NATCA ERI's Political Partners

Much of the equipment used by ERI controllers is outdated.  The FAA has been attempting to institute an aggressive technological replacement schedule for the majority of control systems nationwide.  ERI, being located in the far reaches of the Eastern Region, does not rank high on their priority list.

NATCA ERI has enlisted the aid of several local and regional US Senators and Representatives.  Our "Partners" have been very instrumental in ERI's receiving new technology and shortening the timeline involved before the new equipment arrives. 

An example:  ERI has been having recurring video mapper problems for years.  The current VM is two generations behind the current equipment available.  ERI submitted PRs for the GM Cope Digital Video Map (DVM) or any newer technology, to no avail.  Within the last year it has experienced numerous failures and required repetitive maintenance to keep it functional.  NATCA ERI contacted the CoS of both Senator Specter and Rep English's offices and letters were immediately written to FAA Administrator, Jane Garvey.  The DVM's were promised post haste; however, last April's date passed, as did Fall 2000 (AEA promised new date would be Summer 2001).  In a mid-December follow-up on the ERI DVM , Congressman English was disappointed and immediately wrote Administrator Garvey.   The DVM hardware arrived at the facility today (Jan 18, 2001).  As soon as the adapter wiring is shipped, the mappers will be installed.  We thank our "Political Partners" for the incentive they give the FAA to move technology along at ERI  The following press release recognized our "partners":

News Release March 12, 2001:

Erie Airport Tower receives radar system upgrade

Due to the efforts of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and U.S. Rep. Phil English, the Control Tower at the Erie International Airport has recently replaced antiquated radar video mapping equipment.

The new GM-Cope Digital Video Mapper (DVM) is the latest in digital technology, replacing older devices throughout the FAA. Video mappers are electronic devices which place airports, final approach courses, aids to aircraft
navigation, airways (highways in the sky), emergency landing airports and other necessary operational data onto the controller's radar scopes.

"I was pleased to be of assistance in helping the controllers of Erie International Airport obtain the Digital Video Mapper," said Senator Specter.
"This state-of-the-art upgrade will further enhance safety for the regional
flying public."

Representative English said the new equipment will not only impact the safety of travelers to Erie but also encourage additional economic growth in the city."Adding to the safety of travelers in and out of the Erie airport, this
high tech equipment is an important tool in encouraging travel and therefore development in our city," English said. "If Erie and northwestern Pennsylvania are to support the economy of the future and provide jobs that will support a family, we need to have the most updated equipment to help ensure the safety of air travel in our area."

The new equipment will ensure that pilots and the traveling public will be guided by the safest, most efficient mapping system available.

"We are very pleased to receive the DVM, " Andy Chalot, Erie Tower National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) spokesman stated " it truly is a beautiful piece of equipment". Rich Pelkowski, the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Manager at the Erie Air Traffic Control Tower, was equally pleased with the new equipment. Mr. Pelkowski stated that, acquisition and installation of this state-of-the-art equipment was the result of a collaborative effort which included the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the FAA, Electronic Technicians and Political Representatives of the people of Erie.

The DVM has been operating at the FAA test facility in Bakersfield, CA for more than 4-1/2 years without adjustment or maintenance required. With efforts such as these, the numerous stories concerning the FAA using antiquated equipment in air traffic control are slowly starting to drop by the wayside, Chalot stated.

We recognize our Partners by displaying links to their websites below: