From The President

Wally Pike, NAATS President

Our Alaska members have an August 16 meeting with Senator Stevens and perhaps Chairman Young during the congressional recess. Our lobbyist feels that it is better to have the Alaskan constituents attend this meeting and for us to follow-up here in DC when congress returns. At this time we do not have the commitments from either Stevens or Young that is necessary for our success. We do have several congressional commitments to support our issue when it comes to the House or Senate vote. Many thanks to those of you who have contacted your Congressional representatives, please continue to do so.

Our lobbyist will meet with the Board of Directors at our meeting next week. Our strategy will be reviewed and any necessary revisions will be decided at that time.

No change in the status of pay negotiations. No further meetings are scheduled or contemplated. The pay issue remains at a negotiations impasse.

Some questions have been raised concerning the Aviation Labor Coalition (ALC). As you may recall, the genesis for this group was during FAA Personnel Reform in 1995. Then, NATCA President Mike McNally had the vision of all the FAA unions cooperating in ensuring that the FAA removal from most of Title V did not adversely affect the various bargaining units. Chapter 71 was of particular concern since it contained the labor management right of collective bargaining.

NAATS, NATCA, PAACE, PASS and AFGE successfully presented a united front and forced the FAA to reinstate Chapter 71. The unions have continued in loose cooperation with each other. There is now an interest among some unions in signing a charter to formalize this cooperation. It should be emphasized that this charter in no way constitutes an affiliation or merger with any other union. We've been assured that any FAA union may join or withdraw from this coalition at any time. We've also been told that the coalition is not an attempt to advantage any one union over others. There are obviously advantages in cooperating to achieve mutual goals. However, we have no interest in turf battles between unions. I've talked with other unions and its clear there's a potential for controversy. NAATS has not signed the charter. This entire matter will be discussed at the Board meeting next week. 

Wally

The body of the Aviation Labor Coalition Charter (ALC) is article included in this issue.

Liaison Updates

Kate Breen, NAATS ATX Liaison

First let me thank those FacReps that took the time to fill out the survey I attached to one of Wally's updates. I'm compiling the data now and will share the results with the Board of Directors at their meeting here in Washington on Aug. 13th. A preliminary look at the surveys show some staggering numbers of people who are planning to retire. On other staffing issues, the draft of the latest staffing standards are out and I'm currently going over those to see if there are any glaring mistakes. As of June '01 we had 2313 bargaining unit members 275 sups 342 other than controller workforce for a grand total in this option of 2930.

As you should all know by now, the letter has been signed and distributed to stop the dual traffic count associated with reclassification. NAATS is working to get a group together to look at the way we count traffic, we are not counting all the traffic we handle at this point and that needs to change. One of the main players to put together this group has been on vacation, but is back on Monday so hopefully I can get this rolling ASAP. Please remember to log everything we get a count for!

The push is still on to get a second class out at the Academy, when I first got here it was that they (Management) didn't have the funds for the extra class, now they've (Management) changed their tune to say "we can find the funds to run the additional classes, but we don't have funds to hire new people." As soon as I get some more information, I'll pass it along. Management wants to put together another workgroup to take a look at this problem also.

On personnel issues, there has been a change to Title 5 USC, 6323 having to do with military leave, I just found out about it yesterday. I will find out more about it and have it for the Board on the 13th to pass along to those concerned. From what I've heard it's a positive change!

Finally, some changes here in the Liaison positions Steve Glowacki is now the Tech Rep on the Voice Switch project and was replaced in ARS by Pedro Munoz-Morrillo out of GNV. Scott Mallon is in from MCN to replace Donna Holmes in ATP and Eastern Regional Director Ron Maisel will be replacing me here in ATX at the end of Sept. Personally, I would like to thank Donna and Steve for the help and insight they have given me, it has been invaluable and I look forward to working with Pedro, Scott, and Ron. As always, if you have any questions please call 202-267-8028.

NAATS National

Membership Meeting

October 17-18, 2001

at the

Luxor Hotel & Casino

Las Vegas, NV  

NAATS Room Rate: $79.00/night
Reservations Phone: (800) 288-1000
Deadline for NAATS Rate: September 14, 2001

OASIS UPDATE

Jeff Barnes, OASIS Representative & the OASIS Human Factors Team

07/25/01 - Last week various people involved in the OASIS program at headquarters took a short trip to AND AFSS in Anderson, SC to introduce themselves and to give the facility an idea what is in store for them as the Keysite. I was one of those people. Everyone from headquarters was very impressed with the reception they got there, and with the enthusiasm that AND is bringing to the table. I can't think of too many facilities where the ATM is willing to tell a Program from Headquarters that either the facility management or facility NAATS representative to OASIS are fully empowered to make decisions for the facility regarding OASIS without consultation with the ATM. I can't emphasize the "or" bit enough. The AND NAATS Rep for OASIS is Tom Brister and when necessary he can make decisions for the facility on OASIS that are binding for both NAATS and management.

Anyone who had any doubts about how right the Human Factors Team was in selecting AND as the Keysite had to come away from that meeting completely comfortable with the selection. The facility is going all out to make sure that the controllers are ready for OASIS when it arrives. A key issue they are addressing is familiarity with the Windows operating system. The controllers there have been offered commercial Windows training at no expense to them and the Manager and FacRep have committed to doing everything they can to ease the transition from Model One to OASIS. As part of this effort AND is already publishing a facility OASIS newsletter to make sure their controllers are completely in the loop on what is happening there. I hope that Tom Brister will be able to write for the NAATS newsletter on AND's experiences with OASIS as Alice Haines has on the SEA experiences.

One of the briefings was from Lisa Bee, who is the manager of the OASIS Independent Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) Team. She described the process that IOT&E follows. I am not going to describe that process here. Dave Hoover is the NAATS Representative to the OASIS IOT&E Team (several other members of the Team are also from the bargaining unit). I expect he will write a more thorough description of the Team responsibilities, but the short version is that they come in once the system has gone fully operational in AND (They did an Early Operational Assessment at SEA after they went operational on the prototype) and evaluate not so much how well the system does its job, but how well the system lets the controllers do theirs. This Team is fully independent and reports directly to ATS-1, so they don't answer to any mid-level management. They deal directly with the top. The IOT&E Team are another oversight that was never there for us in the past (In addition to the oversight part of my job and the Human Factors Team). A lot of eyes are watching this VERY carefully.

If there is one thing that will make your switch to OASIS easier when it comes to your facility it is comfort working with windows. A basic knowledge of how the system works and comfort with manipulating windows is the single biggest factor in a smooth transition. Going from our current system which is based on a command line to a Windows Graphical User Interface demands a big change in how you manage your position. The OASIS system is going to be all about position management like never before. Your success and enjoyment working with OASIS is going to depend heavily on good position management techniques. We are very fortunate that SEA has had the system as long as it has. They have developed techniques that make OASIS begin to live up to its potential. They will pass their experience on to the rest of us as I'm sure AND will also in their turn. 

Voting Deadline: September 10, 2001

BALLOT CORRECTION

The ballot you received recently for the National Election was sent out with an incorrect date for when it was to be returned.

Article 7, section 5(b) states "The balloting materials shall inform members that their ballots must be received at the P.O. Box appearing on the outer, return envelope, no later than September 10th (or first business day thereafter) to be counted."

Your ballot must be received no later than Monday, September 10, 2001.

We are sorry for this error in the ballot printing. 

Fraternally,
Election Committee

32 Candidates vie for National and Regional Posts

Elinormarie L. Morrissy, Editor [email protected]

Ballot packages for the election of national and regional officers have been mailed and by the time you read this, every NAATS member in good standing should have received theirs. If you have not gotten your election material, contact Gretna at NAATS Headquarters immediately. Don't miss out on your right to vote for the people who will be representing your interests for the next three years!

Wally Pike is the only candidate for NAATS President. It appears that no one felt they could do a better job for our Union than Wally has for the past 3 years. 

The Regional Director posts originally attracted 17 candidates. But one, Chuck Kuennen, dropped out. There are 16 candidates are running for Regional Coordinator positions.

The following is a Region by Region list of the candidates for RegDir and RegCo. The names appear in the same order as on the Official Ballot.

Director	Coordinator
ALASKA Alan Baker Guylan Roberts	Marc Lackman
CENTRAL Nancy Batye  Mike Terry	Jerry Van Vacter
EASTERN Donna Holmes  Pat Less	Ron Consalvo William Hawkinberry Curtis Lasley
GREAT LAKES Jack O'Connell	Alvin Robinson
NEW ENGLAND Kate Breen  Kurt Cominsky Dan Holodick	Tom Halligan
NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN Don McLennan	Darrell Mounts
SOUTHERN Craig Campbell  Dave Hoover	Richard Anderson Tom Forte
SOUTHWEST Ron Dawson  Mark Jaffe	Dana Colquitt Kirk Leander
WESTERN PACIFIC** Mike Stafford	Denise Ashley Robert Erlick Robert Stanco

** Please note that Chuck Kuennen from RIU withdrew his candidacy for Western Pacific Regional Director after the ballots were printed. Please note that Mike Stafford from SAN is now running unopposed.

To All Employees Represented by NAATS, Whether Dues Paying Members or not

The US House of Representatives and the Senate will be in recess from August 4th Sept. 4th. Members of both chambers will be returning to their congressional districts during this time. We strongly encourage you to use this opportunity to personally contact them regarding our pay disparity issue. It is important you speak with the member directly either in a personal meeting or at an event.

Our message is simple:

• FSS Controllers are safety critical.

• We are being compensated at a significantly lower rate than other, same series classification, controllers.

• Negotiations with the FAA have dragged on since August of 1997. Four years and repeated FMCS mediations have been unsuccessful.

• The FAA and NAATS are at impasse; the next step in the process requires congressional action.

• As each day passes without resolution, we lose money over $6 million collectively since the negotiations began.

• Lack of a resolution on pay has led to morale and attrition problem.

• Contact FAA Administrator Garvey to bring this issue to a fare expeditious resolution.

Please report any feedback to NAATS Headquarters immediately.

Letter writing tips:

• Say who we are.

• Explain what we want.

• Outline action items for the elected official (what we need them to do).

• Say thank you.

ATPAC Report

Andrea Chay, SEA AFSS  [email protected] 206-764-6606 (wk.)

ATPAC 104 began on July 9th, 2001, with a tour of SFO tower. Their representative explained how SFO plans to build another runway by filling in part of the bay and putting in a runway where now there is nothing but water! Talk about a lot of fill dirt! After touring the tower, we reconvened at NASA Ames at Moffett Field to tour the NASA Future Flight Central facility, which is a 360 degree air traffic control facility simulator. Here controllers can run problems and train with visual presentations, which are really tough to distinguish from reality. Pseudo pilots run the aircraft and ground vehicles by computers from another area of the building. This simulator has the potential for being used by airport planners to see how airport operations would function after putting in a new runway, new buildings on the surface or having to close part of the airport. Impact to operations can be studied prior to the pouring of any concrete. SFO airport, LAX and DFW have already made use of the facility, and NASA hopes to expand usage. It is jointly funded by NASA and the FAA. They are working with air traffic controllers to minimize runway incursions, and generally enhance safety. Even different weather scenarios such as fog or thunderstorms can be simulated. For more information, you can check out their website at http://ffc.arc.nasa.gov.

The issues that concern us this ATPAC meeting include the NOTAM distribution system, PIREP collection and dissemination, and similar sounding call signs. We received a briefing paper from ATP 300 regarding plans for the updating of the NOTAM system. The software is being recoded to a common ORACLE database. The NOTAM system supposedly implemented new web access capability as of 7/1/01, but I have not heard anything about it. George Jackowski, FSS SUPCOM lead said it is there, but is not being used yet, there is no web address as of yet. Because of a few high visibility problems with the FDC NOTAMs and Presidential TFRs, nine areas have been identified for changes. These include shifting notification of all NOTAMS including FDC NOTAMs to the AFSS/FSS, thus taking the centers out of the notification loop on FDC NOTAMs. Also planned is eliminating the NOTAM classification system, which is something many of us supported for a long time, i.e. a NOTAM is a NOTAM, so no more local NOTAMs, and establishing ICAO formatting for uniformity world wide. Plus, there are plans to connect every air traffic facility to the NOTAM system. Of course, a lot of this will take time, and will be very dependent on funds available. So, we can expect changes in time, and I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

The other issue we in Flight Service are concerned with involves entry and dissemination of PIREPs. The General Aviation JSIT report emphasizes the importance of PIREPs to aviation safety, and are a help to NWS forecasters to verify the quality of their forecasts and to make changes as needed. FAA is working on having one key PIREP entry for controllers. Also they are looking at aircraft position displays for FSS in relation to weather phenomena, special use airspace (SUA), and lost aircraft orientation. By now each facility should have a demo disc of the FTW AFSS ISE-SUA program. I know the controllers at FTW have been using it at IF and FW, and really like it, plus CXO has started using it too. In addition, recurrent training will be given to all three controller options on the PIREP system. The aviation industry will publish article in their trade magazines on these improvements and general aviation PIREP submission and retrieval. Also, a web-based program has been created to encourage pilots to file PIREPs.

Finally, one other AOC about similar sounding call signs; FAA does have procedures in effect to notify companies when similar sounding call sign flights are scheduled within 30 minutes, but apparently industry response to the telephone calls made by individual facilities is somewhat lacking. FAA will look into modifying the host computer to signify a problem to the radar controller. We all need to be extra vigilant.

One more note, while on a recent FAM trip, I asked the crew if they ever called Flight Watch as we approached some scattered thunderstorms. Sadly, the response was no, the weather information available through their company and onboard systems seemed to negate the need to call us. The Captain also felt that systems available to them were probably better than what we have access to. I explained to the crew about our new OASIS system coming on line, but until we can be involved more directly, perhaps through data link, this airline crew, (United), didn't seem to feel much need for Flight Service. We must continue to make our customers aware of our services, and keep impressing on FAA to provide us the technology to stay competitive with private vender technology.

That's it for now. If you have any issues, or thoughts about the things we do, let me know. I'd be especially interested in ideas on how to improve or change some of our procedures that you might think are really lame, or counterproductive. If it isn't appropriate for ATPAC, I may be able to get the issue to the correct department to be looked at.

Upcoming Events

September 18-20
NBAA Convention
New Orleans, LA

October 15-16
NAATS Board Meeting
Las Vegas, NV

October 17-18
NAATS National
Membership Meeting
Las Vegas, NV

November 8-10
AOPA Convention
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Workforce Problems Termed "Severe"

FEDweek.com, June 12, 2001

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has released the latest in a series of reports terming the federal personnel system one of the major problems facing the government today, criticizing among other things the Clinton administration's downsizing program and saying that the performance appraisal system must do more to reward good performers and deal with poor performers.

While the report was prepared when the committee was still in Republican control, the issues and solutions it raises in general do not have a partisan flavor, and therefore the committee is likely to continue pursuing the issues even with Democrats now in charge. The report, for example, echoes many of the findings of a recent General Accounting Office report stating that the government has a crisis in "human capital" of similar seriousness to many of the other management problems the government faces. The Senate panel report deems the government to be "on the brink," naming personnel problems as one of the four major challenges ahead, along with financial management, information technology and overlap and duplication of agency work.

Said the report, "Work force problems are one of the largest contributors to fraud, waste and mismanagement in the federal government. The GAO and the agencies' own inspectors general have cited staff weaknesses as a top management problem at almost all of the major federal agencies."

Following are some excerpts from the report.

Downsizing's Results

"The Clinton administration's downsizing treated employee cuts strictly as a numbers game, designed to get down to arbitrary staff levels that largely ignored agency work force needs...  most of the reductions of the 1990s were defense-related and were attributable to the end of the Cold War... a substantial but unknown number of former federal jobs migrated to a 'shadow' federal work force made up of private sector employees as well as state and local government employees who carry out federal mandates.

"There is no evidence that the 1990s downsizing made the government more efficient or effective. Indeed, it clearly had the opposite effect. The cuts did not take into account the skills or performance of employees, or the importance of the jobs they did.

"The primary method of downsizing was to offer across-the-board cash buyouts in order to pay older employees to leave. Many were offered early retirement at age 50. This took away some of the government's best talent. The evidence suggests that the non-strategic way in which downsizing was accomplished actually detracted from the capacity of agencies to carry out essential functions and made them more vulnerable to fraud, waste and mismanagement.

"The federal government intended to compensate for employee staff reductions by making more efficient use of technology. This approach worked for many private-sector businesses, but it didn't work for the federal government. It failed because the government shot itself in the foot by getting rid of the very people it needed to improve its use of technology.

"The 1990s downsizing also made the federal work force more top-heavy and less efficient since most cuts occurred at the lowest staff levels. In addition to letting more experienced workers retire, the government also eliminated jobs that were the easiest to cut, meaning those with the highest turnover rates and the lowest political profile. Supposed reductions in middle management levels often amounted to nothing more than changing titles."

Civil Service Problems

"One of the problems with the composition of the federal work force, the civil service system is itself broken. The complex and outmoded federal civil service system takes too long to hire people. It fails to hold employees accountable for their performance. It shields poor performers and does little to encourage and reward conscientious and hard-working employees.

"Too many good workers don't get enough responsibility and support, so they become demoralized and leave. Too many poor or marginal workers slide by for 20 of 30-year careers, and even advance, without any real accountability.

"The need for performance accountability is not just an internal government concern. The actions of federal employees can have an immediate impact on the public. Unfortunately, some agencies seem to be going in the wrong direction when it comes to holding their employees accountable for their performance.

"Apart from its day-to-day problems, the basic federal civil service model-built around a cradle-to-grave career from entry level to retirement with virtually guaranteed job security-is outdated. Today's workers seek greater mobility and have different motivations, needs and wants than in the past.

"It will be hard to solve many of the challenges the federal government faces in attracting the kind of work force it needs. However, the government doesn't even do a good job with simple things it can easily control. A recent survey of newly hired federal employees found serious complaints about the recruiting and hiring process. Many new hires said they were not even treated with common courtesy."

Proposed Solutions

"As with many other critical problems, approaches to work force management represents a stark contrast between the private sector and the federal government. Private sector firms take a strategic approach to work force issues. They analyze which of their functions are important and systematically identify the employee skills and characteristics needed to perform those functions well. Then, they make the investments needed to hire, develop and retain employees with these skills and characteristics. By contrast, the federal government has virtually ignored its work force problems up to now. Only in the last year did the Clinton administration start paying attention to personnel problems-and then only after the Comptroller General and some members of Congress sounded the alarm bell.

"Clearly, the government is way behind the curve and has much ground to make up. The problems obviously won't be solved overnight, but we can begin with a few basics: 

1.  Identifying the right number of employees with the right skills.

2.  Getting the right employees hired.

"We need to send the signal that public service is an honorable and worthwhile calling. There was a time when salary limits and other perceived disadvantages of government service were at least partially offset by the sense that those entering public service could help their fellow citizens and make a difference. We need to restore this way of thinking. For starters, we need to stop criticizing federal employees unfairly. Federal employees themselves are not the problem. The vast majority of them work hard and serve the taxpayers as well as they can, given the conditions in which they operate.

"Once agencies get good people on board, they must keep them motivated and productive. They must have meaningful work and enough freedom and responsibility to get it done. We can reduce management hierarchies and improve methods of doing business in ways that will encourage innovation and initiative. Of course, restructuring management levels must be done in a thoughtful and strategic way to ensure that it enhances the ability of agencies to perform their missions.

"Employees must be held accountable for their performance, and they must be evaluated and rewarded in a meaningful, performance-based way. Today's performance appraisal and pay systems don't do nearly enough either to reward good performers or to deal with poor performers."

Oshkosh 2001: How We Spent Our Summer Vacation

Elinormarie L. Morrissy, Editor  

"Free ice water! Free snow cones!" rang out, calling passers by into the NAATS tent in the AirVenture 2001 Fly Market at Oshkosh. Refreshing flavors like cherry, tangerine-pineapple, raspberry, and Oshkosh Sunrise welcomed the hot and the weary to as they stopped in to cool off and chat.

Once inside, our guests were encouraged to step over to our informational table to learn what they could do to help keep Flight Service operating for them. NAATS was ably represented by members from all over the U.S. The last picture on the picture page shows the crew that gave up part of their summer vacations to help NAATS get the word out about Flight Service. Chief Negotiator Bill Dolan also dropped in to help with set up and take down.

Nearly 800 informational packets explaining NAATS' positions on staffing, equipment and pay were given out to the pilots with the request they contact their Representatives and Senators and pass the information on to them. Our message was received very positively and many pilots said they'd make copies for their flying clubs. I was personally pleased to hear people from all parts of the aviation community express their appreciation for the work Flight Service does.

There were also plenty of opportunities to encourage pilots to utilize the OSH Flight Service housed in the FAA building. That facility was staffed by controllers from each of the AFSS's in Great Lakes Region and, as a result of a exchange agreement between Great Lakes and Southern Regions, Miami AFSS's Controller of the Year.

It also offered each of us opportunities to speak with members of other governmental agencies and FAA bargaining units. Several folks from PASS dropped by and a number of NATCA controllers there to work OSH Tower dropped in to visit and see what was going on at our tent. Apparently their display tent was not as well-visited.

There were acres to airplanes and displays in tents and in the hangars to look at and explore. The best part for Scott and me was the chance to meet and talk to others in aviation not just from all over country, but from around the world. Most days we rose early to get close-in parking and those who did the physical labor of set up and break down of the tent and displays worked up a healthy sweat. But I'm sure everyone from NAATS who attended would agree that the experience was more than worth it. I encourage other NAATS members to consider serving on this and other PRT projects.

For those interested in participating with the Public Relations Team, contact John Dibble at Denver AFSS (303) 799-7003 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Photos By Scott T. Morrissy

Oshkosh AirVenture Picture Page

Aviation Labor Coalition Charter

July 19, 2001

I. Preamble

In a proactive effort to guarantee fundamental rights (to form, join, or assist, to bargain collectively, etc.) to FAA employees and to protect those rights for all federal employees, the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), the Professional Airways System Specialists (PASS), the Professional Association of Aeronautical Center Employees (PAACE), the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) join together to address issues and projects which are of mutual concern to the labor community. The 21st Century poses unique questions and solutions for organized labor. The need for coordinated and collaborative efforts on the part of all labor organizations is paramount to the success of the labor movement.

II. Purpose

The purpose of the Aviation Labor Coalition (ALC) is to:

1. provide a forum for information sharing among its member unions;

2. identify, engage, and manage critical issues of mutual concern;

3. collectively seek avenues to ensure the FAA's accountability to the public trust; and 

4. present a united Union front.

We support:

• promotion of a united labor relationship 

• mission accomplishment 

• fair and equitable treatment for all our employees 

• increased job satisfaction 

• improved quality of work life and work environment 

• increased benefits and compensation 

• employee empowerment 

• increased involvement of employees through their representatives in decision-making affecting conditions of employment 

III. Goals:

The Coalition shall strive to provide leadership to accomplish the following goals:

1. Maintain and strengthen union relationships and work effectively at all levels. 

2. Promote and enhance union membership and benefits. 

3. Prepare all employees to meet the challenges and expectations of the future. 

4. Improve and expand Union training. 

IV. Approach/Objectives

The Coalition shall strive to promote the interests of bargaining unit members represented by member organizations. This shall be accomplished through cooperative and collaborative efforts to address and resolve issues that affect ALC organizational member. The ALC's primary focus will be to improve working conditions of bargaining unit members.

V. Membership

Others may be included in Coalition meetings as ad hoc participants by mutual consent of the members to provide advice and assistance or to serve on ad hoc committees.

American Federation of Government Employees 
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees 
Laborers International Union of North America 
National Association of Government Employees 
National Association of Air Traffic Specialists 
Professional Airways System Specialists 
National Federation of Federal Employees
Professional Association of Aeronautical Center Employees

To view the Operating Norms for the ALC, go to our website at www.naats.org.

FAA Union Chief Admits Robbing Banks

Long Beach Press Telegram, Aug. 11, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO - The president of the air traffic controllers' union at San Francisco airport admitted in an affidavit Friday that he was the so-called, "Robust Robber" suspected of robbing up to nine banks, his lawyer said.

"He's blown it," attorney Randy Pollock said, "He's lost his job. He's lost his career."

Rick Davis, 43, who earned about $120,000 a year, allegedly told detectives he robbed banks to fly his children to and from Hawaii to visit him and to pay child support.

He was charged with bank robbery on Tuesday after his arrest in Concord on Aug. 3. Authorities said an off-duty police officer noticed Davis handing a note to a teller at a Bank of America branch. The robber left the bank with $3,199, but was arrested shortly afterward.

The nickname "Robust Robber" came from the thief's stocky build. Davis is heavyset and 5-foot-7.

Davis has been an employee of the Federal Aviation Administration since 1986. He worked in Hawaii before moving to San Francisco, where he represents the tower's 50 FAA employees with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Flight Service Moves Up

Andrea Chay, ATPAC Rep.

Hey everyone, in the latest issue of Professional Pilot Magazine, Flight Service moved up from 7th to 3rd place in rating for the best weather service. We were only beat out by WSI and Universal WX. Not bad, let's keep on going!

Pro Pilot's 2001 PRASE Survey - July 2001 issue:

1. WSI

2. Universal Wx and Aviation

3. Flight Service Stations

4. DynCorp DUATs

5. Jeppesen

6. DTN Weather

7. DTC DUATs

8. Air Routing

9. NWS/NOAA

10. Global Data Center

Base Ops International didn't even make the list. Let everyone know the quality we provide, and why we deserve our raises!

Notes From the Webmaster

John Dibble, Webmaster & PRT Chair

1. The NAATS WebPage has moved to a new server. There will be a few additions in the near future. We will be setting up new addresses for each of the FacReps so you can email a Facility FacRep even if you don't know their email address. It will be something like [email protected] (Don't try it yet!) The Directors are already set up. There is a group address for them - [email protected] and the president is [email protected]. 

2. The membership can be proud of the members who attended Oshkosh AirVenture 2001 and the effort they put forth. We were very well received, and stayed VERY busy. 

Darrell Mounts, founder and sole member of "Friends of Flight Service" asked Jane Garvey a few pointed questions about when the Agency was going to start supporting the Flight Service option. Her response was "Well, that's a good question," and proceeded to not answer! Surprise, surprise! Now, a word of advice - I know we are supposed to follow the example of our leadership, but, when a pilot asks you what the weather is like between Two Dot, MT and Sun Valley, ID, do NOT simply reply, "That's a good question!" 

I received this email from one of the many pilots who visited our booth: "Met your members at AirVenture 2001. Thanks for all your help." 

Editor's Note: 

July's edition included an article entitled, "Ask the Candidates." After discussion with Ward, I learned that the deadline would fall before the middle of September to allow the vote count to be completed in order to introduce the new Board of Directors at the National Convention beginning October 17th. This would not allow enough time for questions to send to the candidates, get their replies, post them in the newsletter, and it to everyone to read before September 10th. 

Eli

Regional Supplements

ALASKA REGION

Dan Hart, Alaska RegDir

For those of you who missed the sad news, we have lost one of our own. Walter Dotomain passed away. Walter was a controller at the Kenai AFSS, and a long-time NAATS member. I am sure that you will join me in passing our most sincere regrets to his family, friends, and co-workers. Cards may be sent to ENA AFSS and they will forward them to the family.

This brings up a subject that we all need to think about occasionally, and that is who is listed as our beneficiary. As time goes by, our life situations change, and perhaps our beneficiary designation needs to be changed also. To change your beneficiary with the NAATS insurance, send in one of the cards. Your FacRep should have some, and if not, let me know and I'll get you one. If you just want to check on your current designation, call NAATS headquarters and talk to Gretna (301-933-6228).

For those of you on-line and members of the NAATS/Yahoo group, I want to let you know that there is a chat-room built into the group page. If anyone would like to arrange a meeting in the room, please feel free. If you want to arrange to have me available to answer your questions, etc., please let me know, and I will try to arrange a time. The chat room function would also be a great way to ask questions of the NAATS candidates for office. The function is there; please feel free to use it.

I have sent a request to the Regional Office to change the classification of the remaining FSS's to be the same as the current AFSS classification. All but the most minor differences are gone, consolidation is no longer an issue, we all use computers, and it is past time to do away with the disparate treatment. Even if we are successful with the congressional effort on pay, we need to take care of the classification problem, so that our members at the FSS's have the same opportunities as everyone else. The region is sympathetic to our situation and will study the issue. View the request at: http://www.kpunet.net/~drhart/graphics/rorq.pdf.

We are trying to schedule the PRIB 21 grievance arbitration. Hopefully, we will be able to schedule other arbitrations also, so that we can clean up some of these outstanding issues. For those of you not familiar with the PRIB 21 grievance, the FAA has since 1996 in PRIB 21 stated that FPL's at level 2 FSS's were 11's. Unfortunately, the level 1 facilities are not similarly addressed in the PRIB. The PRIB is still current today, and the FAA has been aware of the issue since the beginning. Needless to say, the people involved believe that when the FAA publishes a document and keeps it for five years, they should abide by it.

We are planning a quarterly (a rare event) in September. If you have any issues you want/need addressed, please get them in to Guylan or me when you can (ASAP). Right now, the plan is to have another quarterly meeting next quarter; we will see what works out!

Those funds going to the NAATS PAC are very important. If you can afford to give even a little, you will be helping all of us. Even non-members can give, after all, if we get a raise, so will they! If you don't have a form, let me know and I'll get you some. They are also available from the web site: www.naaatsak.com.

GRIEVANCES

We just had a regional level discussion on some grievances.

N-AL-01-001 is about parking at KTN. The region is trying to get the fees involved rolled into the lease agreement with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

N-AL-01-007 was to do with the selection process for TDY assignments. We are still exchanging paperwork on this issue.

N-AL-01-010 has to do with being able to get spot leave at a FSS. The region recognizes that there is a problem with being unable to get people off for various types of leave.

And, we won one! The region informed us that the issue at KTN where people were being put on a schedule where they earned 38 hours of pay one week (approximately) in a pay period and 42 in the next to get 80 hours in that pay period was improper. We will now return to 40-hour weeks. This settles an impasse over the schedule with the ATM and several grievances that resulted. Back pay is involved. The ATM says it may take 3-4 pay periods to see the adjustments.

Solidarity!
Dan

NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN

Don McLennan, ANM RegDir.

Hi, from atop the Northwest United States. It is a shame you are not also enjoying the almost perfectly exquisite summer weather we have seen in this region in years. We have, of course hit that summer lull where it is everything you can do to keep facilities afloat. Since not having had a Quarterly Meeting since my last NAATS News article there is not as much as usual to report.

STAFFING

Within this region we conducted a telecon the other day and according to our Mangers and FacReps we are only 24 personnel short. That wouldn't be so bad but for the fact that in ANM we have no authority to hire any new personnel. But that is not the most interesting aspect of this story. When this issue comes up in discussion management's comment is, "Well, we know we really need people but until NAATS and the FAA come up with a staffing plan, we have been told there is nothing we can do." 

What is so precious is that it is MANAGEMENT that doesn't want to talk about staffing at the negotiation table. Remember, the Air Traffic Division is not allowed to utter a single word at the table. It is controlled by the individual the FAA Administrator selected to make us better than we could have otherwise been - something our customers should probably be aware of. In any event, I wanted to share with you the irony of being told we can't hire anyone until we can come up with a number, but we can't come up with a number because those same individuals don't want to talk about it. Maybe it is just me, but I don't even pretend to get it.

Here are the latest ANM numbers:

FacRep's NEW DEAL

I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our very own Darrell Mounts for his motion at the last BOD. This was his motion:

MOTION: "I move that NAATS adopt immediately, a new budget line item, of a policy to reimburse all elected Facility Representatives, or Alternate Facility Representatives (subject to Regional Director approval) for their full room rate who attend the annual, national meeting. The motion concerns only those individuals who actually are the elected Facility Representatives, or Alternate Facility Representatives (subject to Regional Director approval) and staying at the hotel NAATS contracted for, at the hotel contract rate. If, however, an elected Facility Representatives, or Alternate Facility Representatives (subject to Regional Director approval) chooses to stay elsewhere, they will be reimbursed up to a maximum of one/half of whatever the NAATS hotel contracted rate is or their actual room rate, whichever is lower. In no event will there be a reimbursement for Facility Representatives, or Alternate Facility Representatives (subject to Regional Director approval) who are staying at the city location of the meeting but who are not attending the national meeting throughout the days they may voucher for." Second, Mr. Campbell. All BOD members voted in favor of the motion, except one.

FacRep ELECTIONS

Did you know that the NAATS Constitution as of 1993 has this to say about FacReps elections?

ARTICLE 7 - Elections

Section 8. Elections of Facility Representatives.

On-site, secret ballot elections for Facility Representatives and Alternate Facility Representatives shall take place between September 1st and September 15th. They shall be conducted by Election Committees of no more than three persons chosen no later then July 20th by the facility memberships provided that no member of an Election Committee may be a candidate. These Election Committees shall ensure that the elections are fairly conducted. Nominations shall be submitted to the Election Committee by August 1st and they shall promptly determine the eligibility of each nominee. The Committee shall be responsible for giving notice to all members of the time, date, and location of the balloting and for the preparation, distribution, collection, counting, and safeguarding of ballots. Candidates shall be eligible to observe all phases of the conduct of the election.

The Constitution is available on the Web site. I know this because I queried the national office to get our new FacReps copies of the Constitution and was told there were not anymore in print. Apparently, since we recently revised it, NAATS is going ahead with printing the new ones but if anyone needs to review the current Constitution form 1993 you may go to our Web site and download it so you have a "carry-around" copy at your disposal.

7110.10 REWRITE

The 7110.10 re-write is out and available for your comments. This is the stage where the FAA formally, and in keeping with their own processes, sends it to your facility for comments. That this is even happening results of the first General Aviation Summit in the year 1999. Please have as many interested individuals in your facility scrutinize this document in order to get it as right as it can be. Mr. Ward Simpson from NAATS shared with me that the Regional Office 530 Branch Managers now have it and are supposed to be distributing to the AFSS Facility Managers. We need to keep on top of this. They won't mean to keep the information from us but if the 530's don't manage to get it to all of the facilities, or the AFSS managers don't put it in the R&I our people won't see it. So if it gets much later than late July, and you haven't seen the rewrite, you need to think of communicating that fact with me.

That is all for this issue, best wishes.

WESTERN-PACIFIC REGION

HAWTHORNE AFSS NEWS

Elinormarie L. Morrissy, HHR AFSS

Farewell Tania

Wednesday August 8th we held a going away party for Tania Caillouet, who is leaving us to take a Operational Supervisor position at San Diego AFSS. In addition to the usual cake and ice cream and keeping with long standing tradition, Tania was presented a coffee mug bearing her caricature and the operating initials of everyone at HHR. We wish her success in her new facility and job.

And the Race is On

Besides this being the season for election of national and regional officers for NAATS, FacRep elections are in full swing nationwide, also. The candidates vying for the privilege of representing HHR's bargaining unit for the next three years are Bob Baron and Scott Morrissy. The election is open to all HHR NAATS members in good standing. FacRep Ballots must be placed in the facility ballot box no later than August 19th. The winner will be announced by our current FacRep, J. Tyrone Narramore on August 20th. Good luck to both and may the best man (since they both are) win.

The new FacRep will be the one to decide on the means of choosing the new Assistant FacRep.

Thanks go to Tyrone for his hard work as Assistant FacRep to Henry Oltman, particularly through Henry's illness, and later for shouldering the representational burden when Henry passed away. It's not an easy job to start with, and Tyrone took over under particularly difficult circumstances. Even when faced by pressure on both sides, he continually showed grace under fire. His experience and advice will be assets to whomever becomes our next FacRep. 

Hawthorne AFSS, The Movie

It with a bunch of controllers with too much time on their hands passing time on a slow evening shift and it eventually grew into a sort of facility project. Several of us started speculating creating a movie about the exploits of diverse characters that inhabit our facility and which actors would be cast to play us and our co-workers. The speculation eventually spilled over into who would play the Administrative and Management roles, as well as our AF Technicians. Then, HHR Training Specialist, Kristen Miller (to be played by Kathy Bates) picked up on the idea and published various pairs of actors and HHR folk in the HHR Hot News. Now that all the pairings have been made, a poster has been hung up back by the printers for everyone to see which actor or actress has been cast to play which HHR employee. Now all we need is a screen play and a studio to front the money. Then, the movie, "Hawthorne AFSS: Briefers to the Stars!" can begin production.