As the situations and adaptations of the global health crisis continue to unfold, the FAA Academy continues to provide consistency in technical training. The FAA Academy already utilizes a virtual technology infrastructure to deliver the majority of its courses to geographically dispersed students. However, like most of the education industry, all resident-based activities had to face an indefinite suspension. "While it is unfortunate that we haven’t been able to train in-person, it is really great. I appreciate the work that has gone into getting us engaged from our homes," said a virtual trainee.
Typically, the FAA Academy hosts around 14,000 trainees on-site at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) annually. Although additional moves and modifications to virtual platforms are increasing, some aspects of training still need hands-on, real-time interactions for effectiveness. Think about taking an online driving course. Eventually, the rubber needs to meet the road for practice to become practical.
When the FAA began to phase-in the Roadmap to Recovery, the FAA Academy joined a collaborative effort to identify the mission critical training activities that specifically require on-site accommodations. The process involved detailed discussions between Safety and Technical Training (AJI), Air Traffic Services (AJT), Technical Operations (AJW), the MMAC Directorate (AMC), and associated unions. As a result, it became conclusive that the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) has an imminent need for comprehensive classes. Sustaining air traffic controller and technician positions is essential to the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS), and student graduations ensure a seamless succession for future retirees.
After attaining agreements between stakeholders and gaining the FAA Administrator’s approval, the training that was deemed mission critical could resume on-location for the first time since March 2020. It is important to note that mission critical activity is independent of the FAA Recovery Phases, but still adheres to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and FAA’s polices and guidelines for safety. In addition to the regulations, both the MMAC and the FAA Academy implement site-specific plans for further precaution.
The week of July 6, 2020, the FAA Academy (watchfully) welcomed 84 students back to school with approximately 100 members of support staff. Though the global health posture remains sensitive, it can correspondingly offer some optimism. "It feels good to get back to what we do best," said Wayne Coley, Acting Deputy Director of the FAA Academy. "However, that is tempered with concerns about being safe and moving slowly in the COVID-19 situation." Collectively, gestures of gratitude from students surround the resident training restart. One student in particular finds fulfilment in the achievement saying, "I am very excited that the Academy has re-opened. I have wanted to do this since I was 12 and cannot wait to get to my first facility and actually start working traffic."
As of August 2020, the FAA Academy administers nearly 20 classroom courses focusing on Tower, Terminal Radar, and En Route curriculum. Attendance is approaching nearly 130 on-site, and 170 virtual trainees weekly. Resident students and staff alike remain appreciative of the opportunity to train in-person, and work together to achieve the safest environment possible. Whether the future holds more pause, or new normalcy, the FAA Academy will contribute to the next solution. Until uncertainty settles, "The safety of our greatest resource, our people, comes first and foremost," said Coley.
Photos courtsey of James "J.B." Goelz, (AJG-P23)
