Sisters and Brothers,
There is a lot going on within the area! Your input on any of these issues is welcome and encouraged.
1. We are currently in the middle of the bidding process. For more details on the lines available and the bidding process, see my last update and the wall near the headset boxes.
2. Only a few of the AWS requests have been agreed to by management. The other requests are pending a grievance as the discussion between the front office and NATCA regarding some finer points of AWS was not successful. Hopefully we’ll have a resolution soon.
3. On behalf of one of our brothers, I’m going to take a survey about how we assign mid shifts. I’ll have the survey in your mail slots at work this week. Please return the form to the black NATCA mailbox near the mail slots by May 21st.
4. At KSEA, 16L/34R is now open again. 16C/34C is scheduled to close as soon as the 16L/34R ILS passes a flight check. The 16C/34C closure is scheduled for 21 days and the arrival rates should be higher than during the previous closure.
5. Following negotiations, the S46 LOA will be updated in the near future with the following changes:
a. The airspace around the PAE VOR will change to accommodate new MADEE arrival restrictions and a new RNAV arrival to KPAE. The new arrival to KPAE is from the east and will parallel the GLASR arrival. The updated MADEE will require aircraft to cross PAE at or above 16,000 and EVRTT at 14,000 and above. There will be a shelf north of PAE where Sector 03/12 will acquire additional airspace at 14,000 and above.
b. Group B and C aircraft will no longer be stopped at 13,000 entering Sector 31 and Sector 32 (when filed over SUMMA) unless there is traffic.
c. S46 is not going to allow us to go direct WOODI, ARVAD, or HUVUS any longer. They claim that they are jammed regularly and cannot handle it any longer. Of course, you can still try to APREQ these shortcuts. Direct WOODI during Sleepytime is still approved per the Sleepytime Procedures attachment.
d. S46 would like us to continue to emphasize frequency changes in a timely manner. That is one of the main reasons that they will not allow us to go direct to WOODI, ARVAD, or HUVUS. On our end, we have asked S46 to take handoffs in a timely manner and to make that an emphasis item.
e. S46 wanted us to sequence DH8Cs with Group A aircraft at MARNR/JAWBN. We did not agree to that.
6. NATCA and the FAA are partnering on making the workplace professional. The lack of professionalism is enough of a problem that the union and management have, on a national level, decided to work together to effect change. There have been a few incidents here that are not acceptable. Without going into any detail, some self-reflecting would be helpful. I know that there are times when I am not professional enough, and I personally know that I can be more professional. If we all could take a look at ourselves and do our part to effect change, our area will be better off for it.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please come find me, email at skorniakoff@comcast.net, or call/text me at 253-332-2066.
In Solidarity,
Paul Skorniakoff