The Air Traffic Organization has 35,000 controllers, technicians, engineers, and support personnel whose efforts keep aircraft safe, separated, and on time. The System Operations Services organization leads the agency in various operational services, including national air traffic flow management initiatives, policy and concept development for airport surface flow management programs, national flight service functions, and operational oversight of National Airspace security issues.
Duties
The Director, Flight Service, manages program objectives, strategies, and plans for flight planning, advisory services, operations, and search and rescue coordination services within the National Airspace System (NAS). The incumbent also oversees flight service performance, costs, and customer satisfaction within the NAS.
The Director oversees the delivery of services through a combination of government personnel and a contract service provider, which includes Alaska, the continental United States (CONUS), Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. The incumbent has direct line authority over four groups comprised of approximately 190 employees, 11 senior managers responsible for delivering flight services while promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of the NAS. The Director also manages a budget of approximately $191M.
Principal Responsibilities
- Oversees flight planning, weather briefings, search and rescue initiations, aeronautical information processing, inflight services, Notices to Air Missions, and safety-related activities.
- Directs the provision of air traffic policy and procedures, quality assurance, and oversight of contract and federal Flight Service operations, as well as management of in-service assets, safety, and business operations.
- Oversees the provision of meteorological and aeronautical information services to pilots and air traffic controllers across the NAS, with a focus on general aviation and business aircraft operations.
- Oversees the Flight Service Pilot Web Portal that allows pilots to receive online preflight briefings, file flight plans, and get automatic notifications and alerts, including flight plan closure reminders.
- Manages the Aviation Weather Observation Program by efficiently delivering weather information to aviation users.
- Oversees the management of an Interagency Agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service for weather briefings.
- Represents the FAA in meetings and forums as an authority and serves as a focal point to address or resolve issues pertaining to Technical Operations Services. Exercises delegated authority to make commitments on matters directly affecting the safety and efficiency of the air traffic management services.
