FAA Daily Broadcast - March 31, 2022

Federal Aviation Administration Employees sent this bulletin at 03/31/2022 01:56 PM EDT

FAA Daily Broadcast - Florence Klingensmith Mural

Reentry Webinars: Six upcoming employee webinars covering topics related to the transition from maximum telework are starting next week on April 5 - save the dates and ask questions in advance.

Celebrating Steve

“We can never repay him for the leadership he provided during the most protracted and unstable period the global aviation system and the FAA has experienced…From aviation safety issues to national security threats to public health risks, Steve provided leadership that was visionary.”

A long list of distinguished guests lauded Steve, but he focused his remarks on recognizing your tireless work during his tenure. Watch a replay of yesterday’s event on YouTube.

Workforce Advisory Bulletin:

DASHO Safety Awards: Nominations are due today! It’s your last chance to nominate someone who went above and beyond to positively impact safety and health at the FAA for a Designated Agency Safety and Health (DASHO) Safety Award!

DOT Innovation Survey: You will receive our Innovation Survey this week. By participating, you will not only help us identify internal improvements at DOT, but you will also help us continue to meet the needs of the traveling public.

MOTAAC: Help us celebrate families at the FAA this April by participating in Month of the Aviation and Aerospace Child (MOTAAC)! Share your story and it may be featured in the FAA Broadcast. Submissions are due tomorrow, April 1.

ICNS Conference: Register for the 22nd Integrated Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Hybrid Conference, April 5 -7, to discuss important policy and technology issues and set the future direction of emerging technologies.

IT Updates: Phishing exercises test your ability to spot malicious emails. Learn how to spot phishy emails so you never get hooked. Plus, tips for protecting PII.

Thank You and Farewell

In his final weekly message before retiring from the FAA, Steve thanks employees for their public service. “I could not be more proud of you. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside you.”

Secretary Pete Thanks Steve

Thank you, Administrator Steve Dickson, for your exemplary service in leading the extraordinary people of FAA.

Secretary Buttigieg shares his appreciation for Steve’s commitment to aviation safety, “Under your leadership, FAA has stepped up effectively to address extraordinary new challenges and opportunities, and your legacy will continue at the agency and across the US aviation sector.”

Secretary’s 54th Annual Awards Ceremony Today, March 31 at 2 pm ET

Secretary’s 54th Annual Awards Ceremony Today at 2:00 pm ET: Hosted by Secretary Buttigieg, this year’s ceremony will be virtual and recognize DOT employees who have performed in an exemplary manner to meet our strategic goals and accomplish the Department’s mission. To join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our DOT colleagues, please click on the following link: http://dotnet.dot.gov.

Safety Culture Crusader

When Air Traffic Safety & Technical Training Acting Deputy Vice President Kim Pyle came to the FAA in 2002, the former journalist wasn’t shy about asking questions. Throughout her career she’s focused on connecting with her colleagues, noting that she is most proud when her teams collaborate in honest and respectful ways rather than using command-and-control behaviors. Her new mission is to foster and enhance the safety culture at the FAA, “I’m passionate about getting people to make the connection between culture and safety performance because they are directly tied.”

Facing the Uncomfortable

Angela McCullough, Acting Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Organization, doesn’t shy away from tough conversations or challenging new opportunities to lead people in complex technical roles. Inevitably, those initially uncomfortable situations can lead to positive change, “As women, we sometimes lack confidence in our abilities when considering different opportunities and often talk ourselves out of going for it. Don’t sell yourself short. Even if it terrifies you, go for it — especially if it terrifies you!”

HERstory is Now: Tune it today at 2:00 pm ET for the final event of this year's Women’s History Month schedule - Breaking Barriers - Past, present and future! This event will host extraordinary women who have resilience, tenacity, strength and determination for success. Livestream on YouTube.

Employee voice pulse survey results summary

Round Two - Employee Voice Pulse Survey Results

OMB recently released the results from the second round of the Employee Voice Pulse Survey which took place in late January. In the second round, employees continued to provide their viewpoints on the areas of Engagement, Equity & Inclusion, and Reentry into the Workplace by indicating their level of agreement on three to four questions. FAA held steady with a 24 percent response rate, with over 10,500 employees participating - read an analysis of the results and see where we improved and overall agency data.

FAA Events Calendar: Today - Secretary’s 54th annual awards ceremony; Breaking barriers - Past, present and future. Next week - Helping employees positively maneuver workplace change; Starting a federal career with a disability virtual informational workshop; ATO engaged - Behavioral interview techniques; And Accountability board training.

From the Headlines:

FAA Deploys ‘Comprehensive Approach’ As U.S. Braces For Potential Russian Hacking – Flying
The FAA says it is deploying a “comprehensive approach” to securing air traffic facilities amid heightened warnings of possible Russian cyberattacks on U.S. businesses and infrastructure.

FAA chief wants zero tolerance for unruly air passengers to continue – Reuters
FAA Administrator Steve Dickson told reporters the policy first imposed in January 2021 should remain even if the Biden administration decides to lift a mandate requiring masks onboard airplanes.

FedEx To Test Autonomous Freight Drone – AV Web
FedEx says it will start testing an autonomous hybrid eVTOL that can carry up to 500 pounds as far as 300 miles. The company said the trials with the Elroy Chaparral will start in 2023 and begin the process of getting certification for pilotless delivery.

Lessor AerCap lodges $3.5 bln claim for seized Russian aircraft – Reuters
The world's top aircraft lessor AerCap has submitted a $3.5 billion insurance claim for more than 100 jets stuck in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, setting the stage for a lengthy legal wrangle between lessors and insurers.

Fayetteville man charged with lying to Federal Aviation Administration – CNY Central
AR man is accused of saying he had no history of criminal convictions and never received medical disability benefits, even though he had been convicted of multiple prior misdemeanor offenses and was receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

ADS-B and traffic awareness in aerial firefighting operations – Air Med & Rescue
Our lives are often consumed with so many events that we forget the small things or put them aside. Operational safety can also fall into the same trap: we become obsessed with long-term goals and ignore relevant ideas or details that are readily available.

NASA Astronaut Sets Record for Longest Single Spaceflight – Flying
Mark Vande Hei returned to Earth alongside two Russian cosmonauts early Wednesday morning after nearly a year in space.

Join us in celebrating the FAA's Month of the Aviation and Aerospace child

Month of the Aviation & Aerospace Child is Coming in April: Help us celebrate families at the FAA by sharing your story and we may feature them in the WorkLife Wednesday spot in the FAA Broadcast. Find out how you can participate this year! Submissions are due tomorrow, April 1.

Robinson R44 First Flight

March 31, 1990: The Robinson R44 made its first flight. The R44 is a four-seat light helicopter produced by Robinson Helicopter Company since 1992. Based on the company's two-seat Robinson R22, the R44 features hydraulically assisted flight controls. It received FAA certification in December 1992, with the first delivery in February 1993. The R44 has been the world's best-selling GA helicopter every year since 1999. It is one of the most-produced GA aircraft of the 21st century, with 5,941 deliveries from 2001 to 2020.

Looking for a new podcast playlist? The Air Up There has something for everyone interested in aviation and aerospace - listen to every episode for free on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Google Podcasts.