US. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration

Department of Transportation

Position Classification Guide for Flight Service
Specialist Positions at Automated Flight Service Stations

GS-2152

Applicable Only to Federal Aviation Administration Positions

Office of Personnel
August 1989

GS-2152 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERIES GS-2152

This series includes positions concerned with: (a) the control of air traffic to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious movement along air routes and at airports when a knowledge of aircraft separation standards and control techniques, and the ability to apply them properly, often under conditions of great stress, are required; (b) the providing of preflight and in-flight assistance to aircraft requiring a knowledge of the information pilots need to conduct safe flights and the ability to present that information clearly and concisely; or (c) the development, coordination, and management of air traffic control programs. Positions in this occupation require extensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the movement of air traffic.

COVERAGE OF THE GUIDE

This guide applies only to those air traffic control specialist positions (also referred to as flight service specialists) assigned to Automated Flight Service Stations (AFSS). This guide does not apply to other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) positions in the GS-2152 series or to positions in other administrations of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

This guide is an internal DOT guide which has not been approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It is a supplemental aid to the application of OPM classification standards. Should any conflict arise, the OPM classification standards govern in accordance with the provisions of law.

OCCUPATION INFORMATION

The primary function of an AFSS is to provide pilots with a variety of information and assistance necessary for planning and conducting a safe flight. A network of 61 AFSS's, linked by an extensive state-of-the-art automated communications system, provides assistance to pilots operating within the National Airspace System and along certain overseas and international routes. While these services are provided by AFSS's to all segments of aviation, the largest single user is the general aviation pilot.

Specialists brief pilots on weather conditions occurring or expected to occur along their intended route of flight and at the destination airport. They advise of the existence or development of potentially hazardous meteorological conditions, suggest alternative routings and, when appropriate, recommend that flights not be attempted. The specialists advise pilots of airport conditions, operational status of navigational aids, and of activity in special-use airspace such as restricted or military operating areas along the planned route of flight.

Based on their knowledge of airway route structures and air traffic procedures, specialists assist pilots in planning the route of flight, in making flight computations, filing flight plans, and obtaining the proper clearances to fly in controlled airspace. AFSS specialists are responsible for developing, disseminating and monitoring Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). NOTAMs provide information on significant aeronautical conditions (e.g., operational status of navigational aids), the timely knowledge of which is essential to planning safe flight operations.

Specialists provide current and forecast weather data and flight planning information to enroute aircraft. They request and disseminate pilot reports of significant weather conditions which may affect the safe operation of aircraft in their areas of responsibility. In certain locations, specialists monitor the progress of flights over mountain, water, or swamp areas. At non-towered airports, or at locations where the tower is open less than twenty-four hours, the specialists provide airport information services to landing and departing aircraft. This information service includes furnishing arriving and departing aircraft with runway and weather conditions, runway(s) in use, and location of known traffic, and alerting fire, rescue and other emergency equipment in the event of actual or potential emergencies.

AFSS specialists provide assistance to pilots who are lost or are in an emergency situation. By use of navigational aids, reference to topographical features or radio direction finding equipment, pilots are re-oriented or directed to a landing area. Specialists initiate search and rescue operations to locate aircraft operating under visual flight rules which fail to report their arrival within prescribed time limits. At AFSS's which provide assistance to aircraft operating along overseas and international routes, specialists provide information relative to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICA0) rules and procedures to be observed, and flight planning data pertinent to the destination country. Because these flights are made over water and sparsely populated areas, pilot briefings must cover appropriate action in hazardous situations and pertinent rules and restrictions to minimize the chance of violation of air traffic regulations.

CHANGES IN THE FLIGHT SERVICE OCCUPATION

The FAA automation and consolidation program has had a profound impact on the Job of the AFSS specialist, The system has gone from a manual, or non-automated, to a fully automated system capable of providing the specialist with much more complete and current aeronautical information than was possible before automation. Modernizing the system was critical to flying safety. Prior to automation, communications were slow. All communications used teletype lines and the speed of transmission was 100 words-per-minute. Important weather information for the entire country was not available to specialists, with the advent of business turbojet and turboprop aircraft capable of long distance and high-altitude flights, the demand for real-time aeronautical and weather information on a national and international basis increased dramatically. Technical innovation has made it now possible for the specialist to provide pilots with real-time weather for the entire continent of North America, Mexico, and Hawaii.

With the introduction of automation, it became clear that the flight service activity could be more efficiently and effectively performed through the establishment of consolidated stations with much larger geographic areas of responsibility. One automated station is responsible for a geographic area covered by up to seven non-automated stations. It is projected that 318 small non-automated stations will be consolidated into 61 automated stations.

This consolidation process has increased considerably the difficulty of specialists' Jobs in the automated stations. For example, flight service specialists now are required to have a detailed knowledge of their station's greatly expanded geographic area. This requires knowledge of the operational features of more airports, the changing topography of vast stretches of land, more varied weather conditions, factors affecting weather in diverse sections, increased number of airway structures, routes and navigational aids, and more procedures than previously required.

AFSS TRAINING

Trainee flight service station specialists undergo rigorous and extensive instruction and on-the-job training to prepare them for full performance level positions. They progress through the training program by meeting specific time-phased objectives (i.e., training and qualifying to operate certain positions) which vary according to work specialization and the particular operating requirements of the facility to which they are assigned.

 The Federal Aviation Administration follows an 'up or out' policy which, in effect, means that those trainee and developmental specialists who do not show satisfactory progress are not allowed to continue in their particular training program. The intent is that all developmental specialists must show satisfactory progress during training and must ultimately qualify in the required number of positions of operation at the full performance grade level.

This requirement stems from the need for facility management to possess flexibility in meeting daily staffing needs with specialists fully qualified to perform the work, and the need to implement periodic rotational work assignments to afford specialists relief from the more stressful positions. Rarely, if ever, will there be any continuing positions in a facility for specialists at less than normal full performance grade level. For these reasons, this guide does not attempt to describe in detail all of the possible work and training assignments at less than the full performance level. The focus of the guide is on the typical work situation of the full performance level, the target position for all AFSS specialists.

AUTHORIZED TITLES

Information concerning authorized titles is contained in the introductory material of the GS-2152 standard.

SUPERVISORY POSITIONS

This guide provides grade level criteria for non-supervisory positions only. Supervisory positions should be classified by reference to the Supervisory Grade-Evaluation Guide, Part II.

GRADE LEVEL CRITERIA

The grade levels established in this guide for AFSS specialists take the following three factors into consideration:

1. Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)

There are certain fundamental KSA's required of each full performance specialist. The level at which each KSA is mastered may vary somewhat from facility to facility. Therefore, the specific targeted KSA's are described only at the GS-12 level.

2. Nature and Scope of Assignment

This factor describes the content of the actual work performed. The work could be performed in a classroom or laboratory setting, such as at the entry level, or at the full performance level performing all the functions of an AFSS specialist, or any combination of training and work. At the lower level, assignments are very limited in scope and generally consist of receiving training or performing specific, less complex Jobs. As the specialists progress to higher grade levels, the training received becomes more intense and additional work responsibilities are assigned. At the full performance level, the planning and execution of assignments require a high degree of knowledges, skills, abilities, Judgment, and resourcefulness.

3. Supervision Received

This factor considers the nature and effect of supervisory, technical, and administrative controls over the work performed, and the responsibility for making decisions and recommendations. At lower levels, specialists receive extremely close supervision while in a training status. However, as the specialist progresses to the full performance level, supervision decreases as responsibility for making independent decisions and Judgments increases.

FUTURE OPERATIONAL CHANGES

It is recognized that future changes in automated flight service station operations could create future significant changes in the occupation. Such future operational changes may require a revision in the full performance grade level. The Department of Transportation will continue to assess the validity of these criteria and, when appropriate, issue any required changes to the guide.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (STATION) GS-2152-7

This is the initial entrance level for AFSS specialists designed to indoctrinate and train them in such subjects as: FAA organization; National Airspace System; fundamentals of air traffic control; air traffic rules and regulations; communication procedures; air navigation; navigational aids and airway structures; aviation weather; topography; basic facility equipment; and facility operation.

GS-7 specialists are assigned to extensive classroom instruction in a simulated work environment and receive on-the-lob training in various flight service functions to ensure proper development, progression, and performance. To enhance classroom training, specialists are occasionally exposed to the work environment by observing the professional knowledges, skills, and abilities of experienced personnel. As training progresses and specialists become more familiar with the equipment and station procedures, they perform some of the basic station duties, such as operating basic communication equipment, sequencing and filing flight plans, or answering requests for specific information which may be determined by reference to standard manuals or handbooks.

GS-7 level specialists are under direct supervision. Higher level specialists observe their work on a continuing basis to ensure proper performance of tasks and to provide training in basic flight service skills.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (STATION) GS-2152-9

This is a developmental level for AFSS specialists. In addition to receiving enhanced training in the subjects described at the GS-7 level, specialists receive comprehensive training in a wide range of automated flight service functions. An extensive on-the-Job training program is designed to ensure proper performance, develop sound work techniques, and prepare GS-9 specialists to perform some of the basic operating tasks required in the AFSS.

Typical Job assignments may include the following:

• Recording weather broadcasts
• Operating telecommunications and data communications equipment
• Flight plan processing
• Relaying information to centers, terminals, and military facilities
• Taking weather observations where required Analyzing and editing data

The specialist begins work towards the successful completion of certification requirements of specific operating positions such as broadcast, flight data, edit and, where required, weather observing.

The specialist is under direct supervision. Training personnel and instructors continuously observe and evaluate work to ensure proper performance of tasks and application of correct procedures.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

At this level, assignments vary among different positions of operation and are geared to eventually qualify the specialist at the full performance level. The specialist is certified to independently perform the duties of the flight data, edit, broadcast and, where required, the weather observer positions by utilizing the skills mastered at the GS-9 level.

Under the direction of the facility training department, the GS-11 specialist receives further intensive classroom and on-the-job training leading to the independent performance of the more complex, difficult, and demanding duties inherent in the preflight, notice to airmen and emergency service positions. The GS-11 specialist's performance of the various phases of the developmental program is evaluated for progress to the full performance level.

The specialist may be required to perform the following typical assignments:

• Edit, format, and transmit IFR and VFR flight plans and related air traffic messages.
• Initiate search and rescue actions for missing or overdue aircraft.
• Receive and disseminate administrative and other air safety related messages to appropriate offices and positions.
• Continuously observe, evaluate, record, and disseminate local weather conditions in terms of ceiling, cloud types, visibility, obstructions, temperature, dewpoint, wind and atmospheric pressure.
• Monitor, edit, formulate broadcast weather material and make scheduled and unscheduled weather broadcasts and recordings.
• Develop and improve knowledge of meteorology, including the causes, effects and dynamics of weather systems and their impact on aviation.
• Develop the ability to interpret and formulate a variety of weather data into information useful to the pilot.
• Develop the ability to determine pilot capabilities and apply this information in tailoring individual briefings.
• Develop the knowledge and skill required to evaluate, disseminate and monitor the currency of notices to airmen for hundreds of navigational aids, airports, obstructions and special activities that have a direct impact on the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.
• Develop effective communication skills to ensure the accurate and concise exchange of information in a variety of situations.

Develop the skills and ability to recognize and instantaneously react to declared aircraft emergencies or situations that could endanger life or property. The specialist must also develop the unique skills and abilities to identify and comprehend other situations that could result An potential emergencies or danger to life and property and apply the most appropriate course of action.

Develop proficiency on a variety of complex micro-computers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

GS-11 specialists perform the duties of positions of operation for which certified under general supervision. The specialist must exercise sound judgment when making decisions and reaching logical conclusions. Work at this level is reviewed for accomplishment of objectives, accuracy of judgment, and compliance with policies and procedures. The specialist is responsible for seeking guidance and advice from higher grade specialists.

For those positions of operation for which certification has not been completed, the GS-I1 specialist is subject to direct supervision in the classroom and on-the-Job training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

For AFSS specialists, the knowledges, skills and abilities listed below are required.

• Thorough knowledge of aviation weather including the causes, effects and dynamics of weather systems covering an extensive area.

---Knowledge to provide pilot weather briefings. This will include a detailed knowledge of current and forecast weather in the station's assigned geographic area of responsibility. It also includes specific knowledge of the locations of weather-causing systems and weather conditions for the entire contiguous United States and other briefing areas, as appropriate, e.g., Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, etc.

---Knowledge of aviation weather hazards such as high wind, icing, thunderstorms, wind shear, turbulence, etc., and their impact on different types of aircraft.

• Ability to interpret and interpolate real-time weather data and weather hazards on both a regional and national basis.

---Ability to disseminate this information to pilots in a useful and expeditious manner. This information includes but is not limited to such items as wind aloft with the impact on time and distance, icing and its effect, thunderstorms and the best course of action for avoidance, wind shear, etc.

• Ability to determine the capabilities of a pilot to assure that the information presented is what is needed by the pilot and that the pilot is aware of conditions expected and how they will affect the flight.
   
• Detailed knowledge of the station's assigned area of responsibility which generally consists of an entire state or substantial portions of states. The knowledges include:

---Operational features of numerous airports that vary significantly in terms of their services and restrictions, e.g., runway configuration, special air traffic procedures, obstructions, length of runways, type of lighting, etc.

---Location and performance characteristics of associated air navigational facilities, and their relationship to approach, departure and enroute flight.

---Monitor and coordinate proper responses to malfunctions of navigational aids.

---National airway structures and routes that are complex and subject to change.

---Regional and national topography and other factors affecting weather.

---Air traffic control procedures pertinent to the area, e.g., preferred routes, airport traffic areas, controlled airspace, control zones, terminal control areas, arrival and departure patterns, standard instrument departure patterns, standard terminal arrival procedures, flow control procedures, airport radar service area, etc.

---Applicable airspace restrictions. This includes complex military operating areas, restricted areas, instrument and visual military training routes, altitude restrictions and controlling agencies' responsibilities.

• Detailed knowledge of the procedures related to flight handling, routing, airways and airspace structures of a vast and complex flight plan area and the relationship and coordination required between flight service and other components of the air traffic system.

---Detailed knowledge of applicable directives, rules, policies and letters of agreement.

---Knowledge of all air route traffic control centers, their boundaries and sector boundaries within the centers; approach control facilities, their boundaries and sector boundaries within the facilities; and air traffic control towers within the flight service area.

---The ability to communicate and coordinate air traffic control procedures and instructions, as required.

• General knowledge of the performance characteristics of a wide variety of aircraft, including single engine, multi-engine, turboprop, corporate Jet, and occasionally wide-body Jets.

---Knowledge of the impact of both regional and national weather and weather hazards on the safe operation of all these aircraft.

• For International Flight Service Stations and those which provide both domestic and international services, a comprehensive knowledge of International Civil Aviation Organization rules and procedures.
   
• Skill in communicating effectively and ability to coordinate with pilots of all experience levels, other AFSS specialists, center and terminal air traffic control specialists, military personnel, state and local officials and other related air traffic facilities and personnel.
   
• Ability to provide emergency services to aircraft in distress, including determining the nature of the emergency and applying appropriate remedial measures.

---Knowledge of aircraft characteristics and their requirements and restrictions relative to a specific emergency.

---Ability and skill to instantly provide orientation and emergency service through an area-wide network of advanced direction-finding equipment and navigational aids.

• Knowledge of the operation of state-of-the-art computerized equipment for purposes such as weather briefing, communications, NOTAMs, etc.

---Ability and skill to utilize this equipment in a manner which will yield its full potential.

• Knowledge of special procedures and coordination requirements with the United States Customs Service and Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the drug interdiction program.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

GS-12 specialists independently perform all duties of the required positions of operation in an AFSS on a rotational basis. Certification and operational proficiency in all functional areas must be maintained and demonstrated both in actual work performance as well as in simulations and refresher training.

Assignments at this level require e high degree of competence, extensive training and experience. Intense demands are placed upon the individual's skills, abilities and judgment by such factors as: the size of the flight plan area; diverse geographic features that influence weather patterns and phenomena; hundreds of navigational aids and airports; numerous communication outlets; hundreds of facilities subject to notice to airmen procedures; thousands of aircraft of all operating characteristics; complex coordination requirements with approach controls, towers, airway facility offices and other AFSS's. The combination of these multiple factors creates a variety and scope of work of such a breadth and complexity that it requires a very disciplined use of decision-making capability and Judgment.

The GS-12 specialist's assignments demand an in-depth understanding of massive amounts of meteorological data. The specialist must update his knowledge of the atmosphere by continuously reviewing real-time weather data. Quite often the specialist encounters a series of complex briefing situations that involve transcontinental and intercontinental flights with multiple point departures and destinations. The specialist applies a thorough knowledge of meteorology, as well as topography, weather radar and satellite imagery, airway structures and air traffic control procedures throughout the National Airspace System.

Many significant duties, such as notices to airmen, demand Judgment and timely decisions concerning the status of critical components in the National Airspace System. These decisions contribute significantly to the safety of national flight operations. The specialist applies a thorough knowledge of notice to airmen procedures for all navigational aids, airports, obstructions and other components within the assigned geographic area of responsibility. This includes precise communication and coordination with numerous air traffic control centers, approach controls, air traffic control towers, airway facility offices, airport managers and airport operators.

The most stressful and demanding of all duties is handling real-time aircraft emergencies and pilot assists. Although this duty is generally performed on an irregular and unpredictable basis, proficiency and skill must be maintained and demonstrated on a regular basis through simulation and refresher training. Pilots involved in emergencies are often inexperienced, in a highly emotional state of mind and dependent upon the specialist's guidance and instruction. The specialist must exercise proper Judgment, make rapid and precise decisions, yet remain calm and objective. The specialist must operate within certain standards and in accordance with certain guidelines. Working in this real-time framework, the guidelines must, in effect, all be committed to memory. There is no chance for the specialist to refer to them for assistance during an emergency situation. Similarly, there is no opportunity for prolonged reflection or for studied consideration before issuing appropriate, clear and precise instructions to the pilot. In extreme emergencies involving pilot and aircraft in distress, the specialist must make decisions immediately, which once made, are almost always irrevocable. The scope of knowledges, skills, and abilities required to discharge this critical function includes such complicating environmental and operational factors as: size of the flight plan area; diverse geographical and meteorological conditions; operating speed and capability of the aircraft; airports and navigational aids; coordination requirements; and, most important of all, determining the pilot's capabilities.

Typical Job assignments include the following:

• Brief pilots on weather conditions occurring or expected to occur along their intended route of flight and at the destination airport. Advise of the existence or development of potentially hazardous meteorological conditions, suggest alternative routings and, when appropriate, recommend that flights not be attempted. Advise pilots of airport conditions, operational status of navigational aids, and of activity in special-use airspace such as restricted or military operating areas along the planned route of flight.
   
• Assist pilots in planning the route of flight, in making flight computations, filing flight plans, and obtaining the proper clearances to fly in controlled airspace.
   
• Develop, disseminate and monitor currency of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM's).
   
• Provide current and forecast weather data and flight planning information to enroute aircraft. Request and disseminate pilot reports of significant weather conditions which may affect the safe operation of aircraft in their areas of responsibility. Monitor the progress of flights over mountain, water and swamp areas. Provide airport information services to landing and departing aircraft at non-towered airports, or where the tower is open less than twenty-four hours. This information service includes furnishing arriving and departing aircraft with runway and weather conditions, runway(s) in use, and location of known traffic, and alerting fire, rescue and other emergency equipment in the event of actual or potential emergencies.
   
• Provide assistance to pilots who are lost or are in an emergency situation through the use of navigational aids, reference to topographical features or radio direction-finding equipment, pilots are re-oriented or directed to a landing area. Initiate search and rescue operations to locate aircraft operating under visual flight rules which fail to report their arrival within prescribed time limits.
   
• For aircraft operating along overseas and international routes, specialists provide information relative to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules and procedures to be observed, and flight planning data pertinent to the destination country. Because these flights are made over water and sparsely populated areas, pilot briefings must cover appropriate actions in hazardous situations and also cover pertinent rules and restrictions to minimize the chance of violation of international air traffic regulations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The GS-12 specialist is considered an expert in the field of flight service.

The GS-12 level is differentiated from the GS-11 level by the significantly higher degree of technical complexity in work assignments and greater independence in performing the duties of the required positions of operation. Administrative direction is limited to procedural and policy changes.

The high degree of proficiency achieved at the full performance level considerably reduces the need for close administrative controls and direction. The individual makes independent decisions and Judgments based upon his expertise and experience.

The GS-12 specialist is regularly required to independently formulate logical conclusions and implement decisions that bear directly on the safety of life and property. In contrast, the GS-11 specialist is developing the expertise required, and must rely upon direction and advice from higher level specialists or supervisors in difficult situations.

The GS-12 level of responsibility is characterized by a degree of proficiency which reflects full mastery of all the knowledges, skills, and abilities presently required in an Automated Flight Service Station.

U.S. Government printing Office : 1989 - 717-000/03852