Wednesday, February 20, 2013

17 Jan 13 - Annual Leave

Question: Can employees take annual leave in 15 min increments?

Answer: Yes, employees can take annual leave in 15 minute increments based on the bargaining agreement. 

17 Jan 13 - Traffic Stops

Question: Why does DES ask for your SSN during a routine traffic stop?

Answer: The use of SSNs on CBVs is contained in federal law.  The back envelope flap on the CBV reads: Privacy Act Disclosure Statement Furnishing your social security number (SSN) on this notice is mandatory under the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 31 U.S.C. § 7701(c). Your SSN may be used to facilitate collection of forfeited collateral or any adjudicated fines and penalties, and may be disclosed to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service for this purpose. Your SSN may also be disclosed to other federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies in connection with other possible violations of law.

17 Jan 13 - Additional accessto tower on HAAF

Question: What can be done to provide additional access to the tower?

Answer: There is a draft project to connect the tower to perimeter road just south of the Belmont Cemetery.  The project is estimated to be over $1M.  This will be an MCA project.  We are working to move this forward as a formal project and compete for prioritization with a focus on the out years as part of FS/HAAF 2020- 2030.

17 Jan 13 - Increase safety for runners on HAAF

Question: What can be done to increase safety in reference to runners on at the Intersection of Stephen Douglas and Lightning Road?

Answer: The cross walk markings were verified.  A flashing cross walk sign was installed for traffic accessing Lighting Road from Stephenson for better SA for both runners and drivers.

17 Jan 13 - ATC Specialists

Question: Are other installations doing this?

Answer: Not aware of any major installation which uses Base Ops air traffic assistants (GS-2154)to perform AIC functions. IMCOM AICs are all staffed with properly qualified GS-2152 ATC Specialists.

17 Jan 13 - FAA Rules & Practices

Comment: FAA Rules and Practices

Answer: All FAA rules (and DA regs) are being followed for qualification, certification, and proficiency of assigned GS-2152 ATC Specialists. The FAA does not allow GS-2154 Air Traffic Assistants to perform ATC functions. They assist qualified air traffic controllers who work the aircraft and provide aircraft separation services. The FAA does not have AICs such as Marne Radio which provides point-to-point radar flight following and hazardous range advisories in high density Special Use Airspace (SUA.) The FAA does have Regional Flight Service Stations (FSS) that employ GS-2152 Air Traffic Control Specialists (Station) that provide, flight planning, weather information, relay of ATC Clearances, and limited flight following within the NAS.

17 Jan 13 - ATC Best Business Practice

Comment: ATC Best Business Practice

Answer: The best business practices are currently being followed by employing properly qualified, certified, and classified GS-2152 ATC Specialists (Terminal) to perform AIC and CTO functions IAW US Army and FAA directives.  The ATC positions at Wright AAF are dual-rated and perform Tower and AIC functions that are properly classified at the GS-11 level.