Black Coalition 20th Annual Training Conference
Acknowledging Where We Are and What We Have to Do to Continue
The National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) membership gathered in force in Chicago, IL for the 20th annual national training conference. The theme throughout the conference was "Where We Are and What We Have to Do to Continue."
The luncheon featured speaker Judge Eugene Pinchum. He recited many facts of history showing the strength and courage of African Americans who endured the adversity of slavery and discrimination throughout history. Another highlight was an opportunity to interact with the Eastern Regional Administrator Arlene B. Feldman in a question and answer session during a workshop. She opened the session expressing her support for the NBCFAE of which she is also a member. She commended the Northeast Region Chapter for its direct work with her office and the NBCFAE's motivation in implementing a proactive stance to establish a mentoring program within the region. There was a panel discussion including the Organization of Black Airline, Inc. (OBAP) and the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., which provided dialogue with the membership to interact with other organizations who will equip our youth with the skills needed in aviation careers. With the ongoing interest in working with Historically Black Colleges and community programs to introduce aviation careers to our youth, the presenters elaborated on various programs throughout the nation that would assist individuals interested in pursuing these careers such as the professional pilot development program. A person with a private pilot's license rating would be tutored to develop skills to qualify for upgraded ratings all the way up to top pilot ratings. Programs for youth training include Aviation Career Education (ACE) camps across the country which over a a three year period work with youth to get their private pilot's rating.
In the Northeast Region, the Reverend Russell White from East Orange, NJ is in charge of the Eagle Flight program for youth. For more information call 1-800-JETOBAP or IBAC at 1- 812-285-9855.
The week long conference ended with the Chief C. Alfred Anderson Awards banquet honoring Albert F. Douglas Jr., a long time member of the NBCFAE, honored with the Distinguished Award. He is currently the acting program director of Air Traffic Plans and Requirements Program.
The 1997 NBCFAE National Conference is tentatively scheduled for September in Las Vegas, NV. For those interested in attending call Yvonne Ruff, personnel staffing specialist of the Human Resource Management Division at 718-553-3450.
Employee Express
Employee Express has arrived at the FAA. Employees are now able to use Employee Express (EE) to make key changes to their personnel and payroll records via touch-tone phones and touch-screen kiosks. It enables the employee to review, initiate, and change, or stop the following items: Federal Employees Health Benefits, Thrift Savings Plan, Federal/State tax withholdings, home/check mailing address, and direct deposit of net paycheck and allotments. EE is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-827-6289.
The use of EE is voluntary. The current paper method is still available. However, EE allows you to avoid paperwork and to make changes conveniently and promptly. If time permits, please complete the brief feedback survey after confirming your transactions. All employees have or shall receive information in the mail from the Office of Personnel Management concerning EE, including a personal identification number (PIN). This PIN, in combination with your social security number will allow you to access EE. Safeguard the PIN to prevent unauthorized access to your payroll information. If you have any questions, contact Sandra Labissiere at 718-553-3175.
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