> A Journal of the Federal Aviation Administration Managers Association Mar/Apr 2008: Vol. 6 No. 2

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04 The Not So Secret Hold

07 ATCOTS Aims to Streamline Air Traffic Control Training

11 Integrated Airport Project Supplies Test-Bed for NextGen Initiatives

14 PROFILE: Sen. James M. Inhofe

16 Newly Viable Alternative Fuels

23 Are Fed Supervisors Ready, Willing and Able to Manage? lesley giles lesley illustrated by by illustrated DISCOVERING OUR FUTURE!

September 21 – 25, 2008

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2008 FAA Managers Association Gathering of Eagles { Convention & Training Conference }

Make plans to attend this dynamic training opportunity featuring the opportunity to network with your peers while mingling with the leaders of the aviation industry! CORPORATE SPONSORS BlueCross BlueShield See new products being offered at the vendor displays FAA First Federal and information on current and upcoming programs from Credit Union agency experts! The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program GEICO Strengthen your management and personal skills while Systems Atlanta joining us in Discovering Our Future! faa managers association, inc. #31 10 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 Tel 202.71.1 | www.faama.org A JOURNAL OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION MANAGERS ASSOCIATION MAR / APR 2008: Vol. 6 No. 2 We Know. We Care. We Deliver. Promoting excellence in public service, the FAA Managers Association is recognized by the FAA to represent all levels of management through all lines of business. We are committed to increasing the accountability to our owners, DISCOVERING 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.

offi cers About the Cover: With this issue, Managing the Skies is initiating a series of original paintings of air traffi c control towers President, Steve Baker Vice President, David Conley across the United States. The tower on this issue’s cover is at Daytona Beach International Airport (DBIA), adjacent to OUR FUTURE! Secretary, Cindy Greene Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). ERAU has just received a grant from the FAA to help fund the integrated Treasurer, Tom Dury “Airport of the Future” project at DBIA (see page 11 for the full story).

directors About the Artist: Lesley Giles is a London-based artist currently working in Central Florida a breath away from the Director of Administration, Mark Guiod Director of Communications, Julie Fidler Atlantic Ocean. Work by Ms. Giles is displayed in collections at the Royal Mint, London; Xinjiang Art College, Urumqi PR Director of Legislative Affairs, Steve Smith China; Apremont Golf Club, Paris; Gunnersbury Park Museum, London; Camden Council, London and Royal College of Acting Membership Chairman, Brian DeBord Art, London. To view more work by Ms. Giles, go to http:// lesleygilesart.com. Alaska Region, Keith Lindsay Central Region, Michael Harvey Eastern Region, Jim Coschignano Great Lakes Region, Marianna (Mimi) Carnes New England Region, Michael Wayne Northwest Mountain Region, Ralph Walters Southern Region, Bob Hildebidle Contents Southwest Region, Dr. Judy Holcomb Western Pacifi c Region, William Washington 04 05 07 11 PERSPECTIVE: Acting Administrator ATCOTS Aims to COVER STORY: publisher The Not So Secret Sturgell Testimony Streamline Training of Daytona Beach Kathleen Cummins Mifsud Hold a New Generation of Integrated ‘Airport managing editor Air Traffi c Controllers of the Future’ Project Julie Fidler Supplies Test-Bed for staff editors NextGen Initiatives Pam Adams and John Sideris contributors Steve Baker, Kathleen Cummins Mifsud, Paul P. Bollinger, Jr., 14 16 22 23 Steve Oppermann, Tammy Flanagan and John D. Sideris PROFILE: GREENING OF First Commercial MANAGEMENT: photography and illustration AVIATION: Back Biofuel Flight Cover illustration and page 3, original painting by Lesley Giles; Senator James M. Federal Supervisors – photo page 20, US Air Force Inhofe (R-OK) to the Future with Are They Ready, Willing Newly Viable design and Able to Manage Sagetopia, 703.726.600, www.sagetopia.com Alternative Fuels the Workplace? production Colorcraft of Virginia, 703.70.2270, www.colorcraft-va.com advertising, editorial & subscription inquiries 27 30 Managing the Skies 201 M Street NW, Suite 612 Part B or Not Part B? Discovering Our { } Washington, DC 20037 Future! 2008 FAAMA Telephone: 202..787 Convention Update Fax: 202.78.031 Email: [email protected] Managing the Skies is a benefi t of membership in the FAA Managers Association, Inc. To become a member, go to www.faama.org. For all others, the annual subscription rate is $49. Please address your inquiries to [email protected] and [email protected]. Index to Advertisers Managing the Skies is published bi-monthly by the FAA Managers Association, Inc. 06 Harris Corporation www.harris.com The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors and should not be construed to be the opinion of the FAA Managers 20 FAA First Federal Credit Union www.faafi rst.org Association. Suggestions and opinions expressed in Managing the Skies are not necessarily endorsed by the FAA Managers 26 Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program www.LTCFEDS.com Association. Nothing in these pages is intended to supersede operators’ or manufacturers’ policies, practices, or requirements, 31 GEICO www.geico.com or to supersede government regulations. BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program www.fepblue.org ©2008 FAA Managers Association, Inc. All rights reserved. 32 ÊThe Not So Secret Hold A message from the president perspective Recently, I watched the United States Senate hearing for the confirmation of Robert Sturgell as the next FAA Administrator. Here is how it works. The President appoints a nominee for the position (Head ofAgency/Presidential Appointee), and then must wait for a hearing to be scheduled by the committee with jurisdiction; in this case, it is the Senate Commerce Committee. Senate committees hold these confirmation hearings to fulfill their constitutional “advice and consent” responsibilities. The House of Representatives does not have a role in the process.

hese hearings are intended to When the Senator gets what they want, heavily in New Jersey politics and the FAA offer an opportunity for oversight they remove the hold and the process goes is at odds with one of its unions over the T within the agency or department, to the floor for unanimous consent. Because last labor contract. which sounds very simple and reason- everyone got what they wanted before the In effect, this hold creates a lame duck able. As voters in this country, we elected issue goes for unanimous consent, everyone acting Administrator for the FAA – an representatives to act on our behalf is fairly confident that unanimous consent agency whose budget re-authorization in this wonderful republic. Now the will be reached. also is being held in suspense because of political games begin. In the case of the nomination of Mr. partisan politics (as we go to press, FAA’s Introducing the Senate’s “Secret” Hold Sturgell as the next FAA Administrator (it authorization has been extended until June Confirmation hearings follow the Stand- is a five-year appointment), he came to the 30). Once again, the people of the United ing Rules of the Senate and operate under hearing, the Senators asked partisan ques- States are being held hostage in a strug- something called a “unanimous consent tions masked as safety issues to appease gling economy because of partisan politics agreement.” This practice became official their constituents and grandstanded their inside the beltway. Note that the balance of and binding in 1914, and is important powers as only Senators can do. The hearing the Senate Commerce Committee did not because it gives life to something called concluded and two Senators, from the same put a hold on the confirmation of Bobby a Senate secret hold. state, put a hold on the nomination process. Sturgell. The majority apparently is satis- The beginnings of the secret hold Senators Lautenberg and Menendez, from fied with his nomination. are fairly difficult to pin down, but the the great state of New Jersey put on the hold We need to move on and allow Mr. technique has been around for the last 100 – not to gather more information so they Sturgell the opportunity to advance aviation years or so and originally was intended could make a good decision for the people and lead an agency that accounts for over to stall debate and allow a Senator to they represent – but to play politics. ten percent of the Gross National Product of gain additional time to gather facts before Playing Politics with the Hold our country. He should be confirmed as the bringing an issue to the floor for action. Senators Lautenberg and Menendez are next FAA Administrator, Congress should Since hearings operate under a unanimous Democrats; Sturgell is an appointee from act on the FAA budget and we should get consent agreement, the original idea was on with the business of continuing to oper- that this secret hold procedure would make a Republican president. The five-year ate and improve the safest aviation system things run smoother and more efficiently. appointment will bridge into the next in the world. ❙ But the hold has turned into something presidential term and the Democrats believe much different and it is not so secret any they will occupy the White House next more. Remember, since the Senate operates January. As such, the next president will We Know. We Care. We Deliver. under unanimous consent, and it only then appoint the next FAA Administrator requires one Senator to issue a hold, the with the hope that a Democrat will head entire confirmation process can be stopped the FAA. Hence, the answer to the question forever by a single individual. of what they want: a Democratic nominee And the way to make a hold go away – as FAA Administrator who would be friend- Steve Baker, President give the Senator something he or she wants. lier to Labor. Labor unions have invested FAA Managers Association, Inc.

 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org Excerpts from testimony by FAA Acting Administrator Robert A. Sturgell We’re addressing those issues that continue to impact before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, travelers. Delays, uncertainty, cancellations – only through February 7, 2008 the cooperation of all parties involved can we find real “The United States leads the world in solutions…System wide, we’ve introduced new technologies setting the highest standards of safety ranging from satellites to runway lights, from simulators to for the aviation industry, and I pledge the next generation of navigation and safety equipment that to keep it that way.” will bring the nation’s air space safely into the future… Let me say from the outset that I reaffirm the pledge I Excerpts from a February 8, 2008 article by Christopher Conkey in made when I took my oath of office – to serve my country, The Wall Street Journal to uphold the principles of fairness and righteousness as New Jersey Senators Block Bush’s Pick outlined in the Constitution, and to do my duty to the best of my ability. It is a commitment I renew each and every day to Lead FAA at the FAA. …Sens. Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg said they As the steward of the largest, most efficient and most are placing a “hold” on the nomination of Bobby Sturgell complex airspace system in the world, I will work tire- to be the next FAA administrator. The senators cited their lessly to improve and enhance safety and efficiency in concern with recent near misses and runway incursions order to serve the millions of people who place their trust as well as the exodus of experienced air traffic controllers, in us, who depend on the system for their livelihoods, which has forced the FAA to step up the hiring and training their goods. Above all, they demand safety, and that is of thousands of replacements. what we deliver. Mr. Sturgell likely will continue to serve as acting admin- I am proud to have helped advance that safety record istrator for the next year. But the uncertainty surrounding throughout my career. The United States leads the world who will be the next FAA chief will complicate a number of in setting the highest standards of safety for the aviation efforts being undertaken to relieve congestion and upgrade industry, and I pledge to keep it that way. the nation’s air traffic control system. The move also comes as a setback to the airline industry, which lobbied in favor I must be candid: I’ve been asked fairly pointedly by several of Mr. Sturgell… people on the Hill about why I want to spend five more years at the FAA. The answer is simple. I’m proud to serve with the Perhaps the biggest issue behind the New Jersey senators’ men and women of the FAA who set and meet the highest action was the FAA’s redesign of the Northeast airspace… standards of excellence… At the FAA, I have never sidestepped a hard issue or a tough Excerpts from a February 7, 2008 article by John Crawley in Reuters call. As a result, the FAA has learned to manage better and Two Senators Stall FAA Appointment smarter. We’ve implemented financial management strategies …Although technically alive, aviation sources familiar with that better serve the taxpayer while maintaining the standard the Senate process believe election-year politics now will of excellence. prevent Sturgell’s nomination to the five-year post from ever Our capital programs are on track, we’ve had seven clean moving forward…The Democratically controlled Congress has audits in a row, and we’ve been taken off the GAO’s high-risk been wrangling with the Republican-controlled White House list for financial management…As the entire airline industry over nominations, especially for long-term or politically has suffered constraints, as passenger demands rise, as our sensitive positions. The fight has intensified with the presi- workforce ages, we’ve responded with a massive recruitment dential campaign in full swing and a change in administra- and training initiative. tion less than a year away…Some lawmakers and industry We’ve created retention and job enhancement strategies. officials partly blame worsening flight delays in 2007 on an The new workforce is being built. We had 1,800 applications antiquated air traffic system and other FAA shortcomings… in less than a week when a new bid went out for air traffic Controllers are waging an aggressive lobbying campaign to controllers. But we’re also focusing on our safety inspectors reopen contract negotiations after the Bush administration and other critical professions. imposed employment terms despite their objections…

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 

ÊATCOTS Aims to Streamline Training of a New Generation of Air Traffic Controllers

Today, the FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers who work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely guiding more than 50,000 aircraft through the system each day. Over the next decade, more than 70 percent of this workforce will become eligible to retire. In order to meet the challenges of this wave of retirements and the increasing demand for air travel, the FAA will hire and train more than 15,000 new air traffic controllers over the next 10 years.

$100 Million ATCOTS Contract a holistic solution to the FAA’s training NextGen aims to move away from to be Awarded in 2008 requirements. The Academy’s role in train- legacy ground-based technologies to a Air Traffic Control Optimum Training ing FAA controllers – whether more or less new and more dynamic satellite-based Solution (ATCOTS), the FAA’s program to centralized – would be dependent on the technology. The wide-ranging goals for acquire a consolidated solution for training selected vendor’s solution. NextGen focus on significantly increas- air traffic controllers, will lump all private ing the safety, security and capacity of air Changing Training Environment sector contracts into one contract with transportation operations and thereby The environment for air traffic control a single vendor. The FAA is expected to improving the overall economic well- training is changing due to the FAA’s efforts announce the multi-year, performance- being of the country. to improve training and modernize the based award, with an estimated value of These benefits are achieved through National Airspace System to meet future more than $100 million, sometime in 2008. a combination of new procedures and demand. Two ongoing activities will sub- In meeting its objectives and priorities, stantially affect the training environment: advances in the technology deployed to ATCOTS will achieve operational excel- manage passenger, air cargo, general avia- lence by ensuring safety and aircraft • The initiative to determine air traffic tion (GA) and air traffic operations. Eight controller competencies and include separation, enhance financial discipline key capabilities are needed to achieve these competencies in the training by creating a more cost-efficient air traffic these goals: controller training process and ensure a curriculum. viable future by training controllers to • Technological enhancements 1. Network-Enabled Information Access. meet FAA’s changing needs. prescribed by the Next Generation Air 2. Performance-Based Services (now Transportation System (NextGen). Performance-Based Operations and Future Role of FAA’s Air Traffic Services). Academy Questioned While FAA training generally has focused 3. Weather Assimilated into Decision- Currently, the Air Traffic Academy at the on technical knowledge, skills and abilities Making. Mike Monroney Center in Oklahoma City (KSA’s), the Agency recently completed a 4. Layered, Adaptive Security. – operated by the University of Oklahoma study to determine the behaviors that make and employing about 325 people – provides an air traffic controller successful. The 5. Broad-Area Precision Navigation classroom training for about 2,500 future resulting competencies will be incorporated (now Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services). and current air traffic controllers each year. into initial qualification training courses Under a separate contract, on-site training at the FAA Academy for the Terminal and 6. Aircraft Trajectory-Based Operations. is provided at locations across the US. With En Route Service Units. They also will be 7. Equivalent Visual Operations. ATCOTS, the FAA wants to combine the incorporated into the curriculum for the 8. Super-Density Arrival/Departure two contracts into one. Air Traffic Basics course taught at the FAA Operations. According to an ATCOTS Vendor Ques- Academy and Collegiate Training Initiative The ATCOTS program will support tions and Answers document published (CTI) schools. The FAA estimates that the the FAA effort to incorporate these activi- in February 2007, in ATCOTS, the FAA competencies will be integrated into these ties into the air traffic control training anticipates that the vendor would develop courses over the next two years. curriculum.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008  Current ATC Training By better leveraging private-sector resources, • Develop flexible training that Two separate contracts currently exist to the FAA believes that it will be able to can be adapted to meet changing provide the FAA with training support – train controllers at a significantly reduced requirements, e.g., the introduction of one provides support to the FAA Academy cost to the Government, reduce the overall new technologies and procedures. in Oklahoma City and the other provides time taken for a controller to reach CPC • Develop flexible training that can be support to over fifty facilities nationwide. status and improve performance in select adapted around candidate competencies Training under these contracts is given to training service parameters. The program will commence in new hire controllers and all air traffic field To that end, the FAA plans to award two stages: personnel and includes the following: one performance-based service contract atcots stage 1: At the start, duties • Managing administrative services to provide lifecycle ATC technical training performed by the selected ATCOTS con- relative to instructional services, support including: tractor will mirror those performed under • Administering computer-based • Support training delivery. the current contracts. The contractor instruction and developing location- • Support training content development. will adhere to the existing processes and specific lessons, • Develop simulator scenarios. training infrastructure (e.g. the current • Developing and maintaining technical curriculum and simulators) to ensure a • Provide administrative support. training materials, successful continuity of operations. • Support the National Air Traffic • Conducting resident Academy Currently, it is planned that no contrac- Technical Training and Development qualification and specialized training, tor-initiated changes in training processes Directorate. • Supporting classroom and simulation or services will occur during the first year • Analyze current environment and training in the field, of the contract. As a result, no Process establish benchmarks for existing Improvement Change Proposals will be • Providing administrative support for training processes. training, at the Academy and in the field. required in the first year of the contract. Continued use of the FAA Academy and In addition to the contract support, The contractor must be prepared to government full-time equivalent students the FAA continues to provide training at commence services at the Academy no (FTEs) in Oklahoma City is mandatory for the Academy, smaller facilities, and other later than 30 days after contract award air traffic controller new hire training from facilities where contract support is cur- (i.e., in accordance with transition require- indoctrination up to and including end-of- rently not provided. ments). Also, the selected contractor must course Performance Verifications. be prepared to initiate services in the field Certain FAA Responsibilities The FAA anticipates that the contractor no later than 90 days after contract award. Will Continue selected will become increasingly respon- atcots stage 2: Consolidation into a Currently, the FAA employs support con- sible for outcomes of the program. Future single training contract will provide the tractors to assist in the design and delivery process improvements will be negotiated chosen contractor a greater ability to holis- of both Academy Training and Field between the FAA and the contractor and tically examine the entire lifecycle of air Training. The following activities are and will result in cost savings and/or increased traffic controller training. This will enable will continue to be outside of the scope benefit to the Agency during the period of the contractor to better integrate training of the ATCOTS contractor’s support: performance of the contract. Data gather- activities throughout the training cycle and ing activities will commence after contract • Recruiting candidates to suggest ways to improve the training award to facilitate later process improve- • Hiring candidates process. During Stage 2, the contractor will ment proposals. The FAA’s long-term goals • Conducting Performance Verification be encouraged to submit proposed process for this acquisition are as follows: • Conducting OJT improvements to the FAA. ❙ • Improve quality and consistency • Credentialing of training delivered. Publisher’s Note: This February 2008 • Managing the overall FAA training list of vendors expressing an interest in the • Reduce the total cost to the FAA program ATCOTS program is being provided by the FAA to of all air traffic control training. facilitate teaming arrangements and business opportunities for all interested parties. For ATCOTS Program To Begin in Two Stages • Reduce the total amount of time to example, Raytheon Technical Services Company The primary goal of ATCOTS is to ensure the FAA of all air traffic control has signed a teaming agreement with Booz Allen that Certified Professional Controllers technical training. Hamilton to pursue ATCOTS. As we go to press, the FAA has not yet announced a final date for (CPCs) have all the necessary skills and • Leverage best practices and innovation awarding the contract, although it is rumored to behaviors to perform their jobs effectively. to provide comprehensive training. be as early as June 2008.

 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org ATCOTS: Interested Vendors

Acquisition Management CTA Inc. Northrop Grumman Adacel Systems, Inc. CTS Diversified Solutions 1 Source Consulting, Inc. Adobe Systems D.B. Associates, Inc. Pan Am International Flight Academy, Inc. Advancia Corp Deep Water Point, LLC PLATEAU Systems, Ltd. Air Traffic Solutions, Inc. Deloitte & Touche, LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers Alion Science and Technology Corporation Delta Decisions of DC, LLC PSI Alutiiq, LLC Digicon Corporation Quotient Inc. Alvarez & Associates, LLC Dynamic Science Inc. Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC American Institutes for Research DynCorp International, LLC Red Cloud Services Inc. APPTIS, Inc. Eagle Productivity Solutions Robinson Aviation (RVA) Inc. Arizona State University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University RWD Technologies Atavon Group The Federal Leadership Institute Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) Aviation Management Associates, Inc. Federal Sources, Inc. Scriptor’s Ink, Inc. Aviation Management Inc., LLC (AMI) Fidelity Technologies SERCO Management Services, Inc. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Gallium Visual Systems SI International, Inc. Booz Allen Hamilton The Gallup Organization SRA International, Inc. C&S Diversified Solutions, Inc. H & S Consulting, Inc. Subsystems Technologies, Inc. CDO Technologies Inc. ICF International Thomas Group Inc. CGH Technologies, Inc. Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) UFA, Inc. CENTECHGROUP Intelligent Decision Systems, Inc. (IDSI) UNITECH Centurion Research Solutions JPS University of Oklahoma Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. JTA Vangent Computer Sciences Corporation L-3 Communications Washington Consulting Group, Inc. Computer Technology Associates, Inc. Lockheed Martin WBB Consultants, Inc. Creative-Image Technologies MITRE William Pollard Consulting CSSI, Inc. MTP Associates Xavius Software, LLC C2 Tecnologies, Inc. Noodle Stream Resource Training Solutions Young Enterprise Systems (YES), Inc.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008  Inhofe Introduces Amendment to Protect It’s that move that concerns Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, who FAA Training Academy in Oklahoma City recently amended a funding bill to prevent the FAA from spending money on the training change, known as Air By prohibiting the FAA from using any money in FY08 to implement ATCOTS, Traffic Control Optimum Training Solution….” It will kill the Senator Jim Inhofe’s (see profile of Sen. Inhofe beginning on page 11) September 10, 2007 amendment would allow additional time to examine academy,” Inhofe said. The FAA is scheduled to award the the current system and determine where it needs to be changed. According ATCOTS contract in June… to Senator Inhofe:

“Despite assurances to members of the Oklahoma delega- Excerpts from a February 6, 2008 FAA press release: tion that there would be a multi-year transition to ATCOTS, Twenty-Four New Air Traffic Tower the FAA has announced that its new training system could be fully implemented within one year, even though there is Simulators Will Improve Controller Training no clear transition plan for the system. There has also been Over the next 18 months, the FAA will deploy 24 new air traffic no assurance that the millions of taxpayer dollars already tower simulators to 19 locations to help train thousands invested in the FAA training Academy in Oklahoma City will of new air traffic controllers in an operational environment continue to be used. that is interactive and provides realistic scenarios.

“I do not believe there has been sufficient examination New simulators will be deployed at the following towers: of the cost/benefits of this new training program. Rather, John F. Kennedy (NY); Los Angeles; Oakland (CA); Washing- there has been a rush to fix a system that no one has been ton Reagan National; Dallas Fort-Worth; Atlanta; Denver; able to explain how or if it is broken. My amendment slows Philadelphia; Cincinnati; Cleveland; San Antonio; Memphis the process down so that Congress can have more time to (TN); Honolulu; Orlando (FL); Charlotte (NC); Minneapolis; examine the shortfalls of the current training system and Boston and Newport News (VA.). Six additional simulators how the proposed ATCOTS system will improve training for will be installed at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. air traffic controllers, if in fact it will. Since 2006, the FAA has been using tower simulators for “I am in my 51st year of aviation and have a great deal of training in Chicago, Miami, Phoenix and Ontario, CA. In late respect for these controllers. I know the importance of December 2007, the FAA awarded a contract to Adacel Sys- making sure their training is perfect – important enough tems, Inc. of Orlando, FL to provide another 24 simulators. to take the time to adequately review the process rather Adacel developed the FAA’s original four prototype systems. than hastily implementing a new system.” The Tower Simulation System (TSS) includes a large, graphic depiction of the airfield and the area around the airport Excerpts from an October 16, 2007 article by Ja’Rena Lunsford in and can be adjusted to depict different weather conditions The Oklahoman FAA Training Redesign Sparks Debate and times of the day. The screen showing the airfield wraps around the student’s position to replicate windows of an An effort by the Federal Aviation Administration to stream- actual air traffic tower. line air traffic controller training has sparked rumors that The simulator provides synthetic voice response and voice the FAA Academy may be leaving Oklahoma City. recognition to allow the student to direct and receive FAA officials say the public – and the state – have no responses as they would in the tower. At the same time, the need to worry; the academy is not taking flight to another voice recognition system interprets the student’s commands location. The FAA redesign effort includes consolidat- and translates them into actual aircraft movements depicted ing existing private sector contracts – such as the one on the screen of the airfield layout. the University of Oklahoma has with the FAA – into one The simulator system does not interact with actual air traffic contract with a single vendor. control operational systems and poses no threat to service interruption. It realistically replicates operations that enable training in an absolutely safe environment.

10 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org ÊDaytona Beach Integrated ‘Airport of the Future’ Project Supplies Test-Bed for NextGen Initiatives

“The Integrated Airport Project aims to link all air traffic management systems – from airport departure gate through all flight phases to arrival gate – through a common, collaborative trajectory management and information-sharing system. Such a system would lead to environmental benefits such as fuel-saving, more predictable arrivals and reduced air carrier costs.” – March 2007, CAT Magazine

Consortium members working with Integrated Technologies Will ERAU on the IAP include: Volusia County, Enhance Safety, Capacity, which is providing the use of Daytona Beach Efficiency and Security International Airport (DBIA) for a research An Integrated Airport project at Daytona center and test-bed; Lockheed Martin and Beach International Airport (DBIA) is subsidiaries; Boeing and subsidiaries; CSC; enabling real-world validation tests of SENSIS; ENSCO Inc.; Transtech Airport concepts and integrated technologies Solutions and Mosaic ATM. with potential to enhance safety, capac- The project will be integrating and ity, efficiency and security at airports operationally implementing advanced nationwide. Focusing on operational technology to allow operational trials of improvements important to NextGen advanced ATM concepts by the air carriers initiatives, the technologies are designed and general aviation. to improve situational awareness Research and development is just through better sharing of information beginning on the Next Generation Air at the airport and between airports and Transport System (NextGen) with a other domains. requirement to increase the capacity of the The goal is to link airport operators, National Airspace System by 300 percent. airlines and their dispatchers, air traffic The Integrated Airport Project will provide managers and controllers, customs and the capability for the assessment of new security officials, pilots and other stake- technology and concepts to reduce air holders in a system that delivers the right travel procedural and weather delays as information to the right people at the right well as increase safety, capacity and security time, helping them make informed deci- while greatly diminishing the environmental sions for the situation at hand. Expected impact of operations at airports benefits include: It is intended that the project will lead • Fuel and other operational savings to a permanent airport and ATM research • More predictable arrivals and he Integrated Airport Project Center of Excellence based at Daytona departures in any weather (IAP) is being carried out by a Beach, Florida. The Center could be used by • Better protection against runway consortium led by Embry Riddle major government and commercial aviation T incursions and perimeter intrusions Aeronautical University (ERAU) including stakeholders in assessment of airport ATM major national and international compa- concepts, systems and procedures, leading • Reduced taxiway congestions nies involved in Air Traffic Management to increased long-term high-grade technical • Increased passenger convenience (ATM) systems. employment opportunities. and satisfaction

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 11 Integration Makes Air Traffic expands to arrival-departure, en route and the output from LIDAR, to help predict Management More Effective traffic flow operations that now constrain wake vortex stability and convective and Efficient airport efficiency. The first phase of work weather, gust fronts and other hazards. Airports are among the most important focuses on improvements to surface • A Surface Decision Support System assets in the air transport system. The FAA management, surface surveillance, runway- to improve the efficiency of surface expects air traffic to more than double in taxiway incursion alerting, enhancement operations by use of four dimensional 10 years, and that requires improvements of perimeter security and detection of trajectories, reducing delays, noise and in airports and air traffic control. While the unauthorized aircraft movements. curtailing emissions. FAA has a great deal of automation at its Today, for example, aircraft taxi based • Advanced arrival and departure 20 en route air traffic control centers and on verbal commands from FAA tower con- management capabilities drawn from nearly 200 terminal radar control facilities, trollers in taxiway and runway areas, and NASA, MITRE and European research. it has almost no broad situational awareness from airport ramp controllers in ramp-gate The key to the project is software that of what happens on airport ramps, taxiways areas. There is no dynamic taxi plan based combines information from all these and and runways. upon current surface conditions. Surface other sources that provides an integrated In addition, each national airspace situational awareness is very limited and is picture that lightens controller workload domain (oceanic, en route, arrival and available only at a few airports with some and supports sound decision making. departure, surface) may have its own form of airport surface detection equipment. “This is a model program not just from trajectory, a different problem view Research at DBIA will show how a technical and operational standpoint, and limited interoperability with other technology can deliver aircraft taxi intent but also from a business model stand- domains. That means a lack of common (trajectory) and improved surface situational point, by illustrating how a large-scale situational awareness at airports, leading awareness to all parties, instantly and auto- implementation of such a program could to unpredictable results; passenger delays; matically. Systems can perform conformance be structured,” says Don Zarefoss, director increased fuel burn, emissions and noise monitoring of a taxiing aircraft’s actual path of aviation strategy at Lockheed Martin. and higher airline costs. versus its taxi plan to help avoid hazardous How Will the Integrated ‘Airport of the Better sharing of information can make situations, such as where an aircraft might Future’ Look? air traffic management much more effective inadvertently taxi across a live runway. In the future – even more than today and efficient. Improved awareness also Diverse Technologies Will Be Evaluated – airports will be ever-changing entities can help in managing airport congestion, Open for evaluation of new and even that continuously must keep up with creating more capacity through higher disparate technologies, among IAP technology. In the next 10 years, some efficiency rather than by pouring concrete. innovations to be included are: of the issues will be security, expansion of revenue sources and the development The Integrated Airport is a • An Airport Wide Information of innovative concessions systems. In “Learning Airport” Management (AWIM) infrastructure that provides a collaborative environment security, airports will introduce additional Launched in early 2006, the Integrated for information exchange and connects biometric systems, such as retinal, hand Airport serves as a test-bed for next genera- with the FAA System Wide Information and fingerprint scans, and facial recogni- tion aviation and air traffic management Management (SWIM) network. tion systems. ideas, approaches and technologies. It will • Automated Dependent Surveillance In the 20-year range, airports will be develop solutions to support expansion of Broadcast (ADS-B) ground stations looking for new ways to enhance capacity. the nation’s air transportation infrastructure. and millimeter wave sensors to detect Behind ticket counters and check-in gates The program is unique in developing aircraft, ground vehicles, debris and might be LCD screens that reflect any carrier and integrating technologies at a working wildlife on surfaces. at a moment’s notice, allowing maximum airport. DBIA is an ideal proving ground • Optical sensors that read aircraft tail usability of terminal space and resources. because it has relatively low traffic, yet numbers to help identify and locate In 50 years, airports will be incorporat- a good mix of commercial and general approved and unapproved aircraft. ing more unmanned aviation (UA) activities aviation aircraft. The project team intends • 3-D graphics that create “virtual into the airspace, which will affect airspace to make DBIA a model for other airports camera” displays of airport activity. users, as well as airport use and services. around the nation. Also, with Embry- • Advanced Light Detection and Ranging Future students will benefit from being Riddle’s simulation expertise, other airports’ (LIDAR) that detects and tracks wind skilled remote operators of multiple aircraft operations will be simulated at DBIA. hazards and aircraft wake vortices. or platforms. Still, there will be plenty of IAP starts with improvement to systems • Highly refined local weather prediction traditional pilot opportunities available, and operations at the airport, and then for areas as small as one kilometer, using based on current industry projections. ❙

12 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org Excerpts from a July 1, 2007 article by Andrew Wood in Avionics (AINOnline): While some test scenarios – such as uninterrupted 4-D aircraft Integrated Airport Tests Future trajectories from startup to shutdown–might seem futuristic, ATC Technologies Wilson’s experience with Eurocontrol’s program for harmonized ATM research and other advanced projects has convinced him A consortium of academia and industry participants has that they are realistically achievable, and much sooner than launched a four-year program to evaluate the air traffic commonly thought. “A remarkable amount of advanced ATM management (ATM) processes required to handle the forecast work has already been done here and in Europe,” he said, “but doubling, and perhaps tripling, of air traffic by 2025. Called the it simply hasn’t been adequately recognized.” Integrated Airport and initiated independent of the FAA, the program aims to create a proactive research and development environment while demonstrating the synergy among current Excerpts from a January 2, 2008 article in Aero-News.net: and emerging ATM technologies and showing the feasibility of Embry-Riddle Awarded Grant to accelerating their implementation. Develop ‘Airport of the Future’ Conceived in 2005 by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University daytona beach international airport (dab) (ERAU) and Lockheed Martin Transport and Security Solutions, to be test-bed for ngats technologies the program is a cooperative effort with Daytona Beach Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will receive nearly International Airport and the airport’s Volusia County owners... $2 million in federal funding for its “Airport of the Future” Project officials said their objective is to “create the only project at Daytona Beach International, which will serve as a national test bed to integrate product solutions from different test-bed for Next Generation Air Transport System technologies competing aerospace companies.” Additionally, they point out intended to improve safety and security and reduce congestion. that it is “the only partnership with an aerospace university that will provide simulation-based research and development Announcing the Federal Aviation Administration grant, House testing and analysis of the solutions provided”… Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) said, “Embry-Riddle is the leading aeronautical thinking beyond the airport institution in US aviation, and its ‘Airport of the Future’ project Ian Wilson, director of ERAU’s Center for Applied ATM Research at Daytona Beach is a national model for safety. By testing and the project’s principal investigator…stressed that the advanced aviation technologies and developing safer ground project does not view airports in isolation. “Airports are no management practices, this project will change the aviation longer simply starting and stopping ‘stove pipes,’” he stated, industry for the better and truly bring our aviation industry “but are integral elements in an aircraft’s total trajectory, into the 21st century.” including its ground movements between flights.” He pointed out that tests have shown that with today’s advanced flight …The university, the airport and the FAA will be combining management systems and controller ATM tools, coupled with resources and expertise in a public-private partnership to dem- the knowledge of individual aircraft runway stopping dis- onstrate ways to practically integrate available and emerging tances, exit procedures and taxiing times, ramp arrivals could technologies to boost efficiency, safety and security; already, the be predicted within several seconds when the aircraft is 200 project has attracted close to $4 million in industry funding… miles away. Consequently, the Daytona program will inte- “The ‘Airport of the Future’ focuses on both on-board technology grate ground safety, security and efficiency with real-time and ground management technology. This is a much-needed airspace management. project at exactly the right time. Thanks to innovative projects like the ‘Airport of the Future,’ the US will remain the leader in world-wide aviation,” added Mica.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 13 Ê Senator James M. Inhofe (R-OK) Inhofe

From his post as the second ranking member of the Senate Armed

senator Services Committee, Sen. Jim Inhofe has gained a reputation as an

expert on defense and national security issues. Not only is he a strong E L I supporter of the defense industry and military community, he also is

OF a tireless advocate for providing greater resources and the necessary PR equipment and proper training to our military personnel combating global threats to our nation’s security.

end a Senator’s ability to anonymously and Sen. Inhofe, former chairman of the indefinitely obstruct the Senate’s consider- Senate Committee on Environment and ation of nominations and legislation. Public Works, is a strong critic of the Sen. Inhofe recently was voted the scientific consensus that climate change is “Most Outstanding Conservative U.S. occurring as a result of human activities. Senator” by Human Events Newspaper In a July 28, 2003, Senate speech, Inhofe and the American Conservative Union. claimed to offer “compelling evidence that He repeatedly receives various awards catastrophic global warming is a hoax. That and recognitions, including the National conclusion is supported by the painstaking Taxpayers Association’s “Friends of the work of the nation’s top climate scientists.” Taxpayer” Award, the “Hero of the Tax- About James M. Inhofe payer Award” from Americans for Tax Jim Inhofe was born in 1934 in Des Reform, the Center for Security Policy’s Moines, Iowa and moved with his family “Keeper of the Flame” Award and the US to Oklahoma when he was a child. He Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enter- grew up in Tulsa and graduated from prise” Award. the University of Tulsa with a degree in o one consistently represents Inhofe Committee Assignments economics. He served as a private in the common sense and conserva- United States Senate Committee United States Army from 1954 to 1956 N tive values more than the senior on Armed Services (Third Ranking and ended as a specialist fourth class. Senator from Oklahoma. Jim Inhofe is Minority Member) For over 30 years as a small business- one of the most conservative members • Subcommittee on Airland man, Sen. Inhofe worked in aviation and as a real estate developer, eventually of either house of Congress (the eighth- • Subcommittee on Readiness and most conservative Senator, according to Management Support becoming president of the Quaker Life Insurance Company. He considers one the March 2007 National Journal rank- • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces ings of Liberal/Conservative members of his unique qualifications for office to United States Senate Committee be the 30 years he spent in the business of Congress). on Environment and Public Works community being over regulated by the Sen. Inhofe’s efforts to change the House (Ranking Minority Member) federal bureaucracy. of Representatives’ arcane discharge petition • Subcommittee on Clean Air, Sen. Inhofe became active in Oklahoma rule brought him national attention and Climate Change and Nuclear Safety Republican politics in the mid-1960s. He praise. The rule change eliminated much • Subcommittee on Fisheries, was a member of the Oklahoma House of of the secrecy in the legislative process and Wildlife and Water Representatives from 1967 to 1969, and prevented Congressional leaders from keep- a member of the Oklahoma Senate from ing popular bills bottled up in committee. • Subcommittee on Superfund and Waste Management 1969 until 1977 – the last four of those He has taken that same approach to years as minority leader. In 1978, he was shine light on the workings of the United • Subcommittee on Transportation elected mayor of Tulsa, a position he held States Senate, by sponsoring legislation to and Infrastructure until 1984.

14 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org In 1986, Sen. Inhofe made a bid for the Inhofe on Transportation of the Montgomery G.I. Bill Educational House of Representatives from Oklahoma’s As a conservative I have always advocated Assistance Transferability Act of 2008 1st congressional district. He won and a limited government role, but I believe the (S.2575), legislation filed today by Sen. continued to serve in the House from development, construction and maintenance Hutchinson (R-TX) expanding the eligibil- 1987 until 1994. He first came to national of infrastructure is an inherently governmen- ity of military members to transfer earned attention in 1993, when he led the effort tal function. G.I. Bill educational assistance funds to to reform the House’s “discharge provision” In addition to providing for the national their spouses and children. rule, which the House leadership had long defense, I believe the single greatest service “Military spouses and children share used to bottle up bills in committee. we as the federal government can provide our in the significant sacrifice and commit- In 1994, he was elected to the United citizens is the necessary infrastructure to enable ment of our troops,” Senator Inhofe said. States Senate to complete the unexpired the United States to remain the economic engine “This legislation will remove current term of Senator David Boren, who resigned that drives the world’s economy… legal restrictions that prevent military to become president of the University of Additionally, as an active aviator for over members from transferring their earned Oklahoma. Sen. Inhofe was re-elected in forty years, I have first-hand experience as to educational funds to immediate family 1996 and again in 2002. how important our aviation infrastructure is members, allowing our troops to take full During his tenure in Congress, Sen. for continued economic growth in Oklahoma. advantage of this educational assistance Inhofe has forged a distinguished legisla- I am committed to helping the general avia- program. We have asked much of these tive record on a diverse range of issues: tion industry and working to provide small families, and our country owes them a surface transportation and highway communities with access to commercial air funding; environmental regulation and debt of gratitude and support.” service. I will also work to make sure that our land management; strengthening and Current legal restrictions only allow G.I. existing commercial service airports get the supporting America’s national defense; Bill benefits to be transferred if a service resources they need to fulfill increased security rural education funding and improving member has a ‘critical skill,’ and even requirements. America’s energy independence. then only 18 of the 36 possible months Sen. Inhofe has been married 49 years Inhofe: Legislation Allows Transfer of earned benefits can be transferred. The to his wife, Kay, and has four grown chil- of G.I. Benefits to Military Spouses designation of ‘critical skill’ varies by service dren and twelve grandchildren. During his and Children and is subject to change, often preventing service in Washington, he commutes back January 30, 2008 – US Senator Jim Inhofe service members from being able to fully home to Oklahoma almost every weekend. (R-OK) announced that he is a co-sponsor use their educational benefits. ❙

Excerpts from an October 3, 2007 article by Rachel Dry in the Washington Post: Excerpts from a July 29, 2007 article by Ric Reynolds in EAA AirVenture Today Online: SMALL PLANES, BIG BACKERS: Members of Congress Also Oppose User Fees Lawmaker Pilots Have a Say on Aviation Bill “We can defeat the user fees proposal,” US Sen. James Inhofe In the fight over FAA reauthorization, it was Big Airlines vs. the little (R-Oklahoma) told a crowd of about 150 Saturday afternoon at the guy – the little guy being private pilots, small regional airlines and EAA Member Village during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007. airports. This time around, in an argument settled in the House and There are two bills in Congress, he reminded attendees. The House headed for a Senate vote, the little guy actually had some pull. bill, H.R. 2881, would impose a modest fuel tax increase on piston Congressional pilots, whose avocational and professional worlds aircraft (an additional 4.8 cents per gallon) and turbine aircraft (up generally collide only when they are traversing districts for campaign 8.8 cents per gallon) and leave the airline fuel tax unchanged (at or constituent events, have had a chance of late to espouse their 4.3 cents a gallon). The House bill, said Inhofe, is a good one… “general aviation” perspective. The Senate bill, S. 1300, is bad for GA, he said, because it would leave It is an informal caucus that appears to include one senator, James the fuel tax for piston aircraft unchanged (19.3 cents/gallon), increase M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), and at least six House members who fly and the turbine fuel tax by 27.2 cents per gallon (to 49.1 cents/gal), and legislate. add a surcharge of $25 per flight for turbine aircraft… Inhofe has been flying since the 1950s and owns three planes. He An amendment to the Senate bill offered by Inhofe would bring it said that when he speaks on aviation issues, he tells the audience into conformity with the House bill…”The need to keep improving our that he will work to combat the user-fee systems that private pilots air traffic control system to increase safety and expand capacity is object to and big airlines are pushing for… without question. But I fail to understand how this proposed user fee system will achieve that important goal…“Make no mistake, if this proposal is adopted, there will be a dramatic and immediate negative effect on general aviation.”

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 15 The Greening of Aviation: ÊBack to the Future with Newly Viable Alternative Fuels By Paul P. Bollinger Jr., Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Installations, Environment and Logistics

Fischer-Tropsch Technology

Natural Gas CO2 capture, to sequestration/reuse Coal Pet Coke CO Tail Biomass Synthesis Gas H2 FT Liquid Product Gas Power Wastes Production Synthesis Recovery Generation

O2

Air Oxygen Hydrogen Plant Liquid Wax Recovery Fuels H2 An Option Hydrogen Wax Separation Hydrocracking

Liquid Hydrogen Fuels Transportation Fuels

Q CHART 1: The Fischer-Tropsch Gasification Technology process was invented in 1923 by the German scientists Frans Fischer and Hans Tropsch.

A Personal Account of an Adventure rear view mirror of life. For me it was a In this respect, I had a lot of experi- in Public Service cathartic moment that felt right two years ence and enthusiasm to bring to the Air During the 2007 Washington DC holiday ago. After working in the private sector Force job. What I couldn’t foresee was season, I spoke to the publisher of Managing and non-profit world of aviation for 27 the opportunity to lead one of the most the Skies at an International Aviation Club years, I felt it was a good time for “some- important programs for the Secretary of event, and shared my excitement about thing different.” the Air Force Michael W. Wynne – a pro- a new project – the impending cross- My decision to go into the government gram that he very much wants to be one country flight of the C-17 Globemaster, took me to the Department of Defense to of his legacies and for good reason. fueled with a combination of standard jet work with some of the best and bright- fuel and a synthetic, coal-derived fuel. Joining the Assistant Secretary of the est in uniform and civil service. While it Air Force for Installations, Environment I learned about the magazine’s ongoing is a very rank conscious environment, I and Logistics interest in the “Greening of Aviation,” and was reminded of a comment reported in In February 2006, when I was offered the agreed to share an account of my unique the Washington Post by an Australian Lt. position of Special Assistant to the Assistant experience. Colonel working with General Petreaus in Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, For most FAA managers, making a Iraq who said, “rank means nothing; talent Environment and Logistics, I was told to career decision to go into government means everything.” be ready to learn everything I could about is a memory that is well back in the

16 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org alternative fuels. Five months later, after aircraft to fly on synthetic fuel before the prepared to watch the B-52 take-off from lots of paperwork, security background end of the fiscal year. This challenge was Edwards Air Force Base in California. checks and more paperwork, I finally picked up by the team at the Air Force It was a cold, clear and crisp morning started working in the Pentagon. Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson in the desert when we stepped outside the As the largest consumer of energy in Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and the hangar to ride on the synthetically fueled the federal government, the Air Force is Single Manager of the B-52 from Scott Air bus (same synthetic fuel-blend as the air- in a unique position to influence energy Force Base, Illinois. craft) to the runway for a close-up view. We consumption by all federal agencies and When I came on board, this program had invited industry representatives who the private sector. The Air Force consumes had been underway for seven months. were potential suppliers of the synthetic over 10 percent of the jet fuel sold in the Whether this request was ever formally fuel in the future. It was great to see that United States. This equates to over 2.6 written as a Task Order (the paperwork a couple of them had brought their young billion gallons. If the Civil Reserve Air assigning responsibility for the order) I sons to watch. The take-off was impressive Fleet is included, it increases the total by don’t know, but it was sufficient to get as we stood near the runway and watched another 925 million gallons. Clearly, a lot the right people acting to accomplish this the eight-engine bomber lift-off. of kerosene-based jet fuel (JP-8) is burned first milestone. Anyone who has seen a B-52 in flight to protect our country, train Airmen to A B-52 Stratofortress was chosen as the knows the TF-33 engines produce a slot stay on top of their game and to “fly, fight preferred aircraft for this test because it of smoke. The question many were asking and win” against all enemies. has fuel bladders that are separate for each was, “Will the engine burning the 50/50 While fuel is a major focus of the Air engine pod. This allows one fuel bladder blend be smoke free?” Unfortunately, Force and other Services, Secretary Wynne to be filled with the synthetic fuel and the because it is a 50/50 blend, the additives in has made it a point to include energy for remaining bladders filled with JP-8. The the JP-8 more than make up for the clean facilities, vehicles and aircraft, not only detailed testing and certification process synthetic fuel that has almost zero particu- from the supply-side, but also from the started with ground testing of the engines lates, so the smoke from the engines looked demand-side of operations. This multi- (TF-33s) at Tinker Air Force Base in much the same. faceted approach serves to drive many Oklahoma City. Fuel used for the test Unfortunately, the flight test was cut energy initiatives to reduce demand, was purchased from Syntroleum (Tulsa) short when the left wingtip landing gear increase efficiency, and above all else, which produces synthetic fuel from natu- would not fully retract upon take-off. “make energy a consideration in all we do.” ral gas using the Fischer-Tropsch process. However, the flight crew, with the Under If you want to know where Secretary ( ). Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Ron Sega on Wynne is coming from you may want See: Chart 1 to read the book, “Cradle to Cradle,” by The Air Force purchased 100,000 gallons board, was able to conduct some testing. As William McDonough which explores the of synthetic fuel from Syntroleum for $23 I had been told earlier and was often told deeper efforts to create sustainable facilities per gallon. It was quite expensive due to later, this is a test program and anything and products. He believes in the book so the limited quantity and special nature can happen – particularly when the testing much that he has given it away at several of the fuels production, but an earmark is taking place on a 50-year-old aircraft. meetings and made it mandatory reading from Senator Inhofe (R-OK) allowed the Fortunately, the problem was fixed and for senior Air Force leaders. Air Force to acquire the fuel. the B-52 flew several more test flights with Air Force efforts to reduce energy The synthetic fuel was tested to ensure the two engines burning the synthetic fuel- consumption and develop new energy that it met the specifications desired for blend. This testing accomplished the first sources was recognized when the Air Force Iso-Parrafenic Kerosene, such as density, goal and everyone was quite pleased. received the nation’s highest energy award, freeze point, flash point, etc. Since the Everyone was asking when the B-52 the “President’s Award for Leadership synthetic fuel was to be blended at a 50/50 would be certified to fly on this fuel, but in Federal Energy Management,” after ratio with JP-8, the additional additives first there was more work to be performed. competing against every federal depart- required for the engines would be provided In January, the B-52 was flown back to ment and agency. It was an exciting and by this mixture. its home base of Minot Air Force Base in challenging moment, but we had to ask After a great deal of fuel testing and North Dakota for cold weather testing. ourselves, “What can we do to top this?” ground testing of the engines, the B-52 The weather cooperated and the engine was prepared to make its first flight with soon was covered with ice. It is at this Testing Synthetic Fuel from Natural Gas in a B-52 Stratofortress two-engines burning the synthetic fuel point we test ran the engine under these It was in December of 2005 that Secre- blend. The date selected was September extreme conditions. Following these suc- tary Wynne said he wanted an Air Force 19th and there was a large audience cessful tests, the two-engines that had been

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 17 initially ground tested and used to fl y the Air Force fuel order for 300,000 gallons two-engine fl ight tests were removed from was increased by 9,000 gallons by NASA. the wing and sent to Tinker Air Force Base However, when the ship arrived in Bintulu, in Oklahoma City to be taken apart and it was determined that it only could hold inspected for any signs of wear or damage. 290,000 gallons so in the end the Air Force only received 281,000 gallons. Such is the raising the Bar: Entire Air Force Fleet to be certifi ed by Early 2011 nature of buying small quantities of fuel for Secretary Wynne was very pleased with the testing from overseas. progress made on the testing of the B-52, For the First Time in 2007, so he raised the bar in April 2007 and said “Unconventional Fuels” Make he wanted the entire Air Force fl eet certifi ed the Presidential Budget by early 2011. In addition, he established a For the very fi rst time in January 2007, goal for the Air Force to acquire 50 percent President Bush put the words “uncon- of its continental US (CONUS) fuel by ventional fuels” (generally considered oil 2016 from domestic sources producing an shale, tar sands, heavy oil, coal-to-liquids alternative fuel-blend, at market price, and combinations with other renewable that was more environmentally friendly fuels) in his budget request to Congress. than petroleum. Even though the President had spoken These two new Air Force goals required adamantly about getting the US off its a new approach to testing and certifi cation. “addiction to foreign oil,” unconventional It would require the creation of a program fuels had not been mentioned before. This management offi ce and the appropriate was a major milestone for the Air Force level of funding. There were not many peo- program that, up to that time, had not ple in the Air Force who were completely received broad support in government. sold on the program because they viewed it The efforts of the Air Force were being custom nose art is displayed on as taking already tight dollars and shifting closely watched by the FAA. Early in 2007, the air force planes certifi ed to them from fl ying hours to synthetic fuel. the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels fl y with a synthetic fuel blend: After a few months of debate and dis- Initiative (CAAFI) was created by the Air • The Black Ring represents the cussion, the Air Force Material Command Transport Association, Airports Council nation’s huge coal reserves as a under the leadership of General Bruce International – North America and the Aero- potential resource for synthetic fuel Carlson tasked the Aeronautical Systems space Industries Association along with the • The Green Branches represent bio- Center to create the new Alternative Fuel FAA. Carl Burleson, FAA Director, Offi ce of mass feedstock and environmental Certifi cation Offi ce. Quickly it was done. Energy and Environment, and Dr. Lourdes friendliness Having a four-star general support the Maurice were the two principals responsible initiative goes a long way. for getting CAAFI off the ground with • The White Letters represent the While waiting for this critical step to the support of Richard Altman, formerly of cleaner emissions from synthetic fuel take place, my offi ce was responsible for Pratt & Whitney and currently serving as • The Gold Banner signifi es the bright getting the next synthetic fuel order placed. Executive Director of CAAFI. future and sovereign options this Since Syntroleum had ceased production CAAFI has grown and now represents effort offers and there were no domestic producers, we the broad diversity of the aviation indus- try and includes energy companies, both • The Eight Stars represent the primary realized the fuel would be supplied from domestic and international. CAAFI’s work implementation organizations outside the country. A request for proposals was issued and two responses were received with Original Equipment Manufacturers • The Blue Sky represents the Air Force from Sasol and Shell. (OEMs) serves as a model for other major above the clouds, with a clear vision After a selection process, Shell was initiatives between government and indus- of the future and on mission chosen as the winner. They would produce try. Sharing information on engine testing the synthetic fuel at their Bintulu, Malaysia and acceptance of certifi cation data has led plant using natural gas as the feedstock. The to a more effi cient and economical program

18 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org that could result in certification of the Kitty Hawk Anniversary Selected biomass (switch grass) to coal would reduce commercial aviation fleet by late 2008. for First Transcontinental Flight on CO2 emissions by 22 percent. By increasing Synthetic Fuel the proportion of switch grass to 28 percent, At 2007 Paris Air Show, FAA and Air Force On December 17, 2007 – a day shared Commit to Certifying Commercial and Air CO2 emissions could be reduced to 76 with the Wright Brother’s first flight at Kitty Force Fleets for Alternative Fuel Use percent less than a refinery. This was viewed Hawk, North Carolina – an Air Force C-17 In June 2007, Secretary Wynne and FAA as great progress by many in the industry. Globemaster flew the first transcontinental Administrator Marion Blakey participated The Air Force and commercial aviation flight using synthetic fuel from Washington in a joint press conference held in front of industry recognize that the development of a C-17 Globemaster at the Paris Air Show. state’s McChord Air Force Base to New a new, alternative fuel has to be done in a At the press conference, both leaders Jersey’s McGuire Air Force Base. manner that lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) committed to working together to test and At a ceremony marking the successful emissions and is better for the environment certify the respective commercial and Air completion of this historic event, the C-17 than petroleum. Force fleets. pilot remarked to an audience of over 500 Political Challenges to Producing military and civilian personnel and aviation Another important statement made at Efficient Alternative Fuels industry representatives, “Secretary Wynne, the event was that both organizations are One recent challenge developed when I am pleased to report that the flight was working to develop cleaner alternative Congress inserted language in the Energy completely unremarkable.” The Secretary fuels. This announcement clearly put avia- Independence & Security Act of 2007 tion back in the pilot’s seat for leading edge responded by saying that was exactly (Section 526) that prohibits any federal technology and environmental stewardship. what we wanted to hear! The Air Force department from acquiring unconven- On August 8, 2007, the B-52 was certi- commitment to acquire only domesti- tional fuels that are not less than or equal fied to fly on the synthetic fuel-blend at cally produced alternative fuels that are to the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions a grand signing ceremony at Edwards Air cleaner than petroleum has not met with of a petroleum refinery. The critical word Force Base. On August 20th, the certifica- great enthusiasm in all quarters. A few in this language, which was inserted tion office was formally established with environmental groups have expressed after the Committee mark-up of the bill, Jeff Braun as Executive Director and Betty strong opposition to any increased use of is “lifecycle” since this evaluation and Rodriguez as Chief Engineer. Indeed, it coal, our nation’s most abundant energy benchmarking has not been conducted was a good month for the Air Force! resource. Fortunately, the environmentally for any fuel, including petroleum. friendly approach the Air Force has taken C-17 Globemaster is Next in Line for The Interagency Working Group on has won the support of several large envi- Certification Alternative Fuels, representing all federal ronmental organizations. The new Air Force certification office departments and agencies, has undertaken immediately took responsibility for work Reducing CO2 Emissions in the Coal an analysis of the impact of this legislative on the C-17 Globemaster, which has the Gasification Process language and the work necessary to being same engines as the B-757 and was the next Acknowledging that the coal gasification the lifecycle emission evaluation. This will aircraft in line for certification. This aircraft process (using Fischer Tropsch technology) not be a quick process as the determina- primarily was chosen for two reasons: produces approximately 1.8 times more tion of what model to use and what is to 1. The sharing of engines with a CO2 than petroleum, the Air Force has be included in the model have yet to be commercial fleet would expedite the stated that such plants must utilize carbon determined. certification of aircraft with high- capture and sequestration (CCS) or reuse. Concern already is being expressed bypass engines. This process reduces CO2 emissions to by Canada that their oil sands, which are 2. The C-17 is one of the workhorse 5 percent less than a refinery according to unconventional fuels, are included in this transport aircraft in the Air Force fleet, the scientists at the Department of Energy’s language. Since the oil sands are imported so it represents a sizable portion of the National Energy Technology Laboratory into the US and mixed with other oils annual fuel burn. (DOE/NETL). before shipment via pipeline to refiner- In addition, work quickly was under- Seeking even greater reductions in CO2 ies throughout the country, it would be taken to certify the B-1 bomber because its emissions, the Air Force jointly sponsored impossible for DLA/DESC to determine if engines have afterburners that may require a study with DOE/NETL to assess the the fuel they were purchasing for federal special attention for synthetic fuel and it addition of biomass to the coal feedstock agencies included Canadian oil sands. represents the fighter aircraft in the Air to reduce CO2 emissions. According to the Meanwhile, both FAA and Air Force Force fleet. study’s results, the addition of 10 percent certification programs are moving ahead

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 19 Q PHOTO: A USAF C-17 Globemaster flies over New York City following the December 17, 2007 completion of the first transcontinental flight on synthetic fuel. Following the ceremony the C-17 departed McGuire AFB for a fly-by of New York City. It was the vision of Secretary Wynne that he wanted to make a statement that we are indeed the home of the free because of the brave.

with their respective goals to certify the PAUL P. commercial fleet by 2008 and the military BOLLINGER JR. is Special Assistant fleet by early 2011. Leadership at the FAA to the Assistant and Air Force are the driving forces behind Secretary of the Air this important initiative. Force for Installations, Environment and The US is at war, and our ability to Logistics. He is provide the necessary sovereign options responsible for policy, funding and outreach to fly, fight and win anywhere in the coordination for the testing, certification and world is dependent upon fuel. Creation acquisition of synthetic fuels. of a domestic supply that is cleaner than Mr. Bollinger has served his entire 27-year foreign oil is vitally important both to the career in the aviation industry. Most recently, he was President of the Air Traffic Control commercial airlines and the Air Force. Association (ATCA). Prior to ATCA, he was Vice The rising cost of fuel has negatively President of Aviation Client Services for HNTB impacted the budgets of both the airlines Corp. and Vice President of DMJM Aviation. and the military. His aviation association career began when he was hired by the American Association of Airport The US Can Do Better – and Must Executives (AAAE) as Deputy Director. In 1988, he became the first Executive Director of the Airport We can do better – we must. Clean, Consultants Council, and later joined the Airports domestic, alternative fuels from a variety Council International – North America (ACI-NA) as of sources provide solutions for national Senior Vice President. defense and commerce that we can develop During his tenure in the Pentagon he was responsible for leading the highly successful and – more importantly – control. The time USAF Energy Forum for the Secretary. He has for action is now if we are to achieve this reached out to other federal departments important goal. If we do it right, it will not by creating the InterAgency Working Group on Alternative Fuels which represents all only be an Air Force legacy, but a legacy for federal departments and agencies working on future generations of all Americans. ❙ alternative fuels. Excerpts from a December 17, 2007 article by Patrick Winn in Air Force Times: Excerpts from a February 1, 2008 article in DOW JONES NEWSWIRES: C-17 Flies Cross Country on Synthetic Fuel Airbus A380 1st Commercial Jet to Fly A Globemaster – its tanks half-filled with standard jet fuel on Alternative Fuel and half with a synthetic, coal-derived fuel – flew on Dec. An Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet, became 17 from Washington state’s McChord Air Force Base to New the first commercial plane to be powered by alternative fuel Jersey’s McGuire Air Force Base. The B-52 bomber is already on a test flight Friday, the plane maker said… certified to use this fuel mix and full certification is expected for the C-17 in coming months. The airline industry is coming under pressure to find ways to reduce its carbon emissions and tackle fuel costs…Airbus It’s the latest milestone in an effort to prove all of the Air head of alternative fuels research, Sebastien Remy, said Force’s fleet can use this domestically produced synthetic he hopes that around 25 percent of fuel will come from fuel by 2011. By 2016, the Air Force wants all of its flights in alternative sources by 2025… the continental US powered by the mix, touted as cleaner and less reliant on petroleum piped from foreign soil. Excerpts from a November 16, 2007 article by Vicky Karantzavelou in Looking further into the future, Assistant Secretary William Travel Daily News International: Anderson with the Air Force’s Installations, Environment and Qatar Airways Set to Be First Airline Logistics department estimated that synthetic fuel could to Be Powered By Gas-Based Fuel power jets on live, operational missions by the middle of next century. “We believe we need domestic sources of aviation Qatar Airways entered into a landmark agreement with key fuel so we can fight tonight and fight tomorrow,” he said. players across the aviation, fuel and educational sectors to power its aircraft with natural gas. The revolutionary move would see Qatar Airways become the first commercial airline Excerpts from a speech by FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey on June 19, 2007 at the Alternative Fuels Press Conference, Paris: in the world to operate flights using gas-to-liquids kerosene An AffirmativeO bligation fuel – seen as the technology of the future that will be envi- ronmentally friendly, helping to significantly reduce carbon …Although aviation represents less than three percent of emissions and reduce the impact on climate change… greenhouse gases, we have an affirmative obligation to drive Flight trials using gas-to-liquids fuel would be carried that number as low as it can go. And why not start by leverag- out following the intensive study and a worldwide industry ing the great work that the US military is already doing, approval of individual equipment manufacturers and rather than starting from scratch? regulators. Let me put it bluntly. Aviation needs to push more in the direction of reducing the impacts from its emissions. And Excerpts from a February 10, 2008 article in The Canadian Press: we need to invest now to ensure we have a pipeline of innovations that will bring the results we need…we know that American Pilot Aims to Fly Bombardier demand for passenger and cargo aviation continues to rise. Aircraft on Biodiesel Fuel So with more planes in the air, we need to continue to cut The oil that cooks your favorite French fries has never flown that carbon footprint… so far. A US pilot and entrepreneur wants to fly around the Our Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) has world in a Bombardier business jet fuelled by biodiesel, a two major studies under way to develop a national roadmap product often made with vegetable oil. on the viability of alternative fuels for aviation. The first study Douglas Rodante and his team from the Green Flight project looks at feasibility, costs, barriers and technical issues…The completed the first jet flight fuelled by biodiesel last October second study will take a look at the environmental benefits… in a Soviet-era training jet… In addition, as part of the FAA’s NextGen financing reform bill, Green Flight hopes to launch an eight-stop flight across the we’ve asked for the authority to form a research consortium… to accelerate the development and certification of new technol- United States in the short-range L-29 in a few months, pending ogies that lower aviation’s energy, emissions, and noise profile. the approval of the US Federal Aviation Administration…He It will not only work on engines and airframe technology, but wants to fly around the world in a Bombardier Learjet running it also will seek to advance work on alternative fuels… on biodiesel in late 2008 or early 2009…

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 21 First Commercial Biofuel Flight

Excerpts from a February 25, 2008 BLOOMBERG NEWS article: Excerpts from a February 24, 2008 article by Bertrand Marotte in Biofuel, Partly From Nuts, Is Tested The Globe and Mail (Toronto): on an Airline Flight Wild Green Yonder? A 747 Fuelled Partly by Coconuts Virgin Atlantic Airways, the British carrier controlled by Richard Virgin Atlantic’s first commercial biofuel flight doesn’t satisfy Branson, tested a jumbo jet on Sunday that was partly powered critics, who call it ‘high-altitude greenwash’ by a biofuel made from babassu nuts and coconut oil, a first for a commercial aircraft. Billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson unveiled what he called the start of a new, cleaner, era for the airline industry The Boeing 747-400, which took off from London and landed Sunday: a flight partly fuelled by a clear liquid derived from in Amsterdam, had one unmodified engine running on a mix coconuts and the Amazonian babassu tree... of about 25 percent biofuel with the rest coming from stan- dard jet kerosene, Mr. Branson said at a news conference at An executive with Boeing Co., which partnered with Virgin Atlan- Heathrow Airport. tic in the project, said in an interview from London that the test flight shows conclusively that jet biofuel is now a practical reality “This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious and could be commercially widespread within five years… about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future, fuels which will power our aircraft in the Greenpeace chief scientist Doug Parr derided the flight as a years ahead through sustainable next-generation oils, such as “high-altitude greenwash.” Beatrice Olivastri, head of Friends of the Earth Canada, said in an interview that “There isn’t algae,” he said… going to be one magic bullet and biofuel is only a small part of the bigger problem. The aviation sector is not known for its Excerpts from a February 24, 2008 article by Thomas Wagner, leadership on climate change.” The Associated Press: Virgin Flies Biofueled Jet …The airline industry’s biofuel initiative, which was several years in the works, has also been criticized as a distraction in the fight Virgin Atlantic carried out the world’s first flight of a commercial to cut carbon dioxide emissions, with some saying that any car- aircraft powered with biofuel…in an effort to show it can produce bon savings would likely be negated by increased airline travel… less carbon dioxide than normal jet fuels. Some experts have said that so-called second-generation Some analysts praised the jumbo jet test flight from London to biofuels – algae, for instance – are a better source that doesn’t Amsterdam as a potentially useful experiment. But others criti- compete with agriculture… cized it as a publicity stunt and noted scientists are questioning the environmental benefits of biofuels… Excerpts from a February 24, 2008 Reuters article by Nigel Hunt: Sunday’s flight was partially fueled with a biofuel mixture of Amazon Nuts Help Fuel First Biofuel Flight coconut and babassu oil in one of its four main fuel tanks… Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles predicted this biofuel Nuts picked from Amazon rainforests helped fuel the world’s would produce much less CO2 than regular jet fuel, but said it first commercial airline flight powered by renewable energy will take weeks to analyze the data from Sunday’s flight… on Sunday… The flight is the latest example of how the world’s airlines are Biofuels, which are currently mainly produced from crops such jumping on the environmental bandwagon by trying to find as grain, vegetable oils and sugar, are seen by advocates as a ways of reducing aviation’s carbon footprint… way to cut emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce depen- dence on fossil fuels.

There has been concern, however, that an expansion in the area of crops grown for energy has helped drive up food prices, and some scientists have questioned the environmental benefits of so-called first generation biofuels…

The biofuels blend on the Virgin flight contained 20 percent neat biofuel and 80 percent conventional jet fuel…tests had shown it was possible to fly with a 40 percent blend…

22 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org ÊFederal Supervisors: Are They Ready, Willing and Able to Manage the Workplace? MANAGEMENT By Steve Oppermann, Consultant/Trainer, GRA, Inc.

In writing about a wide range of human resources and workplace issues for FedSmith.com, I encounter some recurring themes among readers. One such theme is the perception that supervisors are unwilling, unable or both, to deal with problem employees and workplace issues of various kinds. Here is a representative comment: “Every problem stems from too many people who are supervisors who shouldn’t be. They don’t want to counsel, discipline, enforce the rules, etc.”

wanted to gauge how widespread the taught classes in many Federal agencies, perception of ineffective (or worse) and have heard similar concerns expressed “Supervisory jobs are becoming I supervisors might be and to examine about the effectiveness of supervisors, and increasingly difficult to perform the implications for the Federal of management in general, in most of them. as the number of supervisors and workforce, so, as usual, I started by Many Federal Supervisors are Reluctant managers declines. Expanding researching relevant literature. For to Deal with Problem Employees spans of control, exploding tech- example, I remembered reading about The widely-perceived reluctance on the nological change, complex ‘people a survey of Federal employees that part of many supervisors to deal with issues’ and evolving workplace included views of supervisors and agency problem employees and other workplace models challenge both novice and management. The article, titled “Federal issues, and management’s apparent unwill- seasoned supervisors alike. Employees Satisfied With Supervisors,” ingness to hold them accountable when ” was authored by David McGlinchey and they don’t, has undoubtedly contributed published in GovernmentExecutive.com to the cynicism I see among many Federal on May 19, 2005. employees. The article went on to say that: vations. I also hear from supervisors who “Federal employees have confidence in their “Employees showed concern…about say they were willing to tackle problems supervisors… to a survey released…by measures that are in place to deal with such as poor performance but were not the Office of Personnel Management. The poor performers. About 36 percent of supported in those efforts, causing them 2004 Federal Human Capital Survey employees disagreed or strongly disagreed to believe that top management would questioned more than 147,000 federal that ‘in my work unit, steps are taken to rather not “rock the boat,” and get into a employees and found that…nearly 70 deal with a poor performer who cannot or major hassle with an employee, even if that percent said their immediate supervisor will not improve.” means carrying some poor performers year does a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ job. Only 12 About 32 percent of respondents agreed after year – and sometimes trying to foist percent said their supervisor does a ‘poor’ or strongly agreed with that statement. them off on others – rather than dealing or ‘very poor’ job.” Results also were more balanced on overall with them. While 147,000 employees certainly is a agency leadership. While almost 40 percent The more reading I did, the more obvi- statistically significant sampling, the num- of respondents agreed or strongly agreed ous it became that I had bitten off more ber (12 percent) who responded that their that their agency leaders ‘generate high than I could chew (not for the first time). supervisor does a “poor” or “very poor” levels of motivation and commitment,’ For one thing, all supervisors are generally job sounded suspiciously low based on my more than 32 percent disagreed or thought of as being part of the management long experience in the Federal sector and strongly disagreed.” team and employees who comment don’t the 10 years I have spent as a consultant I find those numbers to be a bit more always distinguish clearly between their and trainer. In the latter capacity, I have consistent with my experience and obser- supervisors and agency management.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 23 While management practices are tar- technician to apply for a first-line super- geted in many articles, and cartoonist Scott “Even employees with good visor position based less on interest in Adams of Dilbert fame has made a fortune leadership potential can fail the job than on the perception that it was poking fun at management’s foibles and because they are not routinely the only feasible way to advance his/her mindless bureaucracy, the word “manage- provided expectations of career and make more money. It was often ment” is too generic and too amorphous to performance, and feedback said that such selections created a “double whammy” for the organization by taking get my brain around. and consequences of success away its best technician and saddling it Narrowing the Focus to First-Line or failure. with a poor supervisor. Supervisors ” Accordingly, I decided to narrow the focus Agencies Too Often Value Technical of this series of articles (having determined ing (theoretically) unnecessary layers of Expertise Above Leadership Capability that there was too much material to cover supervision. Some agencies recognized this problem in one) to first-line supervisors, since that In the agencies I was with, this some- and, particularly under demonstration position is where the “rubber meets the times took the form of changing supervisory projects, allowed for the best technicians road” (to borrow the old Firestone tires positions to team leaders. There was just to progress to grades and pay levels that theme) between management and employ- one little problem: in a number of cases, were roughly equivalent to what they could ees and is often a major steppingstone to the duties of the former supervisors didn’t attain as supervisors. However, NAPA the management ranks. change, only their titles did. Whether or not found that agencies filling supervisory If you have concerns about the state the term “smoke and mirrors” would apply, positions are still likely to value techni- of supervision in the Federal govern- supervisory ratios soon looked a lot better in cal expertise above leadership capability, ment, you are by no means alone. For more than a few agencies. which tells me that not much has changed. example, the National Academy of You also may remember the concept of NAPA’s principal findings were as follows: Public Administration (NAPA) published “rightsizing” under several administrations. “First-line supervisors are the federal in 2003 a comprehensive report titled While some of you may have had differ- government’s largest corporate leader- “First-Line Supervisors in the Federal ship asset in sheer numbers and direct ent experiences, rightsizing always meant Service: Their Selection, Development impact. Yet they must be more adequately downsizing in every agency for which I and Management.” prepared and supported to perform at worked. According to NAPA: The NAPA report began with an Execu- the level that current and future needs “The selection, development and per- tive Summary that provided some context: formance management of the estimated require. Supervisors function at the point “As the demands on federal leaders have 125,000 federal first-line supervisors where public policy becomes action, and grown, their numbers have significantly must be significantly strengthened in most they directly represent management’s declined, in total and as a percent of the agencies. Currently, there are very few voice to non-supervisory federal employees. federal workforce. There were 77,134 fewer candidate development programs as most As such, their behavior and job perfor- leaders in 2001 compared to 1991, a 28 agencies select the most competent mance are a major determinant of organi- percent reduction. At the same time, the technician for supervisory openings zational performance, workplace morale average age has increased and retirement without considering leadership capa- and job satisfaction. They also influence is available to many. An Academy survey bility. Training often is provided, yet not employees’ decisions to remain in or found that more first-line supervisors would integrated into a comprehensive approach leave an organization.” opt to retire on or before their eligibility that develops future leaders. Further, I think all of these points are valid. date (45 percent) than would keep working supervisor performance management NAPA elaborated on several of them in its (34 percent)…” rarely has the same fundamental and section called “The Price of Poor Super- specific focus that executive management Recalling “Reinventing Government” vision,” which I will discuss in the second has.” (Emphasis added). Under Clinton-Gore of three articles in this series. You may recall, particularly if you are The highlighted concern is essentially “Supervisory jobs are becoming increas- or were a supervisor, the “Reinventing the same one that I first heard shortly ingly difficult to perform as the number Government” initiative under Clinton- after I joined the Federal government in of supervisors and managers declines. Gore. One of its principal objectives, which late 1970. That issue surfaced repeatedly Expanding spans of control, exploding I think has continued under Bush-Cheney, throughout my Federal career. In my technological change, complex ‘people was “flattening” organizations by remov- experience, it was not unusual for the best issues’ and evolving workplace models

24 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org challenge both novice and seasoned management positions, it’s difficult for me supervisors alike. Agreement on this find- to understand why their training would ing is widespread among supervisors, the not be part of the agency’s comprehensive employees they supervise, the managers to leader development program. whom they report, and the oversight agen- “Performance management is another cies – US Office of Personnel Management area that needs significant improvement. (OPM), US Merit Systems Protection Board A poor selection process, coupled with (MSPB), US General Accounting Office* insufficient performance management (GAO) – that review their performance.” (particularly of newly-minted leaders), help (*Now US Government Accountability Office). to explain the genesis of many leadership Here again, I think NAPA’s observa- cadre shortcomings. Even employees with good leadership potential can fail because tions are right on the money. During my Charter Subscription Offer Federal career, I was a first-line super- they are not routinely provided expecta- visor in five different agencies, so I have a tions of performance, and feedback and real appreciation for how difficult the job consequences of success or failure.” can be – and it is far more complex and An employee must serve a probationary ❏ YES! Sign me up for an annual subscription to challenging now than it was when I was period before initial assignment as either Managing the Skies, a bi-monthly publication a supervisor, for all of the reasons stated a supervisor or manager becomes final. of the FAA Managers Association.* by NAPA: The length of the probationary period is Subscription rates for non-members are $49.00 “With some exceptions, federal agencies normally one year. If the employee fails the do a poor job of managing this corporate per year within the US and US possessions; supervisory probationary period, she/he must $65.00 per year in Canada; and $85.00 per year asset, beginning with the selection process. be returned to a non-supervisory position. elsewhere, including special air delivery; digital Some agencies have excellent leadership Given the potential impact of a supervisor edition is $39.00 per year. development programs for identifying on a work unit, the supervisory probation- supervisory candidates, but most do not ary period is clearly a critical final test in offer extensive preparation. Also, most the selection process and should be, but name (print) supervisory jobs require technical compe- often is not, used to weed out ineffective tence, but technical abilities far outweigh title supervisors. leadership competencies as a selection Next, in the second of three articles, I company factor. Too often, leadership potential is not will address what NAPA called “The Price even considered in this equation.” address of Poor Supervision;” talk about consen- Major Problems Found in Federal sus characteristics/attributes of “good” Selection Process for Supervisory and “bad” supervisors and attempt to tie city state zip Positions in my own experience (“lessons learned”) As noted earlier in this article, NAPA found and that of colleagues. I also will discuss telephone major problems with the selection process initiatives of the Senate Homeland Security for supervisory positions and documented and Governmental Affairs Committee with fax ❙ the continuing presence of a long-time regard to supervisory training. email address tendency to weigh technical abilities more heavily than leadership competencies: Steve Oppermann is a human resources ❏ Payment Enclosed. Make check payable to “Federal agencies need to do a better job of (HR) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) FAAMA and return this form with payment to: developing and training supervisors. While consultant/trainer with GRA, Inc. He served as FAA Managers Association, #315, 4410 Regional Director of Personnel for GSA and Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016 some have successful training programs, advised and represented management in six it is uncommon for first-line supervisory agencies during his federal career. Bulk Subscription Rates To inquire about bulk rates, please send training to be part of an agency’s compre- 2008 Steve Oppermann. All rights reserved. © an email to [email protected]. hensive leader development program.” Reproduced with express written permission from Steve Oppermann. Originally published in *Managing the Skies is a benefit of membership Because first-line supervisors are Manager’s Toolbox at FedSmith.com. in the FAA Managers Association, Inc. often the “feeder group” for higher-level To become a member, go to www.faama.org.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 25

ÊPart B or Not Part B? By Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director, National Institute of Transition Planning

One of the big queries that comes up at every pre-retirement discussion is: “Do I need Medicare – especially Part B? Or should I stick with the benefits I can continue to receive into retirement under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program?” The answer is, it depends. That’s not what you probably wanted to hear, I know. Let’s look at some of the factors in play here.

Not Part B ?

Part B ?

irst, some definitions. Medicare for more than 60 days, your co-pay would Pondering Part C (Medicare Advantage) Part A pays for inpatient hospital be almost $250 per day. And Medicare If you have Part A and B coverage, you F stays, care at skilled nursing facili- pays nothing if you are hospitalized more can join a Medicare Advantage plan, also ties and some home health care. Part B than 150 days. known as Medicare Part C. This is an HMO is insurance that helps pay for doctors’ Also, the cost of Part B premiums has that contracts with Medicare. Services services and outpatient care. It also gone up a lot since they were $3 per month must be obtained from the HMO’s network covers other medical services, such as in 1966. Even up until 2000, the premium of doctors and hospitals to receive full physical and occupational therapy, and was under $50 a month. But now the benefits. The HMO may charge a monthly some home health care. costs are much higher, and a new law has premium and require co-payments. changed how Part B premiums are calcu- With one of these plans, you do not Medicare A and B is Not Enough by Itself lated for some people with higher incomes. need your Federal Employees Health That may sound like a pretty good pack- Benefits Program (FEHBP) coverage, The bottom line is that depending on age, but Medicare A and B is not enough because Medicare Advantage plans gener- income, coverage costs between $93.50 insurance by itself. Even the combination ally offer many of the same benefits that an and $161.40 a month, or $1,122.00 up to of the two does not include catastrophic FEHBP policy would provide, such as extra $1,936.80 per year. Some retirees are begin- coverage benefits, for one thing. If you only days in the hospital after you have used the ning to question the value of this coverage. had Medicare, and had to be hospitalized number of days that Medicare covers.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 27 Some of the FEHBP HMOs, however, A and B are your primary insurance. Look also offer a Medicare Advantage option. “If you wait to sign up for Medicare at your plan’s brochure or check out its And some of these HMOs will coordinate until later, you will face even website to learn about the coordination coverage to your advantage if you enroll in bigger premiums. If you think with Medicare. both their FEHBP HMO and their Medicare that Medicare Part B is expensive, You generally won’t need to use the Advantage plan. imagine how much your expenses preferred providers when Medicare is the For example, in one of the FEHBP will be in the event of a chronic primary payer, as long as you use doctors HMOs, for members with both Medicare and facilities that accept Medicare patients. illness or serious medical condition Parts A and B, Medicare covers hospice But be sure to check to see how much the – especially when you are living on care for those who receive care from any catastrophic out-of-pocket limits are. This Medicare-certified hospice. Members with a fixed income in retirement. is how much you might be spending if you Medicare Part B only must receive care Here is my bottom-line advice: don’t pay the $1,122.00 to $1,936.80 per from HMO network providers. Check Take Medicare at 65 if you are year for Medicare Part B. your plan’s website to see how it coordi- retired. If you are still working and Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses nates with Medicare. over 65, you still have some time Can Exceed Cost of Enrolling in Also, those who use FEHBP HMO cov- to decide – if you are carrying your Medicare Part B erage should remember that with Medicare FEHBP coverage as an employee. Over your lifetime, it’s possible to have coverage, you may use doctors outside of ” out-of-pocket medical expenses that would your HMO network and receive Medicare exceed the cost of enrolling in Medicare benefits for these services. Part B. These could be mostly eliminated If you have TRICARE for Life or Military Matters and TRICARE by Medicare enrollment. CHAMPVA benefits along with Medicare Before we go any further on the FEHBP- If you wait to sign up for Medicare until A and B, you have very good health cover- Medicare issue, let’s take a quick detour later, you will face even bigger premiums. If age and would not need to have FEHBP to look at issues for military service you think that Medicare Part B is expensive, coverage. If you carry FEHBP coverage members and retirees. They and their imagine how much your expenses will be into retirement, you may suspend this families have their own issues to con- in the event of a chronic illness or serious coverage to use your TRICARE benefits. sider, relative to the military’s TRICARE medical condition – especially when you managed health program. Bottom Line are living on a fixed income in retirement. When TRICARE beneficiaries (other So what about those who aren’t eligible Here is my bottom-line advice: Take than eligible active-duty family members) for TRICARE and who want to remain Medicare at 65 if you are retired. If you are become entitled to Medicare Part A, and in an FEHBP fee-for-service setup, such still working and over 65, you still have purchase Medicare Part B, they do not as the Blue Cross Blue Shield Service some time to decide – if you are carrying experience a break in TRICARE coverage. Benefit Plan? your FEHBP coverage as an employee. ❙ The TRICARE for Life program, which cov- This is where the decision about ers retirees, pays secondary to Medicare. whether to enroll in Medicare Part B can Tammy Flanagan is the Senior Benefits Director for the National Institute of Transition There are no enrollment fees for TFL. get stickier. The first thing to know is that Planning Inc. (NITP), which conducts federal Beneficiaries, other than active-duty family your FEHBP plan will cover you after 65 retirement planning workshops and seminars. members, are required to purchase even if you do not enroll in Medicare. But Having spent 25 years helping federal employees take charge of their retirement by understanding Medicare Part B. For more information, your FEHBP plan would like for you to their benefits, Ms. Flanagan can answer or get see the TRICARE section of Military.com. enroll in Medicare, since Medicare would the answer to most complex benefits issues. By law, some military veterans over She writes extensively researched, succinct and then be the primary payer of your health expertly referenced retirement planning articles 65 have secondary coverage to Medicare care expenses. So what are they going to for Government Executive Magazine, NITP and under the Civilian Health and Medical offer you as an incentive? others. For more information, go to http://www. nitpinc.com/. Program of the Department of Veterans As I showed in the HMO example above, Affairs (CHAMOVA). CHAMPVA provides there will be less out-of-pocket expense if Originally published in the September 28, 2007 issue of Government Executive Magazine, similar benefits as those provided to mili- you have Medicare as your primary cover- this article is reprinted with express written tary beneficiaries under the TRICARE or age. Most fee-for-service FEHBP plans will permission from Tammy Flanagan, NITP and TRICARE for Life plans. Government Executive Magazine. © 2007 by waive deductibles and co-pays if Medicare National Journal Group, Inc.

28 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org INTRODUCTION to Part B of Medicare

Part B of Medicare is intended to fill some of the gaps 5. X-ray therapy, radium therapy and radioactive in medical insurance coverage left under Part A. After isotope therapy; the beneficiary meets the annual deductible, Part B 6. Surgical dressings and splints, casts and other will pay 80 percent of the “reasonable charge” for devices used for fractures and dislocations; covered services, the reimbursement rate determined 7. Durable medical equipment; by Medicare; the beneficiary is responsible for the 8. Prosthetic devices; remaining 20 percent as “co-insurance.” 9. Braces, trusses, artificial limbs and eyes; Unfortunately, the “reasonable charge” often is less than the provider’s actual charge. If the provider agrees 10. Ambulance services; to “accept assignment,” he agrees to accept Medicare’s 11. Some outpatient and ambulatory surgical “reasonable charge” rate as payment in full and the services; patient is only responsible for the remaining 20percent. 12. Some outpatient hospital services; If the provider does not accept assignment, the patient 13. Some physical therapy services; will be responsible for paying a portion of the difference 14. Some occupational therapy; between Medicare’s reimbursement rate (the reasonable charge) and the provider’s actual charge. 15. Some outpatient speech therapy;

Since 1972, individuals receiving Social Security retire- 16. Comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility services; ment benefits, individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months and individuals other- 17. Rural health clinic services; wise entitled to Medicare Part A, are automatically 18. Institutional and home dialysis services, supplies and equipment; enrolled in Part B unless they decline coverage. Others must enroll in Part B by filing a request at the Social 19. Ambulatory surgical center services; Security office during certain designated periods. 20. Antigens and blood clotting factors; The major benefit under Part B is payment for physicians’ 21. Qualified psychologist services; services. Items and services which can be covered under 22. Therapeutic shoes for patients with severe diabetic Medicare Part B include: foot disease; 1. Physicians’ services; 23. Influenza, Pneumococcal and Hepatitis B vaccine; 2. Home health care; 24. Some mammography screening; 3. Services and supplies, including drugs and biologi- 25. Some pap smear screening, breast exams and cals which cannot be self-administered, furnished pelvic exams; incidental to physicians’ services; 26. Some other preventive services including colorectal 4. Diagnostic x-ray tests, diagnostic laboratory tests cancer screening, Diabetes training tests, bone and other diagnostic tests; mass measurements and prostate cancer screening.

www.faama.org managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 29 Ê2008 FAA Managers Association Gathering of Eagles conference

Convention & Training Conference By John D. Sideris, Co-Chair, FAAMA 2008 Convention UPDATE Discovering Our Future! uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuu { September 21 – 25, 2008 | Flamingo Hotel and C asino, Las Vegas }

his year, you are certain to be valuable and trusted resource by many and the stories get very interesting. Some pleasantly surprised by the excep- aviation industry leaders both inside and of those familiar FAAMA family members T tional line-up of speakers and outside the FAA. include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Federal special guests that the 2008 FAAMA Con- Many of the experts who are shaping the Long Term Health Care and GEICO! vention Committee is planning for you. future of aviation also are FAAMA members REGISTERATION ONLINE SOON! There may be a movie star, a television just like you and will be sharing their vision FAAMA Gathering of Eagles 2008 truly celebrity and/or a powerful political pres- and assisting us with those historical first will be an experience that no one will ence in the room – and, definitely, you’ll steps in “Discovering our Future!” want to miss. You’ll gain so much knowl- benefit from outstanding training oppor- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UNIQUE AND edge and motivation by choosing to attend tunities delivered by first-rate trainers! VALUABLE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES this unique Convention. Don’t miss this I can guarantee that the FAAMA Conven- The quality of training received by FAAMA once-in-a-lifetime experience! tion 2008 experience will be something Convention attendees rivals any training Look for an update on invited guests, to remember! What can you expect? available. Last year we provided a first run trainers and activities as well as for more SHARE THE VISION of the “Generations” training program, confirmed new exhibitors in the May/June What will the world of aviation look like in which now is a must have for all FAA issue of Managing the Skies. At any time, five, ten or 20 years? Do you actually know? managers and management teams across the you can find up-to-date Convention infor- If you answered “no,” you need to make country. Experiencing Generations training mation, and soon, an online Registration plans now to get better informed by coming really helps bridge the generation gap we Form at WWW.FAAMA.ORG. ❙ to Las Vegas to participate in the FAAMA currently are experiencing in our agency. Convention and Training Conference. EXPERIENCE A DYNAMIC, GROWING CONVENTION 2008 faama GAIN CUTTING-EDGE INTELLIGENCE FAAMA’s Corporate Relations group is convention exhibitors* In 2008, there is so much news about reau- significantly expanding its role and really Adacel Systems, Inc. thorization and budgets, alternative fuels, has begun to blossom. For the 2008 Con- ATCA going green in aviation, NextGen, staffing Blue Cross Blue Shield vention, we’ve had to double the exhibitor levels, attrition, collocation and hiring chal- Emcor Enclosures space, which really tells the story! This lenges – as well as some exciting news about FAA 1st Federal Credit Union year, we’re happy to announce that many F.E.D.S. new human resources programs – that you new exhibitors will be in attendance. FEEA won’t want to miss a single minute. These new exhibitors are from the aviation GEICO Insurance Harris Corporation LEARN FROM AGENCY AND marketplace and will be displaying the The Harvey Group INDUSTRY EXPERTS latest hardware, software, communications Long Term Health Care One sure fire way to get a one-stop shop- equipment, simulators, consoles, etc. ORBA ping brief about the transformation of what Because of the relationships FAAMA has Systems Atlanta Washington Consulting Group once was and what will be, is to participate established with some familiar faces over Wright & Company in the annual FAAMA Gathering of Eagles the years, attending the Convention is a Xavius Inc. Convention experience. Your Association bit like greeting family members during an *As we go to press, these companies are confirmed exhibitors is engaged, informed and considered a annual reunion. The fellowship is incredible – additional exhibitors are expected.

30 managing the skies Mar/Apr 2008 www.faama.org