AANHPI: Jennifer Pan

In May, the FAA marked Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, spotlighting some of the agency's most passionate employees and illustrating its dedication to diversity. Jennifer Pan was among them. She gave up music to join the U.S. Air Force. That opened the door to her current role as air traffic manager of Morristown Tower in New Jersey.

AANHPI: A. Sasmitamanggala

Just as Antonio Sasmitamanggala was preparing to complete his studies at Michigan University, he came across a news story about open air traffic controller positions, a job he thought — and still thinks — seemed "really cool." He applied and is now a controller at Chicago O'Hare Tower. Antonio honors Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month by educating his children about their Indonesian roots.

AANHPI: Grace Gorospe

As a Filipino American, Grace Gorospe, currently working in the Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Office, recognizes the importance of representation and diversity. When she first joined the FAA, she said she found plenty of diversity. However, she noticed a lack of it in leadership, with a noticeable absence of Asian American women. Her FAA career has helped change the narrative.

AANHPI: Francis Bugay

As an FAA operations supervisor at Northern California TRACON, Francis Bugay has seen firsthand the success of the agency's efforts to foster a more inclusive workforce. He said Francine Malabo, the current air traffic manager, has built a diverse facility where people’s strengths are celebrated and her open-door policy has welcomed a positive relationship with NATCA and management.

AANHPI: Phan Hall

"It is always a good reminder of our traditions and culture and how hard our ancestors worked to allow us an opportunity to live in the United States -- a country with lots of opportunities," Phan Hall said in explaining why she appreciates AANHPI Heritage Month.

Public Service Recognition Week

Throughout May, many Air Traffic Services employees were recognized for their public service with an #InspireMoment. Read about the contributions of Sarina Gumbert, Bailey Colasanto, John Sullivan, and Jonathan Woodcock. The FAA will continue to acknowledge staff for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices in support of the nation and our mission.

As of April 30, 99 percent of air traffic facilities nationwide have completed all eight tasks of RESPECT Phase I, up 1 percent from January.

Facilities in the Central and Western Service areas are at 100 percent completion for RESPECT Phase I. Eastern Service Area facilities are at 98 percent completion. Respect Phase I officially ended Dec. 31, 2022.

Thank you to all the facilities for your hard work and dedication to the RESPECT Initiative. RESPECT Phase II will be rolled out to every facility in the near future.

Total since inception (updated May 1):

• Cases submitted: 4,651
• Cases submitted, not accepted: 135 (3%)
• Cases reported as resolved: 4,162 (89%)
• Cases reported as not resolved: 359 (8%)
• Bargaining unit submissions: 1,256 (27%)
• Management submissions: 3,283 (71%)
• Other submissions: 112 (2%)
• Average case resolution time: within 7 days

From Daycare to Tower Cab

Air traffic controller Devin Anderson's introduction to the FAA began when he was just a toddler in 1996. That’s when his father, Robert Anderson, who recently retired from ATO Management Services after 31 years, used to drop off his son at the daycare center before starting his workday at FAA headquarters. Father and son are close and share a passion for their FAA careers.

A Career Made in Casper

When James Fuhrer finishes his career this summer, it will mark the first time in 65 years that a Fuhrer hasn't been part of the FAA family in Casper, Wyoming. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Frank, who handed off his headset to James at Casper Tower in 1983.

'Something's Not Right'

When the pilot of a Cessna 310 requested a "go-around" as it prepared to land at Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Hadwin Brown's intuition combined with 15 years of FAA experience told him to prepare for a flight assist. The air traffic manager immediately took control of the tower to help the pilot, whose aircraft was experiencing problems with its landing gear. 

Hire, Train and Certify!

With more than 3,000 new controllers anticipated to join the agency in the next two years, the FAA is taking a data-driven approach to improve and accelerate training. The Training Enterprise Group is overseeing the effort, centered on taking a more thorough and analytical approach to controller instruction.