The NAS was closed to all civilian and commercial air traffic almost immediately following the events. This was accomplished through the combined efforts of all Air Traffic employees. As we worked to gradually restore the system, the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists participated in formulating and communicating policy in the headquarters Situation Room on a daily basis. Flight Service personnel also faced the challenge of interpreting and relaying the changes in Notices to Airmen to the flying public. Flight Service personnel have also handled many times their usual number of phone calls and services and have been essential to NAS restoration.

The events and aftermath of that fateful September day have emphasized how interconnected and interdependent all three air traffic options are. Since that time, the complex process of restoring the NAS--safely, securely, and efficiently--has been our collective focus. This has presented the FAA with many challenges and our Air Traffic team must seek every opportunity to meet these challenges.

In this demanding and changing environment for Flight Service, I want to thank all employees for their dedication and professionalism. Your determination to provide the best possible service to all customers has been vital to our effort to reestablish general aviation and will help keep Air Traffic strong in the future.