Air Traffic Control Specialist

Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS)

As an Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS), this position applies experience gained in a terminal or en route air traffic control facility to evaluate facility operations and individual events for risk. The ATCS combines information necessary to create safety trend data and performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments to assess compliance and potential risk in the National Airspace System (NAS). Applies comprehensive knowledge of air traffic staff programs, such as procedures, traffic management, and quality assurance to furnish national-level expertise to identify and analyze data used to identify system-wide safety events. Identifies the areas of highest potential risk, as well as effective and ineffective barriers to safety and associated mitigation strategies. This work directly contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic operations and is critical to maintaining the safety of the NAS and the flying public.

The ATCS applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations as well as FAA programs, regulations, and missions to assess compliance efforts and safety risks. Utilizes knowledge of and experience with NAS Services Performance Tools, such as the Comprehensive Electronic Data Analysis and Reporting (CEDAR) system, the FALCON replay tool, and the Aviation Risk Identification and Assessment (ARIA), to collect and analyze safety data. Identifies safety hazards and recommends actions that directly lead to corrective action through mitigation. Interprets safety management, quality control, and operational regulations and policies to evaluate current policies and procedures to recommend changes based on data analysis; and to review and analyze aviation safety data. Identifies effective and ineffective barriers to safety and associated mitigation strategies. Audits air traffic operations and analyzes safety data to identify areas of highest potential risk. The ATCS reviews FAA Search and Rescue support actions.

Contacts are internal and external to the Federal Aviation Administration. The ATCS often represents AJI as a senior point of contact for quality assurance initiatives and technical evaluations of both Federal and non-Federal facilities and equipment. Contacts include facility managers, system users, quality control groups (QCG), and other entities within the safety arena.

As an authority in quality assurance programs, the ATCS works independently, although the work is subject to review by program officials and representatives for quality of results, compatibility with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives. Defines, organizes, and allocates resources to accomplish important work activities with established schedules. Although broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives, the ATCS is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches and draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems.

Although most work is performed independently, the Team Manager reviews work typically through status reports and at completion. Work contributes directly to the accomplishment of air traffic and other FAA objectives and the efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic operations.