News and Updates – Service to America Award Shines Spotlight on FAA Employee

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The Federal Aviation Administrations David Gray is a finalist for a Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal. The medals, also known as Sammies, are awarded to outstanding federal employees who serve the public good and are addressing many of the countrys greatest challenges.

Gray led the operational rollout of a technology called Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). The Partnership for Public Service recognized Gray for demonstrating superior leadership, management excellence and being instrumental in achieving the Department of Transportations commitment to efficient, effective and results-oriented government by leading a transformational program.

The FAAs greatest strength is its people, said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. David brings dedication and focus on safety to the job every day, and he is well deserving of this recognition.

ADS-B is part of the FAAs plan to transform air traffic control from a system of ground-based radars to a system that uses satellite technology. ADS-B improves safety, increases efficiency, and reduces the time it takes to locate lost aircraft, potentially saving lives. Air traffic controllers and pilots use the technology to provide shared situational awareness.

Transitioning to ADS-B services in the national airspace system has been such a huge undertaking that involved thousands of people both in the FAA and throughout the aviation industry. I feel very lucky, and proud to be a part of a flagship next generation program like ADS-B that can handle future demands more efficiently, said Gray.

The FAA informed the aviation community in 2010 that ADS-B technology would be required on all aircraft flying in certain controlled airspace as of Jan. 1, 2020. Gray inspired his team and managed the completion of the infrastructure on time and on budget. Gray and his team collaborated with the aviation industry specifically general aviation to get the community onboard and equipped by the deadline.

The Partnership for Public Service selected 27 finalists for the Sammies. The finalists also are eligible for the Service to America Medals Peoples Choice Award, which is voted on by members of the public on this site. The Peoples Choice winner will be announced in the summer. The Sammies winners will be announced on September 22.

News and Updates – FAA Posts Draft EA for South-Central Florida Metroplex Project

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has posted the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the South-Central Florida Metroplex project, the agencys plan to modernize air traffic procedures for four major air carrier airports and 17 additional airports in the southern half of the state.

A 60-day public comment period for the Draft EA begins today and ends on July 10, 2020. The agency expects to issue an environmental determination in September 2020, after it considers and reviews all substantive comments received during the comment period. The public can review the Draft EA and submit comments on this page.

The FAA will hold 12 virtual public workshops on the Draft EA during the first two weeks of June. Residents can view the schedule and register to attend a virtual workshop at Community Involvement South Central Florida. During the workshops, the FAA will provide an overview of the Draft EA, and environmental and air traffic control experts will be available to answer questions. Additional information about the project, including previous public outreach activities, also is posted on the webpage.

Many of the procedures for South-Central Florida are based on outdated technology. While safe, these older procedures are less precise and efficient than those based on satellite technology. The satellite-based routes proposed for the South-Central Florida Metroplex project will enhance safety and efficiency across the region.

Theagency conducted the Draft EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969(NEPA), which requires the FAA to identify and publicly disclose the potential environmental impacts of the proposed procedures.

News and Updates – FAA Hiring Aviation Safety Inspectors

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WASHINGTON The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting applications for on-the-spot hiring for operations aviation safety inspectors (ASIs). The ASI positions are for various facilities throughout the country.

These positions are critical to the agencys mission to provide the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world.

ASIs administer, investigate, and enforce safety regulations and standards for the production, operation, maintenance, and modification of all aircraft.

News and Updates – FAA Advances Drone Integration Initiatives

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WASHINGONThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI) that allows educational institutions and the agency to work collaboratively with students who pursue careers in UAS.

Providing our nations youth with educational opportunities is a major commitment of this administration, said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson. We see these institutions opening doors for students seeking careers in this exciting, growing field of aviation.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 required the agency to establish a UAS collegiate training initiative program. It also called for a process to designate an association of public, two-year institutions of higher education as Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence in Small UAS System Technology Training.

The eligibility guidelines for the institutions to participate are:

  • School type: Not-for-profit, two- or four-year, post-secondary educational institutions.
  • Accreditation: Must be institutionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
  • Degree/Certification: Schools must currently offer a bachelors or associates degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS.

Post-secondary institutions with UAS curricula seeking recognition as a UAS-CTI can now apply for this distinction. Once requests for participation are received, the FAA will send potential applicants an initial questionnaire to further evaluate their eligibility for the program. Review information on how institutions can apply.

Participating institutions will work with the FAA, other participants, general industry, local governments, law enforcement, and regional economic development entities to address labor force needs. This collaboration will ensure that UAS-CTI school graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a successful career in a UAS-related field.

In addition to advancing the FAA-UAS goals, these new UAS-CTIs move forward the agencys Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) efforts for students. The program also builds on the FAAs efforts to expand the aviation workforce.

News and Updates – DOT Announces Over $1 Billion in Airport Grants

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announces over $1B in safety and infrastructure grants for U.S. airports.