Air Traffic Control Specialist (Barrier Analysis Review Specialist)

Air Traffic Control Specialist

The Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) performs complex, specialized air traffic control assignments, such as identifying and evaluating air traffic occurrences, encounters, and incidents, to assess compliance with operational procedures, assess latent risk, and to categorize them according to safety issue. Applies knowledge of the Barrier Analysis Review (BAR) process, to serve as a part of the BAR Team, and perform analysis, evaluations, and compilation of safety data to be utilized by the team and air traffic facilities. This work is critical to assisting in the identification of safety issues within the National Airspace System (NAS) and contributes to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Culture and Risk Based Safety Management (RBSM) efforts.

The ATCS applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of air traffic control procedures and operations and of staff programs, such as procedures and quality assurance, to carry out regional or national programs. Uses barrier analysis to determine the root cause of an occurrence, incident, or encounter, identifies the role missing or inadequate barriers may have played. Compiles data and works with management in creating more effective strategies to eliminate barriers and improve air traffic safety and operations. Participates in the development of new safety measures or procedures.

The ATCS uses experience separating and controlling air traffic in a terminal or en route air traffic facility to evaluate and investigate different incidents and interactions in air traffic, and collects and organizes data using standardized terms and identifying safety measures. Analyzes data to identify trends, patterns, and areas of concern, and develop recommendations based on the analysis to improve safety and operations. Identifies latent risk and compliance related issues within facilities. Uses analytical data to support the development of BAR reports, which aid in facilitating outcome discussions with facility personnel. Participates in on-site assessments to review data-driven indicators and ensure compliance with established standards.

As an authority on air traffic and airspace procedures and operations, to evaluates the effectiveness of safety measures and identifies factors that can aggravate or worsen situations. Aggregates data to detect hidden risks, which are then mitigated through corrective actions. Utilizes software tools and programs such as Aviation Risk Identification and Assessment (ARIA), Comprehensive Electronic Data Analysis and Reporting (CEDAR), and FALCON to determine barrier effectiveness and identify and note factors that make situations better or worse. Inputs data into various BAR support tools, and updates and maintains the database with new incident reports and data. Uses skills with programs like Microsoft Office Suite and Tableau to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and data visualizations.

Contacts are internal and external to AJI and the FAA. The ATCS often represents AJI as a senior point of contact on projects and programs related to Barrier Analysis. Collaborates with facilities, departments or agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to safety.

Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for completing work objectives, but allow considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Draws on experience and knowledge to solve unusual problems.

Most work is performed independently, though work is subject to review by program officials and representatives of external entities for quality of results and compatibility with regional and national goals, conformance with established policies, and consonance with program objectives.