory Charges,” which means that the airlines only pay 25% for what they use. When an airline oper- ates at Tampa, the total charged by the The Tampa International Airport is airport to the airlines includes utilities, considered a turn key operation because air conditioning, passenger board- the rates and charges to the airlines ing bridges, facilities maintenance and include most of the services required by repair, janitorial service, and baggage the airlines to operate at the airport. The handling systems. percentage of other airports that operate Al Illustrato observed that, “We in a turn key mode is less than 25 percent. work on everything except for the systems and equipment unique to an airline’s operation, such as ground han- dling and passenger check-in process-
22 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org ing. We own, operate, and maintain $4.52. The airport has cross trained the future, airlines will not need to all of the other equipment including many of the technicians to work in a furnish these items at the airport. TPA the outbound baggage handling system multitude of areas, from baggage jam will provide these items which allow with in-line explosive detection. The clearing to grass mowing to changing common use gates, also called ‘virtual’ percentage of other airports that oper- out light bulbs. By the way, there are gates which allow for greater efficiency, ate in a turn key mode is less than 25 over 100,000 light bulbs on the airfield, reduced costs, and for the processing percent.” the parking garages and terminals, and of more flights with fewer facilities. Tampa started the turn key opera- along the streets. Several other airports, such as the Las tion in 1999. Prior to 1999, the airlines Cross utilizing technicians reduces Vegas Airport, use CUPPS with great operated and maintained the airsides in costs. The janitorial cleaning services success. Additionally, the common use their entirety, from passenger board- are employed by the airport to clean gate concept permits processing of more ing bridges to terminal maintenance the airport, the airsides, the offices, flights. and janitorial services. The airport now and the airline exclusive use space. All In-line Baggage System provides all the technicians who main- of this is done under a common janito- The in-line baggage system allows bags tain electrical and mechanical systems, rial contract. The airport completes to be sorted and screened by machines, plumbing, baggage conveyors, ground the background check on the janitorial taking baggage from a multitude of air- power units, and the passenger board- contractors and specifies salary and ben- lines, screening all baggage regardless of ing bridges. efits, resulting in a very stable janitorial airline, and then resorting the baggage to workforce. Turn Key Airport Operations Supply end up at the appropriate air carrier. This Consistency and Reduce Costs Determining Gate Space system reduced the number of manual The airport also manages contracts When the airline initially meets with the screeners by approximately 225 people. for services such as common janitorial aviation authority to discuss the number These employees were then sent to pas- services, window cleaning, and pas- of flights they will have serving TPA, a senger screening. senger conveyance systems. Airlines are determination is made as to the number only responsible for their own unique of gates required to serve those flights. computer systems and maintenance of In the event the airline needs an addi- their aircraft and ground support equip- tional gate for a limited time, the airline “The airport has cross trained many ment. Ultimately, the turn key approach may use a ‘per use’ gate. Per use gates are of the technicians to work in a allows Tampa to provide consistency and available for the airlines on an as needed multitude of areas, from baggage reduce costs. basis. Per use gates allow the airport jam clearing to grass mowing to In the case of the in-line baggage to more efficiently use gate space and changing out light bulbs. By the handling system, baggage from several reduce costs to the airlines. way, there are over 100,000 light airlines is co-mingled, screened by Virtual or “Common Use” Gates bulbs on the airfield, the parking explosive detection machines, and then TPA is in the process of installing sorted back out to the individual airlines garages and terminals, and along the infrastructure for Common Use for loading onto their aircraft. Fewer the streets.” Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) technicians are required to maintain for all gates and passenger check-in the common systems, as opposed to the facilities which will result in more effi- airlines maintaining separate ones. ciency and less costs for the air carriers. Further savings are achieved because A common use gate may be used by any Operating Costs a number of the TPA technicians are airline. This concept reduces the number Airlines have told TPA that the business multi-trades workers and can be cross- of gates required because aircraft may be model at TPA allows them to operate utilized to perform various tasks. For placed wherever needed depending on more economically than other airports. example, landscaping workers can be their flight schedule and on a real time Airlines like that! They want to focus used to change light bulbs or other basis. A similar approach can be applied on their main business – passengers. routine labor jobs in the slower growth to passenger check-in facilities, and bag- Airlines also like the fact that the seasons. gage claim functions. Tampa Airport takes care of the utili- Cost per Passenger is Lower in Tampa Today, airlines must supply their ties, janitorial service, air conditioning, Tampa Airport has one of the lowest own computers, telephones, and electrical, and plumbing for their airside costs per passenger in the industry at network infrastructures: however, in and gates.
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 23 Committing to Energy Efficient airports are responsible for the direct cost Alternative Fuel Vehicles Lower Costs Green Systems and maintenance of air conditioning and Alternative fuel vehicles, using electric- The airport is committed to building air conditioning equipment at their gates. ity, are used in place of pick up trucks. energy efficient systems. The baggage As TPA renovates facilities, low There is no pollution and no gas costs. system costs $1 million each year in water use toilets, and urinals are being Flexible work schedules and car pooling electricity costs; however, the airport installed. Recycled water for the author- is encouraged, and employees who use utilizes energy management systems that ity vehicle wash is used. At TPA’s newest mass transit are subsidized 50 percent of their transportation expense. Two gas/battery hybrid vehicles – a Ford Escape and a Ford Fusion – are used by airport personnel. Some air carriers are switching to electric ground service equipment as opposed to the diesel equipment. This newer equipment is less costly for the airlines in the long term. United Airlines is the first at TPA to use electric ground service equip- ment. TPA uses the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting. Airfield lighting is being incrementally replaced with LED lighting. Recycling is Part of the Green Focus Aluminum cans, landscaping waste, card- board, and crushed concrete is recycled. TPA has never had to buy rock for runway
Tampa International Airport from an airline point of view with the tower and terminal in the center. projects because crushed, previously used concrete is reused. Recycling bins are located on all land and airsides, and the new recycling system allows for a multi- automatically turn off equipment that is airside A, all of the condensation from tude of recycled items to be placed in the not used during non-peak periods. The the building air handlers is routed back same bin. The airport’s goal is to recycle energy management system switches to to the central cooling tower. These con- 1,000 tons of recyclables in one year. dormant and restarts when the baggage densation drips have totaled 3 million system is needed for service. Maximizing Existing Space gallons per year of saved water. By the A very sophisticated air conditioning end of 2009, the airport will use treated Enhancements were completed to the system also is used that keeps the build- existing terminal in order to maximize reclaimed water in some air condition- ing cool and dehumidified throughout space, enabling TPA to process 25 ing cooling towers. the day and night to adjust for varying million passengers through the airport Lighting also is electronically regu- occupant activity. Aircraft cooling at the each year. To accomplish this, a cell lot lated to dim during non-peak times. gates is provided by a central system in was built, first hour free in the parking Landscaping is installed that requires less the building and is a very efficient way of garage was implemented, and rental car water and is easily maintained. For exam- cooling aircraft versus small air condi- counters were relocated to an adjacent, ple, the better St. Augustine grasses are tioning units at each gate. easily accessible building. used in areas frequented by passengers The air conditioning chillers for the air- and on walkways whereas the low grade The Future at Tampa craft at the gate are very efficient and are Bahia grasses are used along the parkway. Another terminal will be needed once a part of the central air conditioning plant Passengers traveling to Florida expect to the airport exceeds a 25 million passen- for the entire airside. This allows common get off the airplane and see a lush, tropical ger per year demand. Fortunately, Jeff, use of the central air conditioning plant setting. Therefore, the airport attempts to Al, and Paul already are in the planning by many different airlines and reduces maintain that appearance at a reasonable stages of that new project. ❙ the costs for each individual airline. In cost and by using reclaimed water contrast, the individual airlines at most
24 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org Which Airport Really is “The World’s Busiest?” By John Burton, Sun ‘n Fun President and Convention Chairman, in collaboration with Laurie Zugay, Director of Communications, FAAMA Depends on when you ask. Each year, Chicago’s O’Hare battles Atlanta’s Hartsfield for the distinguished title: “The World’s Busiest.” But for one glorious week each April, Lakeland, Florida’s Linder Regional Airport, home to the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, witnesses more take-offs and landings than any other, including the big guns to the north. Why? Because more than 160,000 people from 88 countries and 4,500 aircraft take off for Lakeland and the annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In.
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 25 For One Week in April, Linder Regional Nearly 70 FAA Air Traffic as it does, it takes the outstanding Airport Witnesses More Take-Offs and Controllers Support the Fly-In teamwork of the FAA along with the Landings than Any Other The annual Fly-In is supported by a City of Lakeland Air Traffic Controllers, Florida’s annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In is group of 60+ professional and very FAA Technical Operations, FAA Flight recognized as one of the world’s major talented FAA Air Traffic Controllers Standards, the Lakeland Airport, Tampa aviation events. The Fly-In includes: who come to Lakeland from through- Approach Control, and Sun ‘n Fun, Inc. • More than 500 commercial exhibitors; out the US to assist the eight-person ATC Tower operated by the City of • More than 450 educational forums, seminars and workshops; Lakeland. Within the tower, the con- trollers staff several positions, includ- “Simply stated, Sun ‘n Fun is an • Daily afternoon air shows featuring ing two local positions, ground control, educational organization that the world’s top air show acts; flight data, clearance delivery, spotters, conducts an annual air show as • A stunning night air show culminat- team lead, supervisor, and Operations its primary fund raiser.” ing in a spectacular fireworks display; Managers. • An early-morning hot air balloon On the field, controllers staff Ground launch; Air Traffic Operation Remote (GATOR) positions. The GATORs are “mini • A “Splash-In” at a remote site for Who is Responsible for towers” positioned at the runways so seaplanes and amphibious aircraft; the Success of the Fly-In? that the controllers may communicate Now you know more about the Fly-In. • Aircraft of every size, shape directly to the departing aircraft from But what about Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, Inc., and description – homebuilts, the GATORs. Controllers also staff a the organization responsible for putting factorybuilts, antiques, classics, location approximately five miles north- contemporaries, aerobatic aircraft, on the big show? Simply stated, Sun ‘n east of the airport in a fire tower located rotorcraft, ultralights, light sport Fun is an educational organization that aircraft and Warbirds – to name a few. at Lake Parker. conducts an annual air show as its pri- Arrivals follow instructions published mary fund raiser. All of this is delivered in conjunc- in the Sun ‘n Fun Notice to Airmen Revenue generated during the Fly-In tion with down-home, southern-style advising them to proceed directly to event subsidizes Sun ‘n Fun’s year-round hospitality that keeps folks coming back Lake Parker and then toward the airport. education programs. With this revenue, year after year! In order for this to happen as smoothly Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, Inc. demonstrates
26 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org outstanding financial discipline. A provinces, plus an estimated 4,000 24-member volunteer Board of Directors, aircraft made appearances throughout “In 1978 Sun ’n Fun easily became each elected to serve a three-year term, the week. the second largest Fly-In in the US, oversee the organization’s assets of In 1979, the US World Aerobatics topped only by the Experimental $13.5 million (and growing) and a 2009 Team demonstrated their skills in Aircraft Association (EAA) conven- operations budget of $4.8 million. aerobatic flight and the first wave of tion in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.” ultralight aircraft appeared on the scene. Thirty-Four Years of Fly-In Fun: A Brief History In 1980, a privately owned replica of Founded in 1975, the first Fly-In at the Spirit of St. Louis was brought in Lakeland Municipal Airport had 1,980 from the EAA Air Museum and Sun ‘n Inc. granted the Sun ’n Fun Aviation guests and 365 aircraft. In 1976, the Fun hosted guests from 11 countries. In Foundation use of an existing building Fly-In was expanded to a full week. 1981, hot air balloons became a part of for the first Sun ’n Fun Air Museum. The public was invited on a limited Sun ‘n Fun. 24 balloons lifted off from By 1995, 2,028 showplanes registered. basis with the limiting factor being the site on opening day. Brigadier General Chuck Yeager and crowd control near moving aircraft and By the tenth anniversary in 1985, 480 astronaut Lt. Col. Curt Brown were fea- static displays. It was a huge success showplanes registered and visitors from tured guests along with the Stinson Tri- with 6,168 registrants from 38 states, 20 countries attended. Sun ’n Fun EAA Motor, one of the rarest privately owned Canada, Australia, and Holland and Fly-In, Inc. announced plans to build antique airplanes in the world. boasted 1,200 aircraft including 200 an aviation education center on the site. In 1997, the Brazilian Air Force homebuilts, 180 antiques, 260 classics, By 1987, the Fly-In was the largest ever Demonstration Squadron performed and 28 Warbirds. with increased attendance, 34 countries and celebrated the Year of the Volunteer. In 1978 Sun ’n Fun easily became represented, and 851 registered show- They were in the US to help celebrate the the second largest Fly-In in the US, planes. It was run by volunteers, making 50th Anniversary of the Air Force. Bob topped only by the Experimental it a smoothly and safely operated avia- Hoover, making a comeback debut in the Aircraft Association (EAA) convention in tion event. airshow circuit, made the daily airshow. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Attendance was at In 1988, the Sun ’n Fun Aviation By 2000, Fly-In features included a new high of 10,100 with 10 countries Foundation was formed to oversee the a redesign of outdoor exhibit areas, a represented, including all the Canadian development of the aviation museum celebration of the 10th anniversary of the and in 1989 Sun ’n Fun EAA Fly-In,
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 27 on-site FAA Flight Safety Center as well ing up garbage and operating trams and access as a “thank you” for their vol- as the arrivals of Hans Georg Schmid in parking cars. unteer efforts. With so many campers his Long-Ez on the second circuit of his Sun ‘n Fun could not survive on the site, Sun ‘n Fun provides many Around the World (Twice) Millennium financially without its tremendous of the services normally associated Flight and of Bob Hoover, flying the last volunteer base. Even the air show with a city to meet their daily needs: flight of his Shrike Commander. performers volunteer their time and food, water, waste, hygiene, police, By 2001, exhibits included the fire, medical, transportation, enter- Women’s Air Force Service Pilots tainment, and information. It is easy (WASP), the Tuskegee Airmen, and “With so many campers on the to picture the annual Fly-In as a “city the Fly-In noted the upcoming 100th site, Sun ‘n Fun provides many within a city,” and it is a challenge to anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ of the services normally associ- determine the appropriate levels of flight at Kitty Hawk. With each passing ated with a city to meet their coverage while mitigating the costs year, not only has the Fly-In grown in daily needs: food, water, waste, associated with providing basic and attendance, performers, and volunteers; hygiene, police, fire, medical, necessary services. but also, the Sun ‘n Fun organization transportation, entertainment, Florida Air Museum has provided a rich and fulfilling avia- and information.” Programs Continue the Fun tion education to thousands of children In addition to the Fly-In, the Sun ‘n Fun and adults. organization offers an expanding menu of year-round programs. The Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun, named the state’s “official aviation museum and education center” by the Florida legisla- ture in 2003, displays a rich variety of aircraft and artifacts covering the history and significance of the first 100 years of flight. The museum features a dynamic display of the best examples aviation has to offer with more than fifty aircraft on display, including one-of-a-kind designs, classics, ultralights, antiques and warbirds. But the Florida Air Museum is more than a collection of airplanes; it is a tribute to the history and joy of flight highlighting pioneers such as Howard Hughes, the Tuskegee Airmen, early air racers, and countless Floridians who A wind sock fills with the breeze at the April 2009 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in at Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, FL. have influenced the world of aviation. The museum offers year-round edu- Volunteers Play a Key Role cational programs, tours, workshops, efforts to participate at Sun ‘n Fun Sun ‘n Fun currently employs 16 full- and lectures that bring aviation to life. although they do receive a hotel room time and six part-time staff members. Florida Air Museum continues to grow and courtesy car during their stay. Volunteers play a key role in the year- and meet the challenge of their mission Volunteers are the true heart and soul of round operation but especially during to be the premier showcase for Florida’s Sun ‘n Fun’s Fly-In as well as the year- the Fly-In, when more than 3,000 work aviation history through exhibits, resto- round events. throughout the Fly-In, assisting with ration and preservation, education and The Fly-In campground is home to everything from air operations, ground outreach, and by sharing the passion of more than 12,000 guests, including support, and aircraft parking to pick- flight with people of all ages. a portion who receive campground
28 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org New Central Florida through the participation of key FAA Pilots Association (SPA), and others. In Aerospace Academy Opens senior staff members who interface with fact, EAA provided the model for the Sun This past year, the Central Florida their pilot constituency at the Meet the ‘n Fun event and was instrumental in Aerospace Academy opened on the FAA day. its early and ongoing success. Recently, Sun ‘n Fun campus. The Aerospace Many of the year-round safety AOPA has become more active at Sun ‘n Academy is a high school career acad- programs conducted at the National Fun and this past year became the first emy that is currently training freshmen Resource Center are broadcast globally Platinum sponsor of the Fly-In. SPA’s and sophomores in avionics main- through a satellite uplink network and headquarters can be found on the Sun ‘n tenance and repair. In future years, additional web-based programming. Sun Fun campus. additional classes will be added so that ‘n Fun highly values their strong partner- 2009 Fly-In Was the Safest in History the school includes all four grade levels. ship with FAA. But to make all of this work, Sun ‘n Fun Plans also call for adding aircraft New Buehler Restoration Skills Center must maintain the financial discipline and powerplant mechanics classes. Restoration work on such aircraft as the to ensure ongoing success. This was While the Aerospace Academy provides Vertical Riser, an E-2 Cub, and a host especially true this past year. Because excellent technical skills and training, it of other vintage aircraft – as well as the Sun ‘n Fun depends so heavily on the also provides a strong educational base process of sharing the unique skills that success of the annual Fly-In, it must do for future aeronautical and aerospace are required to perform this painstaking everything in its power to ensure the engineers. Additionally, Sun ‘n Fun con- work – takes place in Sun ‘n Fun’s new, event’s success. ducts summer youth camps at the Tom 6,000 square-foot Buehler Restoration In late fall of 2008, when the US Davis Education Center, named after Skills Center. economy was turning sour, Sun ‘n the founder of Piedmont Airlines who Fun revised its 2009 budget and cut was an early Sun ‘n Fun participant and expenses significantly, anticipating the whose family and Foundation provided “But to make all of this work, potential impact of a poor economy on financial support for the facility. Sun ‘n Fun must maintain the the Fly-In. This proved especially help- “Aviation Expressions” Lecture Series financial discipline to ensure ongo- ful as 2009 Fly-In revenue was down During the fall and winter months, Sun ing success. This was especially nearly 10 percent from the previous ‘n Fun’s “Aviation Expressions” Lecture true this past year. Because Sun year. Fly-In revenues are generated by Series features many familiar aviation ‘n Fun depends so heavily on the five primary sources: names who speak on a wide range of success of the annual Fly-In, it 1. Exhibitors who rent space to sell topics within the rich aviation environ- must do everything in its power to their products/services, ment offered by the museum. An ambi- ensure the event’s success.” tious aviation outreach program offered 2. Admissions/registrations, through the Florida Air Museum had 3. Camping fees, a positive impact on more than 7,000 Elsewhere on campus, work is pro- 4. Sponsorships and development, grade school and junior high school gressing on a new 17,500 square foot 5. Retail sales. students this past year. maintenance building in the heart of Each revenue source plays a criti- FAA National Resource Center the Sun ‘n Fun campus. Nearby, a han- and Production Studios gar is being re-furbished for additional cal role in the overall success of the operation. Additional educational initiatives are Fly-In exhibitors. And that’s just the However, at Sun ‘n Fun – like most offered through the Federal Aviation beginning! aviation events – success is measured Administration (FAA) National Resource Sun ‘n Fun Has Strong first and foremost by the overall safety Center and Production Studios, located Aviation Community Ties record of each year’s event. Sun ‘n Fun’s in the heart of the Sun ‘n Fun campus. Sun ‘n Fun benefits from strong rela- 2009 event had only one minor aircraft During the annual Fly-In, the FAA offers tionships with other aviation organiza- incident and was the safest and smooth- a wide variety of safety-oriented educa- tions such as the Experimental Aircraft est event in history. To learn more about tion programs at the National Resource Association (EAA), Aircraft Owners and Sun ‘n Fun, visit http://www.sun-n-fun.org ❙ Center. FAA also supports the Fly-In Pilots Association (AOPA), the Seaplane
www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 29 Join FAAMA Today! new m e m b e r p r o file Who is eligible to join? Membership is open to: (1) individuals who occupy federal Andy Cook supervisory, managerial or non-bargaining unit staff positions, For me, getting hired by the FAA was a and (2) federal non-supervisory, non-managerial, or bargaining direct result of the slowdown in the oil unit eligible personnel who profess interest in the purpose and industry of South Louisiana in the mid goals of the Association. 1980’s. Like many of us, I didn’t real- What are the dues? ize how fortunate my circumstances would become. Certainly, some of us Association dues are assessed at 0.45 percent of the member’s came into the FAA having left behind base pay rate per pay period. Twenty-five percent of these dues good paying jobs, but for the majority, are returned to members’ individual chapters as quarterly rebates. our situations improved immediately. To join, complete both the (1) FAAMA Member Registration My FAA career started in 1988 at Albuquerque Center In 1992; Form below and the (2) Standard Form 1187 (download a I transferred to my current facility, Houston Center, and, in PDF at www.faama.org/join) – then fax, scan or mail to: 2007, accepted a permanent Front Line Manager position. After FAA Managers Association, Inc. coming on board with the management team, I was approached 2957 Heirloom Lane about joining the FAA Managers Association. Greenwood, IN 46143-6668 Until that moment, I had never heard much about the organiza- Secure Fax: (720) 920-1552 tion, but after some research, it quickly became quite obvious Email: [email protected] that joining FAAMA was a sound decision and definitely what I should do. Currently, I am President of FAAMA Chapter 189, FAAMA Member Registration Form (please complete): Houston ARTCC. first name My first FAAMA convention was in 2008 and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wondered just how effective the training would be last name with the possibility of distractions generated by the Las Vegas location. In fact, I found it a refreshing and pleasant surprise company to observe the professional manner in which the whole week was conducted by FAAMA, the vendors, and the speakers who address line 1 gave some of the best presentations I’ve had the great fortune to hear. address line 2
city, state/province, zip “If you have integrity nothing else matters and country if you don’t have integrity nothing else matters.” – senator alan k. simpson home phone
business phone
At times, it is hard to imagine having spent over 21 years doing cell phone something that I still enjoy very much today. For the most part, I feel we are a very prideful group dedicated to our employees, persoanl email address (please do not use @.GOV) to the FAA, and to doing the absolute best job that we can.
business email address It is my belief that given the opportunity to see the benefits of being a part of FAAMA – the one organization dedicated to con-
faama chapter number (if known) tinually supporting our cause as managers – the choice will be a very simple one. Communication is the key to the success and faa facility growth of FAAMA. I know it has made a difference in our facility and it can in yours as well.
faa position
30 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org “It’s Your Serve” uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu October 18-22, 2009 | South Point Hotel Casino, Las Vegas
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www.faama.org managing the skies July/August 2009 31 32 managing the skies July/August 2009 www.faama.org