Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Performs air traffic control duties in the control tower. Directs movement of aircraft in flight and on the ground by utilizing pilot and controller reports, visual observation, and/or tower displays, or a combination of methods and in close coordination with other controllers. Under restrictive time and space limitations, formulates and issues ATC clearances and instructions to provide for the required separation and or sequencing of all IFR and VFR traffic within delegated airspace. Assigns arrival and departure runways to various types of aircraft and adjusts speed to accommodate multiple types and performance level of civilian and military aircraft to affect separation and expeditious traffic flow as prescribed by regulation. Provides assistance to both experienced professional and inexperienced student pilots within the airspace and ensures expeditious traffic flows are maintained. Provides mandatory additional services and assistance to aircraft to include those experiencing in-flight emergencies, hijacking and unlawful seizure, pilot disorientation, and to those aircraft otherwise experiencing distress during flight. Assist adjacent ATC facilities in locating and recovering aircraft that are disoriented and/or in distress. Participates in a host of Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and FAA mandated homeland security procedures and implements Federal and local guidance and direction for aircraft operations within terminal areas. Formulates/relays/issues air traffic clearances and instructions in facility of assignment for aircraft operating IFR and/or VFR in addition to VFR advisory information. Formulates and issue all ground movement clearances to aircraft on the ground, vehicular, and personnel operating on the movement areas and runways.
2. Executes the standardized ATC training program in accordance with guidelines established by regulations of the Department of Army (DA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Incumbent is responsible for the utilization of training materials that ensure controller-trainees are adequately trained and tested with the goal of creating a cohesive ATC team that provides multi-level ATC services to the aviation customer. Incumbent ensures all newly assigned trainees receive training in accordance with applicable regulations. Incumbent executes controller qualification, proficiency, and remedial training. Completion of training results in newly assigned personnel receiving their Control Tower Operator (CTO) certifications within prescribed time limits or elimination actions that require documentation of performance deficiencies. Assigns study assignments and administers practical exams to trainees to ensure proficiency is maintained. Conducts proficiency training on changes to FAA, DOD and DA regulations and provides guidance on implementation. Administers DA Form 3479-1, Trainee/Controller Evaluation and makes entries in accordance with TC 3-04.81; provides on-the-job training instruction and guidance to trainee controllers involved in qualification training for their FAA CTO certificate.
3. Operates, trains, and provides preventative maintenance on a host of automated communications and display hardware and software systems that are integral and vital to the operation of the air traffic control facility. Maintains communications with aircraft and adjacent facilities to transmit and receive instructions and information relative to flight. Determines when backup or alternate communications are required and places same in operation as appropriate. Investigates possible equipment outages and issues appropriate advisories to aircraft. Ensures adjacent facilities and aircraft operators are advised of additional support requirements during equipment outages. Provides training on systems to ensure controllers understand and apply correct equipment system operations.
4. Evaluates weather reports from automated (ASOS, AWADS, IDS, etc.) or other sources (i.e. Pilot Reports) and ensures weather information is accurate, specific, and timely. Modifies, corrects, or augments as appropriate for official weather reporting. Provides dissemination of weather warnings, Center Weather Advisories (CWA), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), or Meteorological Information (MET) watch advisories. Requests, records, and disseminates Pilot Reports (PIREPS) as mandated by FAA and NWS directives.
5. Conducts and directs aircraft mishap and hazardous air traffic systems reporting. Serves as the focal point on the airfield for ground or airborne aircraft mishaps, system reports on hazardous air traffic activities, and ATC and pilot incident inquiries. Ensures accurate and timely reports to agencies or various local, state, and federal departments having oversight responsibility.
6. Performs other as duties as assigned.
Starting at $77,634 Per Year (GS 11)