zIFATCA 2024 Annual Conference zFOCUS ON GEORGIA zPASSING THE TORCH @ ICAO zFOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Journal of Air Traffic Control OCTOBER 2024 THE CONTROLLER HOW FAR HAVE WE COME?
IFATCA 2024 REGIONAL MEETINGS
THE CONTROLLER In this issue Top of the cover shows the attendees at IFATCA's Constitutional Conference in Amsterdam, 1961. The bottom shows delates, directors and officials at the 2024 Annual Conference of IFATCA in Singapore. Foreword............................... ..................................................................................................4 Editorial...................................................................................................................................5 Federation News. ................. IFATCA Conference 2024....................................................6 The 2024 IFATCA Executive Board..................................11 IFATCA 2025 Abu Dhabi...................................................12 IFATCA @ ICAO Passing the Torch.............................13 What Does the Future Hold?.........14 IFATCA 2030+.....................................................................16 Managing our Rules............................................................17 PLC 2024-2025 Update.......................................................18 TOC 2024-2025 Update......................................................19 How Far Have We Come?...................................................20 Technology............................Civil Use of Drones. ............................................................22 European Regional...............Focus on Georgia.................................................................24 Asia/Pacific Region..............GARD - Disaster Readiness...............................................26 Americas Region..................Disaster Strategies................................................................29 40TH Anniversary Dominican ATCO Association..........30 Oshkosh: Teamwork Is Key................................................31 Technical & Professional.....Volcanic Ash Advisories.....................................................33 Effective Radio Communication.......................................34 IFATCA's Speak English Programme...............................35 Heading North.....................................................................36 Focus on Mental Health. ....................................................38 Mental Health Task Force...................................................40 How Volunteerism Brought Me Places.............................42 Controller Adaptive Digital Assistant - CODA...............43 Industry News......................CANSO Airspace World 2024 Geneva.............................45 IFATCA Industry Partner Updates...................................47 FoxATM: Exploring Perspectives......................................48 AERO2024 Friederichshafen. ............................................50 Flying.....................................Flying VFR in Poland..........................................................52 Charlie's Column.................................................................................................................54 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF IFATCA Helena Sjöström Falk President and Chief Executive Officer Jean-François Lepage Deputy President Tom McRobert Executive Vice-President Finance Peter Van Rooyen Executive Vice-President Professional Benjamin van der Sanden Executive Vice-President Technical Ahmad Abba Executive Vice-President Africa and Middle East Patricia Gilbert Executive Vice-President Americas Cheryl Yen-Chun Chen Executive Vice-President Asia and Pacific Frédéric Deleau Executive Vice-President Europe David Perks ICAO ANC Representative* Nicola Ni Riada Communications Coordinator* Tatiana Iavorkaia Office Manager* * ex-officio members DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this magazine are those of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) only when so indicated. Other views will be those of individual members or contributors concerned and will not necessarily be those of IFATCA, except where indicated. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct, IFATCA makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the nature or accuracy of the information. Further distribution of this publication is permitted and even encouraged, as long as it is not altered in any way or manner. No part or extracts of this publication may be reproduced, stored or used in any form or by any means, without the specific prior permission of the IFATCA Executive Board or Editor, except where indicated (e.g. a creative commons licence). The editorial team endeavours to include all owner information, or at least source information for the images used in this issue. If you believe that an image was used without permission, please contact the editorial team. VISIT THE IFATCA WEB SITE www.ifatca.org 3 OCTOBER 2024 Volume 63 Issue 1 – ISSN 0010-8073 THE CONTROLLER z contents PUBLISHER IFATCA, International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers‘ Associations 360, St Jacques · Suite 2002 Montreal, Quebec · H2Y 1P5 · CANADA Phone: +1514 866 7040 Fax: +1514 866 7612 Email: office@ifatca.org EDITORIAL TEAM Nicola Ní Riada, Philip Marien, Renz Busleco, Trish Gilbert, Brittney Armbrust, Olivia May, Umi Muthiah Syahirah Email: editor@ifatca.org CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Philippe Domogala
z FOReWORD THE CONTROLLER 4 z by Helena Sjöström Falk, IFATCA President & CEO As I near the halfway point of my first year as President of IFATCA, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and also to share my vision for the future. It is a tremendous honor to serve as your President, and I am incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in me. This role is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am committed to leading IFATCA with a focus on progress, recognition, and unity. I also want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Singapore Air Traffic Controllers´ Association and the Singapore CAAS for their excellent hosting of Conference 2024. The Conferencewas a tremendous success and had the largest representation of member associations ever. We are now well underway with preparations for Conference 2025 in the UAE and I together with the Executive Board am very much looking forward to going there in the first week of April 2025. One of my primary goals is to make IFATCA the gold standard in ATC worldwide. We are already recognized as a key organization in the field, but I believe we can take that recognition even further. To achieve this, we must continually raise the bar in our work for flight safety and professionalism. We also need to work harder on recognition. Our goal is not just to meet the challenges of modern aviation, but to lead the way in developing cuttingedge solutions and best practices. With increasing pressure on ATC, one of the most difficult being staff shortages, we need to make our voice heard even more. Achieving this requires us to work smarter, not just harder. This means being involved in innovation and also finding more efficient ways to work while maintaining the highest levels of safety and service. We need to look for smarter solutions that improve our effectiveness as air traffic controllers and as a Federation. In addition to innovation, I also think we should renew and strengthen our connections with international labor organizations. Air traffic control is a profession that relies heavily on collaboration, and our ability to work closely with trade unions and other labor groups that are not member associations of IFATCA is essential to maintaining fair working conditions and advocating for the interests of our members. An increased exchange of ideas will not only benefit our members but will also enhance the reputation and influence of IFATCA on a global scale. I want IFATCA to be a truly global federation — one that represents the diverse and interconnected world of air traffic control. We are an international organization, and it is vital that we reflect the global nature of our industry. This means fostering inclusivity, ensuring that all regions and members are represented, and building bridges between different cultures and approaches to air traffic management. By doing so, we will strengthen our global influence and make IFATCA an even more powerful voice in aviation. In the months ahead, the Executive Board and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you. Together, we can build on IFATCA’s strong foundation and lead the organization toward an even brighter future. So, to all our members: Thank you for your ongoing support, your hard work and your commitment. One Sky – One Voice! helena.sjostrom@ifatca.org TOWARDS A TRULY GLOBAL FEDERATION
z EDITORIAL 5 THE CONTROLLER z by Nicola NI RIADA, IFATCA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Welcome to the September 2024 edition of the Controller magazine! With our very successful annual meeting in Singapore (Kudos and Xie Xie to the Singaporean OC again), we are very much looking to the future. Look out for the EDI article that looks backwards to our near past to look forward, the CODA article on the Joint Cognitive Human-Machine System, a very future-focused team! There is a piece on Volunteerism which we hope will inspire you to get involved with IFATCA. In this edition of the magazine, you will also see features on Mental Well-Being and the English Language, as well as collaborative pieces from IPAAC and ICAEA, respectively. We believe collaboration is the key to innovation and progress, especially in both these areas! Some of the highlights for this year’s issue include insider articles from huge airshows Oshkosh and Aero 24 (harnessing the inner aviation-geek!), showcasing the incredible work our air traffic controllers do at the shows as well as insight from the CANSO ATM world the largest and most influential airspace and near-space management event in the world, where IFATCA had two speakers on prominent panels. There are separate pieces on disaster relief from ASP and AMA, showing how different but also the same we are at the regional level. A million thanks to our contributors for their input! As always, if you want to submit an article or have ideas, don’t hesitate to email us! And if you are not already following us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, please do so! Are you receiving the IFATCA monthly circular (our newsletter!)- if not, sign up today! See you all at the regional meetings this autumn! Look out for the communications presentations, and say hello to your regional communication team members there! Best regards, The IFATCA Editorial Team nicola.niriada@ifatca.org FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM MonthLY UPDATES ON IFATCA ACTIVITIES? SUBSRIBE TO THE
z FEDERATION NEWS IFATCA CONFERENCE 2024 Singapore, 15 to 19 April 2024 z by NICOLA Nì Rìada, IFATCA Communications Coordinator Following several cancellations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it was finally possible for IFATCA Directors, Officials and Delegates to travel to the city state of Singapore. With almost 100 associations present in Singapore, the event demonstrated unity and commitment to the air traffic controller profession. The conference overall was a resounding success thanks to the team of the ATCA Singapore Organising Committee, the Member Association delegates and the countless volunteers that volunteer their time throughout the year on behalf oiur Federation. Prior to the formal start of the conference itself, several meetings focussed on topics that affect the Federation and control staff. The informal regional meeting reviewed issues that affect each of the four IFATCA regions. These showed that staff shortages continue to be a main concern throughout the ATM industry, with little to no relief to be expected in the short to medium term. High-level Panel A first highlight of the Annual Conference was the High-Level Panel. This discussion echoed the theme of the annual conference: "Invest in People: the future of ATM". Human capital is crucial for shaping the future of Air Traffic Management (ATM) and supporting the growth of the industry. IFATCA invited speakers from various regions to steer the dialogue with our members on how they think the future of aviation will evolve. Looking at the human element of the ATM system as the paramount force in ensuring the safety of air traffic management operations, despite Al advancements and automation application and in the context of continuing worldwide shortage of Air Traffic controllers. The panel featured Han KokJuan, Director General, CAA Singapore; Crystal Kim, Technical Officer, ATM Section, ICAO; Franklin Mcintosh, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Operations, Air Traffic Organization, FAA; and Stathis Malakis, Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, representing IFATCA. Moderators were Jean-François Lepage, IFATCA Liaison Officer to ICAO ANC and Cheryl Chen, IFATCA's EVP EVP Asia Pacific Region. Mental Wellbeing Panel A second panel discussion was held on ATCO Mental Wellbeing. This also concluded that human beings are the essence of the aviation industry and that mental wellbeing is not just a personal matter – it’s a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and efficiency of our skies. The discussion from the panellists resulted in the following take aways: There is a need for industry to focus on mental health and well-being of ATCOs. A focus on being/staying healthy and learning by previous experiences of coping well with stressors is best. An industry shift to trusting ATCOs with the help of peer support and mental health professionals with an aviation understanding is critical to create a culture where ATCOs are comfortable to report and seek support when they 6 THE CONTROLLER
z FEDERATION NEWS THE CONTROLLER 7 are not in a good mental space to be performing safety-critical work. On the second day, prior to the openinb plenary, the IFATCA2030+ taskforce ran a really successful workshop that focussed on five topics: Practical Outcomes, Policy, Communication, Volunteerism and the future is now. More details are in a separate article in this issue. Opening Plenary The opening plenary confirmed what was already apparent: attendance was high, with 79 member associations present. Including the fifteen proxies, it gave 94 Member Associations (out of 104 in good standing), a voice. These delegates were welcomed by outgoing IFATCA President and CEO, Duncan Auld, Chair of the Singapore Organising Committee, Lim De Wei and Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Transport. Administrative Matters Committee A is the Federation’s “engine room,” and it requires maintenance to ensure its smooth and efficient operation. As such, directors in the committee welcomed reports from IFATCA Officers to the conference. The amount of work the team carried out on our behalf was as always considerable. IFATCA Officers demonstrated high professionalism and competence and affirmed the Federation as an important stakeholder in the international aviation community. Particularly encouraging was the request from ICAO to the Chair of the EDI Task Force to participate in discussions regarding equality at the highest level in Montreal. Industry partners BayMac, Frequentis, Thales, L3Harris, FTE Jerez and Entry Point North also attended our meeting, with Baymac giving an excellent presentation. It was especially encouraging to see the democratic process in action, with participation from all those present despite the many newcomers. The elections of volunteers to contested seats, such as that of EVP AFM this year, reaffirmed people’s energy for the Federation and should be commended even if the outcome may have disappointed the candidates that were not successful. The standing committee Finance (FIC), once again under the leadership of Daniel Nartey (Ghana) and the supervision of the EVPF, Tom McRobert, produced nine work items, ranging from reviewing EB honoraria, classes of air travel, membership subscription rates, and charging mechanisms. The requirement of IFATCA to keep a balanced budget generated significant, constructive debate and will lead to a work item for the following year. Positions in FIC proved popular, and the three positions available for the forthcoming year were filled quickly: the USA, Dominican Republic, and India will participate, with Kenya, Zambia and Indonesia committing to contribute as correspondingmembers. The Constitutional and Administrative Committee (CAC), under the efficient and knowledgeable leadership of Rob Mason (Australia) produced nine high-quality work items. These ranged from evaluating the duration of the annual conference to establishing and disestablishing task forces and member association affiliation processes. This last paper prompted debate and will lead to a work study for the forthcoming year. The review of working paper submission dates was a response to last year’s concerns from Member Associations. It was encouraging to see Rob Mason continue in his position for another two years. The constitutional standing committee also proved popular, and Canada, Ghana, and Uganda filled the three positions available for the forthcoming year. Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, and Algeria will participate as corresponding members. As a first for Committee A, a task force presented work items for the committee to consider. The theme was to create papers from which projects could be launched. The concept of Regional Committees was created, and guidelines for their management will be made available to the regions. The original paper generated significant discussion, and valuable concerns were raised. As a result of these concerns, a drafting group was formed, and a consensus was achieved after meaningful evaluation. Another paper has brought about a separate task force that will be established to manage the creation and implementation of a new web platform. Guidelines for the organisation of Regional Meetings have also been defined. Committee A also elected several members of the Executive Board: Ms. Helena Sjöström Falk (Sweden) succeeds Duncan Auld (Australia) as President and CEO. Mr. Jean-François Lepage (Canada) fills Helena’s former post of Deputy President. Mr. Peter van Rooyen (South Africa) continues for another term as Executive Vice-President Professional. THANK YOU DUNCAN AULD After 11 years on the Executive Board and 5 years as President and CEO of IFATCA, Duncan Auld stepped down from his role as IFATCA PCX at the conference in Singapore. His objectives of bringing the Federation closer together, championing diversity and inclusion-ensuring that IFATCA truly is a representative body of all air traffic controllers from all across the globe, were achieved. Duncan remarked that he was happy to hand the presidency over to Helena Sjöström Falk. Knowing that Helena, along with Jean-François and the rest of the Executive Board, will have IFATCA in safe hands. We want to thank Duncan for his tireless service to IFATCA, his passion for the profession and his outstanding work over many years. Special thanks also go to his home association Civil Air Australia for their support to him. During the conference, Duncan received the IFATCA Scroll of Honour, the highest award of the Federation. We wish you well Duncan, and we hope to see you again soon.
z FEDERATION NEWS 8 THE CONTROLLER After a year in an acting role, Mr. Thomas McRobert (Australia) was confirmed as Executive Vice-President Finance. Mr. Ahmad Abba (Nigeria) replaces Mr. Fateh Bekti (Algeria) as Executive Vice-President Africa Middle East. Technical & Professional Overlap The combined B & C committees conducted their business with an impressive 63 Member Associations, 25 proxies, and representatives from ICAO, IFALPA, IFISA, and APLA Singapore in attendance. The attendance of these organisations shows that the outside world appreciates our work and that we are a respected organisation. Industry partners BayMac, Frequentis, Thales, L3Harris, FTE Jerez, and Entry Point North attended our meeting. Frequentis and Thales gave excellent presentations. The packed agenda kicked off with many reports by the various representatives to ICAO, introduced by Jean-Francois Lepage as Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Committee. Paul Neering, Liaison Officer to the European Union, was here for his last conference and presented the work done on a European level on behalf of all IFATCA representatives. Eugenio Diotalevi (Italy) gave a comprehensive overview of the work of the RPAS task force and surveyed the controllers present. He can confidently be called an expert on the matter, as is the case for Katariina Syvays (Finland) regarding remote towers. PLC and TOC presented several work studies connected to these subjects, such as a paper on interactions between RPAS andATCand a reviewof the automation policy. Both papers proposed new or amended policies to strengthen our position on the subjects. We would like to give a special mention to our colleague and subject matter expert, Stathis Malakis (Greece). He shared his views on the Joint Cognitive Human-Machine System, making a subject with a very complicated name easy to understand. In the professional domain, theTraining Task Force, led by JF Lepage and incoming chair Ben Kings, and the Well Being Taskforce, led by Jaco van der Westhuizen (South Africa), made sure their voices were heard and their work was made aware to the conference. Both task forces are relatively new and can profit from more involvement by MAs. The paper on system-based ATC licensing, initially quite a philosophical concept, was tabled during the meeting because the discussion proved that actual initiatives are happening worldwide. A drafting group was formed, and a provisional policy was accepted in which IFATCA’s position was clarified and committed to continue the work. The Committees then accepted the report of Kimmo Koivula (Finland), the IFATCA representative to the IFALPA ATS Committee. Kimmo has served for many years as a representative to our sister organisation, the pilots we speak to daily but do not often get to engage with fully. Work in the committee thereafter mainly focused on the complexity of VFR and Special VFR flights regarding workload for ATCOs. New draft policy statements prepared by the Technical and Operations Committee and the Professional and Legal Committee were accepted. A special mention must go to ANACNA, our Italian MA, for conducting an interesting study that was the basis for one of the working papers. Research is the groundwork of all work studies in IFATCA, and we are very happy that, thanks to Jean Francois Lepage, we will have guidelines to prevent plagiarism and copyright infringements for all IFATCA officers. Technical & Operational Issues Committee B was exceptionally well attended, with 58 Member Associations holding 27 proxies and representatives from ICAO, L3Harris and IFISA. This might have been the biggest attendance in any Committee B for the last 20 years. Over a single day, the Committee received reports from IFATCA officials and representatives to ICAO and debated on an impressive number of working papers prepared by the Technical and Operations Committee (TOC). Topics discussed ranged from Trajectory Based Operations to (once again) RPAS and Space Based Surveillance and Communications. The Committee accepted thirteen reports and discussed six working papers drafted by TOC. One was accepted as an information paper. The policy was amended on the following subjects: 5-Letter Waypoint Coding, Multiple Remote TWR Operations (now designated Digital Air Traffic Services or DATS by ICAO), UAS Flight Rules, FF-ICE Flight Plans and Responsibility for Terrain and Obstacle Clearance. The continued work of the IFATCA representatives to ICAO under the outstanding guidance of our outgoing Liaison Officer, Mr Jean-François Lepage, as well as the members of TOC, led by their Chair, Ms Jaymi Steinberg, was once again a testament to the high standard of knowledge and professionalism that makes IFATCA an important and universally respected
z FEDERATION NEWS player on the global stage of civil aviation. Having seen the dedicated TOC members successfully defend their papers on stage, 15 member associations indicated their willingness to step into their shoes for 2024/25, but only nine places were available. Sincere thanks go out to the MAs who were unsuccessful on this occasion. TOC once more has member associations from all four IFATCA regions, and I would like to stress that even though the manual does have a procedure to ensure places on TOC for at least one member association from every region, even if they did not get the required number of votes, on this occasion this rule did not have to be invoked. Professional & Legal Matters Committee C this year was very well attended by delegates and observers, with proceedings relaxed yet professional. It was a pleasure to see a high level of discussion between the delegates on a wide range of topics. Many newcomers were not reluctant to speak up. With Adam Exley from the UK as chair this year for the first time, PLC once again presented high-quality working papers. A total of six work studies were presented in Committee C, most containing recommendations to add, amend, or delete IFATCA policy. A special mention to those presenting for the first time: Olga Toki (Greece), Kurt Solomon (Jamaica), and Naoto Ishii (Japan). PLC examined the deactivation of safety nets and introduced new definitions to the technical Professional manual (TPM) as a first step. A review of the policy will follow next year. Our existing policy on Work and Rest schemes was expanded after a good discussion. There is no one-fits-all solution, as every unit has its own specificities. However, the new policy allows for a better balance between individual health and social life and work/safety performance. It was proposed that the policy on warnings for unsafe airspace/ aerodromes be deleted, as this is the responsibility of states and ANSPs. Added to our Technical & Professional Manual (TPM) was the definition of an ATCO, which was requested and welcomed particularly by states from the African region to raise awareness and the status of our profession. The existing policy on simultaneous training on adjacent positions was expanded to reflect current operations in member states. A comprehensive paper on confusion with leased aircraft markings and callsigns brought a common issue to our attention. All delegates present were challenged by the largest work study presented at a conference regarding the number of recommendations. PLC conducted a full reviewof the IFATCATraining Policy, which originated in 2007. 39 draft recommendations were discussed and voted on efficiently. A big thank you to the delegates for being practical and thorough at the same time. And to Jonne van Schaik (The Netherlands), who was on the stage for most of the afternoon, staying sharp as a sniper. Also worth mentioning is David Perks (Australia), the former chair of the PLC. He was not present at this conference THE CONTROLLER 9 MJ Bala and Lim De Wei of the Singapore Organising Committee proudly handover the IFATCA flag to Jouhayna AlMheiri, Maitha Alobeidli and Hesham Alteneiji representing the Emirates Aviation Association who will host the 2025 IFATCA Annual Conference. photo: IFATCA Archives Fateh Bekhti, Algeria, handing over the role of EVP Africa &Middle East to his successor, Ahmad Abba from Nigeria. photo: IFATCA Archives
z FEDERATION NEWS 10 THE CONTROLLER but was a special advisor to the PLC in the past year. Liraz Alfassi (Israel) was appointed in this role for next year. A record seventeen MAs showed interest in joining PLC as elected members for only twelve places. After the election, the USA offered up its position and became a corresponding member in favour of Jamaica as the next MA in line from the region. All the chairs and co-chairs expressed their sincere thanks to the Organising Committee under Mr. Lim De Wei, to Conference Coordinator Mr. Jez Pigden, to office manager Ms. Tatiana Iavorskaia, and last but certainly not least, to the Delegates of Committees A, B, and C for conducting our business efficiently, swiftly, and respectfully. Irrespective of the number of interventions, each member attending provided invaluable support. You are the Federation! Final Plenary The Final Plenary session convened upon completing the tasks undertaken by committees A, B, and C. Directors vote on endorsing committee decisions, officiating new member associations, ratifying executive board member elections, and acknowledging Federation volunteers. During this conference, special recognition was given to Duncan Auld, the outgoing PCX, who was awarded the prestigious IFATCA Scroll of Honour for his exceptional service and leadership. Additionally, Jules Ogilvie and Paul Neeringwerehonouredwith the IFATCA Award of Merit for their significant volunteer contributions. Fateh Bekhti, the outgoing EVP AFM, Alfred Vlasek (Austria), Djamel Abdelmalek (Algeria) and Mark Taylor, former EVP Finance, received the distinguished Executive Board Award. At the same time, Industry Partners L3Harris and Entry Point North were granted Charters of Affiliation as Industry Partners. In her address to the Directors and Delegates, newly appointed IFATCA President and CEO, Helena Sjöström Falk, remarked: “IFATCA needs to continue to foster an inclusive and collaborative culture of excellence by promoting international cooperation among air traffic controllers, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and setting rigorous standards for safety, efficiency, andprofessionalism. IFATCA should actively engage with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and academia to ensure our standards are at the forefront of global aviation.” In his acceptance speech, Deputy President Jean-François Lepage said: “We need to make the best use of the resources we have. For this, agility is the key: IFATCA has to be at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.” Before the formal closure of the 63rd IFATCA Annual Conference, MJ Bala and Lim De Wei of the Singapore Organising Committee proudly handed over the IFATCA flag to Jouhayna AlMheiri, Maitha Alobeidli and Hesham Alteneiji representing the Emirates Aviation Association, which was confirmed as the host of the 2025 IFATCA Annual Conference. The event will take place from 28 April 2025 until 2 May 2025 in Abu Dhabi. More information will soon be released. See you in Abu Dhabi! y nicola.niriada@ifatca.org Delegates from the Asia/Pacific Region Delegates from the Africa/Middle-East Region European Region Delegates Delegates from the Americas Region
INTERNATIONALFEDERATIONOFAIRTRAFFICCONTROLLERS’ ASSNS. z FEDERATION NEWS 11 THE CONTROLLER THE 2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD From Left to Right Trish Gilbert (NATCA USA), EVP Americas Trish served as the Facility Representative, SW Region while working at the Housten Centre. She moved on to become the Chair of NATCA’s Legislative Committee before becoming the USA's National Air Traffic Controllers Association’s (NATCA) Executive Vice President for 12 years. Trish was elected to the IFATCA Executive Board in 2021 as the EVP Americas. Ahmad Abba (NATCA Nigeria), EVP Africa & Middle East Ahmad was actively involved in the IFATCA Africe & Middle East region. First as a member of the Regional Support Group and later as the Regional Vice President West Africa until his election as the EVP AFM in 2024. He has represented IFATCA in various meetings in the AFM region including the AFI Week, APIRG and ICAO/AFCAC Coordination meetings. Benjamin van der Sanden (VNLG, Netherlands), EVP Technical Benjamin has been a member of IFATCA’s Technical and Operations Committee since 2014. He was elected to be IFATCA’s Executive Vice President Technical at the 2023 Annual Conference. Cheryl Yen-Chun Chen (ROCATCA,Taiwan), EVP Asia Pacific Cheryl was elected as IFATCA's North Asia Regional Vice President in 2019 and took up the role of IFATCA EVP for Asia/Pacific in 2021. She is also one of the drivers behind IFATCA's Speak English Program. Tom McRobert (Civil Air, Australia), EVP Finance Since August 2016, Tom has held the position of President at Civil Air Australia. He is also involved in various charitable organisations that help people in need. Tom was appointed as acting EVP Finance of IFATCA in June 2023 and confirmed in this position at the 2024 Annual Conference. Helena Sjöström Falk (SATCA, Sweden), President & CEO Helena served as President of the Swedish Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (SATCA) from 2006 to 2017. After chairing Committee A during IFATCA's Annual Conferences, she was elected as Deputy President of IFATCA in 2019. In 2024, she was elected as the Federation’s first female President and CEO. Jean-François Lepage (CATCA, Canada), Deputy President Jean-François Lepage was appointed as Liaison Officer to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Navigation Commission at the 2015 IFATCA Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2024, Jean-François was elected to serve as the Federation’s Deputy President. Peter van Rooyen (GATCSA, South Africa), EVP Professional Peter has held various positions in his home association, the Guild of Air Traffic Controllers of South Africa (GATCSA), including that of President. He served on IFATCA's Profesional and Legal Committee between 2008 up and 2018, when he was elected as EVP Professional. Frédéric Deleau (EGATS, Belgium), EVP Europe A long time board member of his home association EGATS, Fred has served as the EVP Europe on the IFATCA Executive Board since 2020. Tatiana Iavorskaia (Montreal, Canada), IFATCA Office Manager* Tatiana has been the IFATCA Office Manager since 2001. As such, she runs our permanent office in Montréal, Canada. Nicola Nì Rìada (IATCA,Ireland), Communications Coordinator* Nicola is the IFATCA liason officer on the IATCA Ireland board. As well as her international work she has a focus on recruitment. She serves as the Federation’s Communications Coordinator since 2023. DavidPerks (Civil Air,Australia), LiaisonOfficer tothe ICAOANC*/** David is a former Member and Chair of IFATCA’s Professional and Legal Committee (PLC). In July 2024, he was appointed as IFATCA’s Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission in July 2024. Read their full biographies on our website, via About IFATCA --> Executive Board (or click here) * Ex-Officio Board Members ** Not in the photo
z FEDERATION NEWS 12 THE CONTROLLER z by Omar Abdouli, Chair of the IFATCA 2025 Annual Conference ORGANISING COMMITTEE The Emirates Aviation Association (EAA) has been chosen to host the esteemed International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) Annual Conference in 2025. Scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi, this significant event will draw aviation professionals and air traffic control specialists from across the globe, further reinforcing the UAE's expanding influence in the global aviation industry. The UAE's aviation industry is a global leader, anchored by major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi and renowned airlines such as Emirates and Etihad. These airlines connect Asia, Europe, and the Americas, positioning the UAE as a key transit point. The industry is focused on sustainability and innovation, exploring alternative fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and futuristic urban air mobility solutions like air taxis. The UAE is actively testing autonomous flying vehicles, aligning with its smart city vision. With advanced air traffic management systems and supportive regulations, the UAE is poised to remain a major force in global aviation. Abu Dhabi’s selection as the host city highlights its strategic importance in the global aviation industry. The UAE boasts world-class aviation infrastructure, featuring cuttingedge airports and a rapidly growing airline sector. Its strong emphasis on innovation, safety, and the future of air traffic management aligns seamlessly with IFATCA’s mission, making Abu Dhabi the ideal location for this prestigious event. The city’s central location, world-class facilities, and experience hosting international conferences make it an attractivedestination for global aviation stakeholders. The event will also showcase Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and modern air traffic management solutions. Hosting the 2025 IFATCA Annual Conference will not only boost the UAE’s aviation profile but also offer a valuable opportunity for the region's aviation sector to engage with global peers. It will foster new collaborations, knowledge sharing, and innovation, which are crucial as the Middle East continues to grow as a hub for international travel and cargo. The conference will provide the Emirates Aviation Association and the broader region with a platform to showcase their accomplishments in air traffic control, including initiatives to improve safety, integrate advanced technologies, and effectively manage rising air traffic volumes. The Emirates Aviation Association’s hosting of the 2025 IFATCA Annual Conference represents a major milestone for the UAE’s aviation sector. As Abu Dhabi gears up to welcome global aviation leaders, the event will serve as a critical platform for shaping the future of air traffic control and aviation safety. This conference will further cement the UAE’s position as a leading force in the industry while highlighting its dedication to innovation, safety, and international collaboration. y 2030TF@ifatca.org UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO HOST IFATCA'S NEXT ANNUAL CONFERENCE IFATCA 2025 - ABU DHABI
z FEDERATION NEWS 13 THE CONTROLLER z by Jean-François Lepage, Deputy President and former Liaison Officer to the ICAO ANC I usually don’t like starting my articles with some words about myself, but for what I want to share in this publication, I think it is required. I was nominated to become the new Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission (LO ICAO ANC) in the beginning of 2015, at the IFATCA annual Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria. I succeeded Dr. Ruth Stilwell, who had been nominated by NATCA (USA) and who fulfilled the role brilliantly for several years. “Big shoes to fill”, I was told by some. Others were kind enough to introduce me to certain key players of the Federation. Someone once said to me, “Now I’m introducing you to some people I know, but next year, you will be the one introducing me”. To be absolutely honest with you, dear reader, the learning curve was steep. I hadno ideaaboutwhat I gotmyself into. The only thing I knew was that there was some pressure on my shoulder to perform, and that there was everything to learn, because I knew nothing. The first few weeks at ICAO were a mix of confusion, frustration, anxiety and the feeling of not being able to do anything by myself. Luckily, I had a good mentor. Probably the best one could imagine. She never promised I would be excellent, or even hinted I would need to one day become excellent, but she kept on repeating, “you will be the best trained LO ICAO ANC we ever had”. I interpreted the message as, “I will give you all the tools you need to do the job, but you will decide for yourself what kind of LO ICAO ANC you will become”. Why am I saying all of this? Because it is now my turn to pass on those tools to the next LO ICAO ANC, Mr. David Perks (Civil Air, Australia). I cannot speak for him, but I am sure he feels the same way I felt back then. I am also sure that he will be a much faster learner than me, given his background and experience. My role will be simple: to provide him with the best training a newly appointed LO ICAO ANC could wish for. My decision to nominate for the position of Deputy President was not taken lightly, to say the least. I have loved every single day I spent at ICAO. I have enjoyed every meeting I attended. I have been thrilled to represent IFATCA at every symposium I was invited to participate. IFATCA has become, over the years, a second family. My role at ICAO was the best position one could ever wish for: it allowed me to remain an operational controller and team supervisor for my employer, Nav Canada, while providing a unique opportunity to see and live the United Nations from the inside. I had the chance to forge a network of contacts that would make anyone envious, I occupied a front row seat within the most prestigious institution dedicated to international civil aviation, and more importantly, I was given an opportunity to shape the future of aviation, the future of OUR profession. Which begs the question: why would someone be foolish enough to give it up? Interesting question indeed. First, therewasanopportunityformetoserve our Federation in a different role. With the rest of the ICAO representatives (those I call affectionately my “Rock Stars”), we have achieved great things over the last decade. But it is my view that at this point in time, fresh blood will be beneficial for IFATCA. Second, I always promised myself that I would leave the position at a moment that would be strategically appropriate for the Federation. What is appropriate? Well, timing is the essence for such kind of transition. In the interest of IFATCA, I strongly believe we shall avoid a situation where it could be perceived that I will continue forever. This position should be dynamic, and more than one person should have the chance to experience what the role is like. Fresh blood also means fresh ideas. I do not mean by this that I had exhausted all what I wanted to do at ICAO, on the contrary. I do imply that I am a strong believer of diversity of backgrounds and ideas can only strengthen an organization. And I think Passing the TOrch IFATCA @ ICAO In 2015, Dr. Ruth Stilwell handed over the role of ICAO Liaison Officer to the ICAO ANC to JeanFrançois Lepage. photo: IFATCA Archives
z FEDERATION NEWS 14 THE CONTROLLER Every article must have a title. Something that will capture the readers’ attention, make them pause, and, if so inclined, honour the writer by giving them a few minutes of their time to read what follows. So, if you are reading this, clearly you have an interest in IFATCA at ICAO and what the future holds. However, to avoid disappointment, I must warn you this article will be, at best, an educated guess. Nobody knows precisely what the future holds in the rapidly changing world of aviation. Most of us can reflect on how much our jobs have changed over the years. As a flight data officer in Sydney, Australia back in the early 1990s, my primary task was to ‘strip’ flight plans from a printer, hand-write flight progress strips and distribute them to those Gods and Goddesses called ‘air traffic controllers’. When I eventually earned that title myself (air traffic controller – I quickly realised I was not a God!), the situational display I used had only two colours, green and black. The rate of change in our profession continues unabated. Indeed, if anything, it is accelerating. We all know change is as inevitable as it is relentless. For those of us whose primary role is to manage and implement change, this is exciting. As new technologies are introduced, new standards and procedures need to be developed so they can be safely used. As an ATS specialist, implementing change has been my role for over a decade. Before this, however, I was an operational air traffic controller for 20 years. I’ve been on the receiving end of changes that have been implemented well, and many not so well. As such, I’d like to think I’ve come to appreciate an air traffic controllers’ unique relationship with change. The performance of air traffic controllers is scrutinized like few other professions. And rightly so. Every controller appreciates that the consequences of a mistake can be catastrophic. However, what is sometimes lost is the effect this has on the individual controller. Long before an air traffic controller has issued their first instruction to a pilot, they will have successfully passed a rigorous selection exercise, completed a gruelling period of classroom and simulator training, an intense programof on-the-job training, and a multi-day validation where their every move is scrutinized. The reward for successfully completing this is a relatively well-paid and satisfying career. However, in the back of their mind, every controller understands that it can all be taken away if their performance doesn’t remain at the highest level. Is it any wonder that having worked so hard to achieve what they have, when someone wants to come in a change things by implementing new procedures and What does the future hold? IFATCA @ ICAO it is now time for this to happen. I wish for someone to take us to the next level at ICAO, the same way I will endeavour to take our Federation to the next level in my new role. Looking back at the last ten years I spent at ICAO, I am proud of where we are, and I amproudofwhatwe,my ICAO Rock Stars and myself, have achieved. Over the last ten years, IFATCA has even further consolidated its position at ICAO, increasing the number of ANC Panel, Working Group, Study Group and Advisory Group memberships from 10 to 13, co-signing multiple working papers and information papers at ICAO Triennial Assemblies, Air Navigation Conferences and HighLevel Safety Conferences, developing or contributing to the development of several dozens of Proposals for Amendments to ICAO Annexes and PANS, co-authored many guidance material documents, inter alia. IFATCA is more than ever seen as THE reference for Air Traffic Management, Air Traffic Control and Air Traffic Services matters. The Federation is extremely well represented at ICAO. When ATM matters arise, we are invited to comment, to present our perspective, or to provide expertise to bring the controller’s perspective. We are invited to speak on expert panels. Our ICAO representatives’ point of view is respected and sought after. When IFATCA speaks at ICAO, our voice is heard. I firmly believe IFATCA is in a strong position at ICAO, stronger than it has ever been. And leaving ICAO while IFATCA is in such a strong position is, to me, reassuring. Furthermore, knowing that David will take over removes a huge burden off my shoulders. With his vast expertise, acquired in Australia and at ICAO, and more recently his tenure as Chair of the Separation and Airspace Safety Panel (SASP), David is the man of the situation. What he has in mind for the future? I cannot answer for him, but I am extremely curious (I think we all are) to see how he will shape this role for the coming years. I know one thing for sure: the transition from me to him will run smoothly, and the Federation is in good hands. David, I wish you all the best for the years to come, and I do hope you enjoy this journey you are embarking on as much as I did! y jf.lepage@ifatca.org z by David Perks, IFATCA Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission
z FEDERATION NEWS 15 THE CONTROLLER rules, there is a degree of anxiety? It is completely understandable. So by now you might be asking yourself ‘What does this have to do with IFATCA at ICAO and what the future holds?’. And I haven’t said anything that most of you don’t know already. But, in my view, appreciating the effect that change has on controllers has everything to do with what those of us privileged to be representing you at ICAO do. My philosophy is that every contribution I make at ICAO, whether it was as the Member and then Chair of the Separation and Airspace Safety Panel, at the 14th Air Navigation Conference in Montreal this year and, into the future, as your representative on the ICAO Air Navigation Commission, it must result in the best possible outcome for controllers and aviation professionals. I can’t promise that rules and procedures won’t change, and I’m not sure anybody wants that. But my commitment to you is that when they have to change, the views of, and effect on, controllers will have been fully considered. Of course, I can’t be effective on my own. To paraphrase the poet John Lydgate (adaptedbyAbrahamLincoln), in aviation, there are those that know some things about everything, and those that know everything about some things, but there is nobody who knows everything about everything. That’s why I’ll continue to rely on the broad network of specialists we are privileged to have volunteering for us at IFATCA. That starts with our colleagues representing us on the various ICAO panels and working groups, each of them experts within their fields. I’ll be relying on their knowledge and advice when considering proposals for amendments to critical ICAO documents, as well as the development of guidance material. We also have our Technical and Operational Committee (TOC) and Professional and Legal Committee (PLC). Ably led by Chairs Jaymi Steinberg (USA, NATCA) and Adam Exley (UK, GATCO), these committees draw upon the experience of their members from associations around the world. In my experience, these committees are without peer when it comes to the breadth and depth of knowledge they bring to IFATCA. In my view, this is where our future ICAO representatives ‘cut their teeth’. And yes, having had the privilege of being a member of, and then chairing, the PLC, I may be a little biased! These committees propose policy that every member association can contribute to at conference. When and if it is endorsed, it will go into our Technical and Professional Manual, a repository of IFATCA policy that is an invaluable reference to those of us who represent IFATCA. Finally, there is one part of being an effective advocate that is often overlooked, the ability to network. And there’s no better segway to talk about my predecessor as the IFATCA Liaison Officer to ICAO, Mr Jean-François Lepage (Canada, CATCA). It goes without saying that JF has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during his tenure and has put that to very good use. However, it’s his ability to network at all levels, up to and including the President of the ICAO Council, that makes him such an effective advocate. At the Air Navigation Conference this year, I got to witness first-hand the esteem in which JF is held amongst ICAO representatives, employees, State representatives and international organisations. Of course, being highly regarded by your peers is one thing, being able to translate that into effective advocacy is another and JF has excelled at that over the best part of ten years. If I can even begin to measure up to JF in this regard, I’ll be satisfied. JF, congratulations on what you have achieved and the best of luck in your new role as Deputy President. On a final note, I’d like to thank my Member Association, Civil Air, for the support they’ve shown me over the years, and in particular, TomMcRobert (Australia, Civil Air), previous President of Civil Air and current IFATCA EVP Finance. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my employer, Airservices Australia, and my colleagues back in Australia. My daughters, Hannah and Laura, were 10 and 8 years old when I first began volunteering for Civil Air and IFATCA; they are now 27 and 25. Along with my study commitments over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time that perhaps I should have been spending with them. And last but certainly not least, to my IFATCA brothers and sisters, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support you’ve shownme since being appointed. With your help, I look forward to continuing the exceptional work done at ICAO by my predecessors JF, Dr Ruth Stilwell (US, NATCA) and Mr Andrew Beadle (Australia, Civil Air).y david.perks@ifatca.org IFATCA Deputy President Jean-François Lepage (left) and David Perks, our new Liaison Officer to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission. photo: IFATCA Archives
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