FAI FSS - Pilot Briefing Tips

A good weather briefing starts with developing an awareness of the overall "big picture" before attempting to get a detailed weather briefing. There are many available outlets such as Television Aviation Weather, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, Television and Radio Weather Broadcasts, and newspaper weather maps. But the Internet is probably the most useful tool these days to accomplish this.

Pilots are urged to use caution, however, when choosing from any of the many sources of weather information available. Many of these sources may not meet NWS/FAA quality control standards and should not be relied upon for making critical preflight decisions. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) paragraph 7-1-3 describes this issue in detail. 

One good source of aviation weather that does meet these standards is the Aviation Weather Center. The advantage of being able to see text and graphic information visually and even print the information should be obvious, however, it does not replace the call to Flight Service. Be sure to call a Flight Service Station for the latest weather and NOTAM information. The importance of NOTAM information cannot be overemphasized in this day and age where a missed NOTAM can literally have fatal consequences. For information on types of weather briefings and what information to give the briefer, go to Basic Pilot Briefings.

Slot Administration

• Slot Administration Home
• Slot Definition
• Slot Allocation Process
• Slot Administration/Schedule Facilitation
• Compliance and Oversight
• Data
• Regulatory Information
• Runway Construction Information

Archived documents

• Construction Related Relief Concerning Operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, April 1, 2023, Through November 30, 2023
• Summer 2022 Schedule Submission Notice
• Summer 2023 Schedule Submission Notice
• Winter 2022/2023 Schedule Submission Notice
• FAA Order Limiting Operations at JFK (extension through October 29, 2022)
• FAA Order Limiting Operations at JFK (extension through October 24, 2024)
• FAA Order Limiting Operations at LGA (extension through October 29, 2022)
• FAA Order Limiting Operations at LGA (extension through October 24, 2024)
• Winter 2021 Schedule Submission Notice
• Summer 2021 Schedule Submission Notice
• Winter 2020 Schedule Submission Notice
• Summer 2020 Schedule Submission Notices
  • JFK, LAX, ORD and SFO
  • EWR
• Winter 2019 Schedule Submission Notice
• Notice of Proposed Extension of Limited COVID-19 Related Relief
• Summer 2019 Schedule Submission Notice
• Winter 2018 Schedule Submission Notice
• Summer 2024 Schedule Submission Notice

FAA Contract Tower Program

About the FAA Contract Tower Program

Contract towers are air traffic control towers that are staffed by employees of private companies rather than by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees. The FAA Contract Tower (FCT) Program was established in 1982 to allow the agency to contract out the operation of certain towers.

Congress has directed the FAA to assess current and prospective program applicants and award limited grants to plan and develop additional contract towers.

To be admitted into the FCT Program, the safety and efficiency benefits of a tower must exceed its costs. The FAA is required to perform benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to determine eligibility for participation in the FCT program.

Program Status:

• The FCT Program is administered by the FAA's Air Traffic Organization. The BCA assessments are conducted by the FAA's Office of Aviation Policy and Plans.
• The FCT Program provides air traffic control services at towers throughout the United States (including Hawaii), Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• The current contracts, which cover the costs of air traffic control services, cover a five-year period, beginning July 2015.
• 265 contract towers are operated under national contracts awarded to companies that will be announced November 2024. 
• Seven FCTs operate under an Interagency Agreement with the Air National Guard.
• All of the approximate 1,400 contract controllers meet the same qualification and training requirements as FAA air traffic controllers.
• FCTs provided service for more than 17 million operations in CY23.
• FCTs represent 51 percent of all the Federal air traffic control towers in the United States.
   

Program Eligibility:

To participate in the FCT Program and be eligible to receive Federal contract funds, an airport must, among other requirements, have an approved operational tower and receive a benefit-cost ratio of at least 1.0 from the FAA.

• The contract covers the costs of air traffic services.
• The individual airports are responsible for funding capital expenses, including construction and maintenance of towers.
• Partial funding may be available under the Airport Improvement Program statute (Title 49 U.S.C. § 47124) for the portion of tower improvements that have been determined to be grant eligible.
  • This provision allows the FAA to consider AIP grant funding to help an airport with construction or equipment for a tower that is approved to enter the FCT program.

Cost Share Program:

• If costs exceed benefits for certain towers already in the FCT program, the local tower sponsor is provided the opportunity to remain in the FCT program as part of the Cost Share Program, paying a pro-rata share of the tower operating cost.
• For airports currently participating in the Cost Share Program, the FAA will conduct BCA annually.
• For airports with towers that are currently fully funded participants in the FCT program, the FAA will conduct BCA if operations at that facility drop by 25 percent in a single year or 55 percent over a three-year period.
• The local proportion of the cost share is capped at 20 percent.
• Airport sponsors have a 12-month grace period before being required to assume the local cost share.

How to Apply:

• Program Participation Review Process & Timeline:
  Benefit Cost (BC) ratios for conditional approval of new applicants/candidates will be good for 7 years.
• Application Package Request to Project Implementation Manager (PIM)
  Airport Sponsors should express interest in the FCT Program to the Service Area PIM. Upon notification of an Airport Sponsor's interest in participating in the FCT program, the FCT PIM will send the Airport Sponsor an FCT application package.
• Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA)
  How is the BC ratio developed?
  The BC ratio is developed by using airport-specific information to estimate the benefits of establishing and operating a tower and comparing those to the airport-specific costs of having tower services. Total benefits are the sum of benefits from safety (avoided accidents) and efficiency (avoided aircraft operating cost and passenger value of flight time savings). Costs reflect the capital investment costs for establishing a tower (when these are paid by the FAA) and the annual operating and maintenance costs paid by the FAA. Both benefits and costs are projected for 15 years and discounted. The BC ratio equals discounted benefits divided by discounted costs.

  How often does the FAA recalculate the BC for FCTs?

  • In the case of an air traffic control tower that is operated under the Cost-Share Program, the FAA calculates the BC ratio on an annual basis.
  • In the case of an air traffic control tower that is operating in the FCT program, the FAA shall only calculate if traffic at the airport decreases by:
    • More than 25 percent from the previous year; or
    • By more than 55 percent cumulatively in the preceding 3-year period.
• AIP funds
  • Airport sponsors will follow the procedures for AIP grants
  • Contract tower projects can be funded with AIP Small Airport Fund, state apportionment, or entitlement funding.

Employment at an FCT

Interested in becoming a Controller at a Federal Contract Tower location? Below are the main steps for the FCT hiring process:

1. Satisfy one of the following educational requirements
   • Graduate from an approved institution through Enhanced AT-CTI or the CTO-Partnership Program 
   • Be an experienced Air Traffic Controller with a CTO Certificate
   • Graduate from an authorized CTO program
2. Apply to an FCT Contractor 
3. Clear a medical evaluation and a background check
4. Receive and accept a job offer
5. Begin on-the-job training at an FCT location 

Current Towers

There are currently 265 contract towers, for which the FAA pays for air traffic control services on a contract basis.

• List of all FAA contract tower locations

Contact Information

Email us

FCT Program Implementation Managers (PIMs)

• Eastern Service Area (ESA): 404-305-7153
• Central Service Area (CSA): 817-222-5517
• Western Service Area(WSA): 206-231-2765

Additional Resources

• Establishment and Discontinuance Criteria for Airport Traffic Control Towers (APO-90-7)(PDF)
• U.S. Contract Tower Association
• Federal Contract Tower Minimum Equipment List (JO 7210.78 Appendix A)
• New Starts Order JO 7210.78
• FAA Order 5100.38D, Change 1(PDF) – Airport Improvement Program Handbook.

System Capacity and Evaluation

Q1 2024 Airport Construction Impact Report

Q2 2024 Airport Construction Impact Report

Q3 2024 Airport Construction Impact Report

Q4 2024 Airport Construction Impact Report

Q1 2025 Airport Construction Impact Report

Q2 2025 Airport Construction Impact Report

Q3 2025 Airport Construction Impact Report

The Capacity Analysis group is responsible for reviewing and evaluating NAS performance and analyzing airport/airspace capacity. The group will be responsible for reviewing daily how the NAS performed the previous day and identify systematic trends. The group will also analyze and track the impacts that construction or other planned system impacts will affect airport efficiency and capacity.

Services

NAS Review — On a daily basis and in coordination with Industry, DDSO, Command Center and Facility traffic management personnel, review and evaluate how the NAS performed. Develop a report or "story" in order to brief Executive and Senior Management during daily executive and industry briefings.

Trend Tracking — During the review and evaluation of NAS performance, develop and track developing systematic trends. When an ongoing trend is identified, pass the trend to the Operational Analysis group for further constraint identification.

Field Relationships — Act as the point of contact and customer support for all field and facility traffic management personnel. Providing HQ support to the needs of DDSO and facility personnel.

Airport Construction — Develop and report quarterly on all ongoing and upcoming construction projects for COR airports. As needed and working with local facility personnel, analyze and model impacts that upcoming construction projects may have on airport and airspace capacity.

Modeling Support — As requested, model and analyze upcoming airport and airspace constraints and assist in developing plans to mitigate impacts that these constraints will have on airport and airspace capacity and efficiency.

Programs

• Airport Construction Summarizer
• Average Daily Capacity (ADC) Program/Report

Archive

Q3 2023 Airport Construction Impact Report 

Q4 2023 Airport Construction Impact Report 

Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center

• Overview
• Contact the Center

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Terminal Maps of O'Hare International Airport

• Terminal 1(PDF)
• Terminal 2(PDF)
• Terminal 3(PDF)
• Terminal 5(PDF)

For the tenth consecutive year, O'Hare International Airport received the 2009 Global Traveler Award for "Best Airport in North America." O'Hare was recognized by business travelers who participated in a survey conducted between January and August 2009. The Department of Aviation is committed to continually improving and enhancing Chicago's airports.

(773) 686-3700 Tel
(773) 686-3573 Fax
aviation@flychicago.com

Mailing Address

Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC)

Cross Polar Work Group (CPWG)

Purpose

The Cross Polar WG provides a forum to improve air traffic services (ATS) for aircraft transiting polar and Russian Far East (RFE) airspace. The Cross Polar WG consists of air navigation service provider representatives from Russia, Canada, Iceland and the United States and international organizations representing airspace operator groups (e.g., the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) who operate in that airspace.

The Cross Polar WG will work cooperatively to identify and resolve issues that impact the efficiency of ATS primarily for flights operating in the airspace between North America and Russia. Though the Cross Polar WG will focus primarily on Polar and Trans-East airspace issues, in order to promote seamless, efficient and safe ATS, representatives from other organizations and ANS providers, including, but not limited to China, Mongolia, and Japan may also be invited to participate in Cross Polar WG activities, as appropriate.

Background

In late 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Air Navigation Authority (FANA) met bi-laterally for discussions in Washington, D.C. One of the items discussed included the Russian American Coordinating Group for Air Traffic Control (RACGAT). Both FANA and FAA noted that the work and effort by the participants of RACGAT resulted in great achievements and successes including opening of the Trans East and Cross Polar routes through Russian airspace. RACGAT was a beneficial forum for its members but recent organizational restructuring and changes in participants, the group had not met since October 2003. During that time period, other groups including the Cross Polar Trans-East Air Traffic Management (ATM) Providers Working Group (CPWG) had been established and met to ensure continued international cooperation and address issues within the area. Both parties agreed that the first two meetings were proving the Cross Polar WG to be an effective forum for continued cooperation.

ANSP 24 Hour Contact Information

• ANSP 24 Hour Contact Information(MS PowerPoint)

Arctic ATM Operational Contingency Plan

• Arctic ATM Operational Contingency Plan, 1st Ed.(PDF)
• Arctic ATM Operational Contingency Plan, 2nd Ed.(PDF)

Trans-East Fix and Cross Polar Loading Tool

• Trans-East Fix Loading Tool
• Cross Polar Loading Tool

Past Meetings

CPWG/30 Virtual Meeting, September 14-15, 2021

The thirtieth meeting of the Cross Polar Trans-East Air Traffic Management (ATM) Providers Working Group (CPWG/30) was held virtually on September 14-15, 2021 from 1300-1500 UTC.

All papers currently available for CPWG/30(Zip).

• CPWG29 Summary of Discussions Draft(PDF)
• CPWG30 Agenda Draft(PDF)

Information Papers

• CPWG30 IP02 HFSBA Minima FAA(PDF)

Presentations

• CPWG30 ANSP Update NavCanada Final(PDF)
• CPWG30 ANSP Update HFSBA Minima FAA(PDF)
• CPWG30 Industry NAVBLUE(PDF)
• CPWG30 Airline Update AAL(PDF)
• CPWG30 Airline Update UAL(PDF)
• CPWG30 Airline Update FedEx(PDF)
• CPWG30 Airline Update Delta(PDF)
• CPWG30 ANSP Update FAA ZAN REV2(PDF)
• CPWG30 IATA Update(PDF)
• CPWG30 ANSP Update Fintraffic(PDF)
• CPWG30 ANSP State ATM Overview(PDF)
• CPWG30 CADENCE Briefing(PDF)
• CPWG30 Airline Update Cathay Pacific(PDF)
• CPWG30 ANSP Update Isavia(PDF)
• CPWG30 FOTO35 Overview FAA(PDF)

CPWG/29 Virtual Meeting, March 9-10, 2021

The twenty-ninth meeting of the Cross Polar Trans-East Air Traffic Management (ATM) Providers Working Group (CPWG/28) was held virtually on March 9-10, 2021.

If you have any questions regarding the CPWG and participation, please contact Leah Moebius

All papers currently available for CPWG/29(Zip).

• CPWG28 Nov 18-19 2020 Summary of Discussions Final(PDF)
• CPWG29 Agenda Draft(PDF)

Presentations

• CPWG29 ANSP Update FAA(PDF)
• CPWG29 Airline Update AAL Update(PDF)
• CPWG29 Industry Briefing - Jeppesen(PDF)
• CPWG29 - Airline Update-Finnair(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update- State ATM ADS-C CDP(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update-State ATM-AIDC Update(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update-State ATM-FRA UPR(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update-State ATM-MET(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update-State ATM-Provideniya Bay(PDF)
• CPWG29 - Airline Update - United, v2(PDF)
• CPWG29 - IATA Update(PDF)
• CPWG29 - Airline Update - Air India(PDF)
• CPWG29 - CPWG29 - ANSP Update - ATO Airspace Access(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update - Isavia ANS(PDF)
• CPWG29 - Airline Update Cathay Pacific(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update - Fintraffic Update(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update - NavCanada Update(PDF)
• CPWG29 - ANSP Update - Avinor Update(PDF)

Meetings Archive: 2006 - 2022

Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA)

COA is an authorization issued by the Air Traffic Organization to a public operator for a specific UA activity. After a complete application is submitted, FAA conducts a comprehensive operational and technical review. If necessary, provisions or limitations may be imposed as part of the approval to ensure the UA can operate safely with other airspace users. In most cases, FAA will provide a formal response within 60 days from the time a completed application is submitted.

To better support the needs of our customers, FAA deployed a web-based application system. The UAS COA Online System provides applicants with an electronic method of requesting a COA. Applicants will need to obtain an account in order to access the online system.

Please email the FAA/UAS office at UASHelp@faa.gov with any questions or for more information regarding Certificates of Waiver or Authorization.

Quick Links:

• UAS COA Online System
• Publicly Released COAs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• COA: Sample Application(PDF, 1.5 MB)

New York Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZNY)

Welcome to New York Center (ZNY). We are located next to the Long Island MacArthur Airport, about 50 miles east of Manhattan. As the first Enroute Control Facility in the world, we have a rich and accomplished legacy.

New York Air Route Traffic Control Center
4205 Johnson Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Phone - (631) 468-1001
Fax - (631) 468-4211
 

Air Traffic Manager: Tom Cates
Contact Tom Cates

Executive Officer: Michael J. Lees
Contact Michael J. Lees