As we continue to face fundamental changes in the way we live and work, we are observing a new level of creativity arising. Today’s generation of young people joining the workforce are individuals that have never known a world without the internet. Our communications with one another now extend to any time or place, and the boundaries of work and home life are no longer traditional. As the global health crisis continues to change our way of doing things, those deviations have encouraged growth, introduced new ways of thinking and are expanding new opportunities for us.
We recently observed the FAA Administrator’s Awards and the 8th Annual AFN Awards being hosted virtually, honoring achievements from across the FAA and the Aeronautical Center, celebrating the exemplary work of employees, complete with digital ’applause’. Congratulations to our outstanding winners for their personal commitment to improving public service.
While the majority of Aeronautical Center employees remain actively teleworking, approximately 1,800 employees are reporting to the Center daily to perform mission critical functions. We are appreciative for your diligence in maintaining responsible distancing, wearing facial coverings, and complying with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines (and FAA guidance) to reduce the risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Unfortunately, the state of Oklahoma continues on an upward trend of COVID-19 cases, exceeding over 30,000 cases. For those of you with children in the school system, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has released a Return to Learn Oklahoma: A Framework for Reopening Schools which provides a checklist of actions and considerations that districts can use for optimal safety and learning outcomes.
We are saddened by the recent passing of Congressman John Lewis of Georgia’s 5th District. Congressman Lewis was a civil-rights leader, an advocate for non-violent protests and a key advocate in ending legalized racial segregation. He was known for being one of the "Big Six" leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington. Additionally, we are mournful over the loss of Captain Emily Howell Warner who was an American Airline pilot and the first woman to become captain of a U.S. Airline. Besides being a pilot, Captain Warner was a flight instructor and an FAA designated flight examiner holding multiple ratings. In 1974, she was also the first woman to be given membership into the Airline Pilots Association.
Speaking of firsts, we are excited to learn about Lt. J. G. Madeline Swegle becoming the Navy’s first black female fighter pilot receiving her gold wings on July 31st. It is good to see more opportunities for social change. There are prospects all around us in which we can make distinctive contributions.
If anything, this epidemic has given us a chance to reflect, to test new ways of working, and make choices in our processes to keep or change as we go along. Every day presents us with new ways of supporting our colleagues and customers.
When you think about it, every day we are invited into one another’s homes via Zoom, connecting in ways that we have never done before. We are learning new ways of adapting to barking dogs, children needing questions answered or jumping off-line to answer the door. While we may not completely return to our former way of working, we can take some of the things that we’re currently learning and continue to move forward, rethinking our strategies; embracing a new vision of collaboration, communication, cost effectiveness and culture.
Kevin and I thank you for the work you are doing day-to-day, upholding our mission of supporting the safe and efficient operations of our National Airspace System. The coping mechanisms that we are learning today will likely influence the outcomes of our future. Although developing resilience is a personal journey, it is one that we are undertaking together.
Stay safe and resilient,
Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
