Reminder

Hi C Area!

Open season is upon us, so please make sure to check into your health plans and options for the FSA HSA if you want to participate in that.

www.fsafeds.com

Please let me know if you have any questions about this, I would love to help you out!

Additionally, please be on the lookout for bidding MOU briefings to begin tomorrow.

We are working our way through the lines, I have been keeping a copy in the area for you to see.

C Area C-Cret Santa will begin soon, not mandatory to participate in, but fun! There will be instructions in the area tonight, along with a time frame so we can make sure Santa arrives for everyone before Christmas!

The information I’ve been receiving from you about the LWS procedures has been forwarded to Glenn Wood, who is getting a copy of the recordings and sending them to SERCO. It seems like things are slowly improving, but please keep me posted if you encounter something not-standard.

Thank you for all you do, I appreciate you & am available anytime!

Have a great week!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

It's my favorite season!

OK C Area - here we go!

The B area is done with their guides and schedule, so we can start briefing the workforce. Amy will send out an update in regards to this, but here is what I’m hoping to do with the C Area for now…..

Our plan is to select lines “on paper”. I will contact you when it is your turn to select your line, and will include a copy of the lines and what is available. The hope with selecting lines this way is that when bidding opens after all the briefings, we can start bidding AL and the scheduler can get all the lines entered into web scheduler so there is little to no delay in publishing pay period 3.

The current selections will be updated in the area, as well, so you will have continued access to where we are in the selection process.

There are some options for you to choose. If you are the first person to bid the mid for the set of days off (Monday - Friday day shifts only), you may choose between a 0530NF or an 0600 for your shift before the mid. There is an option for a 0600 or 0700 on the non-mid lines on Sun/Mon. First in seniority selecting those lines can choose what shift they would rather have. Wed/Thurs can select between 1400 or 1500 on their second day. If no selections are made, they will rotate through them.

Thurs/Fri lines - if no one elects to work a 1600NF every week, it will be rotated through everyone on those days off (including line 36).

Each day needs two 1530 shifts, they have been pre-assigned. If no one volunteers for the 1530 shifts, they will remain on those lines. Any 1430 can volunteer for the 1530 until 2 have been chosen.

When you select your line, also note if you would like to be a mid-back up, or not, and whether you would like to be on the “yes” or “no” list for overtime. A “yes” selection for the mid back up will be assigned in order of seniority if the shift is above guides, or for long term coverage. The “no” selections will rotate through if a “yes” is unavailable.

This is the schedule for you to review before I contact you. If we run into anyone who doesn’t want to do this, or there are any issues, then we will stop and wait until bidding begins in BidATC.

Please reach out with any questions. I ask kindly to be respectful of this process and use this time wisely so when I reach out to you, you’re ready.

Happy Selecting!!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Good News

Hi C Area!

Carly & I were able to work with Robello today in finalizing our shift guides and schedule. We have the schedule ready to go, but I am waiting on Robello to review it one last time after making the changes we discussed today before I send it out to you.

In the spirit of wanting to get this bidding train moving, I am proposing that we do our schedule bid on paper before Bid ATC opens up, like the D area did last year and is currently doing now. In doing this, we can get a very big head start on bidding once the B area has finished their collaboration. The only way this will not work is if anyone has any issue with this process. If that is the case, then it will not be done and we will wait until every area is complete and has everything entered into Bid ATC.

If you foresee an issue with this or do not want to do this, tell me ASAP.

A couple of things to note about our schedule…

There are 2 4/10 lines and 2 5/4/9 lines.

*** You are NOT required to take one of these lines. If it gets to you and they are the only lines left and you would prefer to not work them, there is an alternative to the line that will be noted on the schedule.

The 4/10 lines will be coded as a CWS, so they will have the option to flex and earn credit.

The rules for the AWS 5/4/9 lines are as follows:

You may not earn credit.

You may not flex (though you may request an earlier shift).

You are entitled to the differential/premium for what you work (if you work 9 hours on a holiday or Sunday, you earn that much pay)

If you get called to Jury duty, your shifts will revert back to a 5/8 for that pay period.

When you bid, you must keep track of the hours you’re bidding off (if you bid off 4-9 hour shifts as your “1 week”)

Once I get a thumbs up, we will get you a copy of the schedule and put one in the area for everyone to see. We will go over the paper bidding procedures with you all and make sure all questions are addressed. Please let me know what questions you have now and I will make sure to answer them in the next email I send out.

Thanks again for all your patience! We are getting there….

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Guides

Quick update for you all…

After we went to impass on Thursday, Drew & Dawn met Friday and were able to collaborate on guides for our area.

Our new guides and dates are as follows….

Jan 14-Mar 23

Sunday 9/8

M-F 10/9

Saturday 9/8

Mar 24 - Jun 15

Sunday 9/9

M-F 10/9

Saturday 10/8

Jun 16 - Oct 5

Sunday 10/9

M-F 11/9

Saturday 10/8

Oct 6 - Nov 2

Sunday 9/9

M-F 10/9

Saturday 9/8

Nov 3 - Jan 11

Sunday 9/8

M-F 10/9

Saturday 9/8

I will meet with Robello Monday to go over the schedule and discuss the possibility of bidding on paper and inputting it into web scheduler to speed the process up, like the D area did last year. We should be able to get through this quickly, I’m hoping to have it done Monday and I’ll keep you posted.

Please let me know if you have any questions about any of this, but I am pleased with the resolution, especially with where the numbers were initially proposed.

Have a great week!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Quickie

Hi C Area!

First - a BIG ‘ol round of high 5’s and congrats to Xylen for becoming a CPC! The 8 year plan has finally come to a close, and to all involved in his success - well done!

I had a great trip to the other side of the world to explore the coast of Northern Ireland. No rest for the weary and jet-lagged, our guide collaboration went to impass today. Amy is hopeful to meet with Takashi tomorrow to discuss guides so we can move on to the schedule and start in on my favorite season!

LWS - I know it would seem like things have gone rogue over there. Please keep track of call signs and/or times that you are experiencing something other than what our procedures spell out so I can forward that on. We tried sending Wendy over to talk with the new controllers there, but that approach obviously hasn’t stuck, so now we’re forwarding recordings of situations on to SERCO management. Feel free to email me, text me, or leave strips in my box (with context…puh-leeze) call signs, times, and a brief description of what happened.

I’ll keep you posted on anything else that comes in. Thank you SO much for your encouragement and patience. I sincerely want you to know that I would never sell out our area, working conditions, rights, or anything that would degrade our ability to do our job for speed or convenience. All this time has been worth it to preserve what is important to you.

Please reach out with any questions, and thanks for all you do!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

November Update

Hey C Area,

A big congrats and high 5s to Alex Mathers who certified on 07/11 this week! Well done to everyone who helped him towards this goal. Great job all!

Quick updates for you….

I tried locking Robello in his office yesterday but he escaped, so we haven’t finished our guides and schedule discussion. I am going to work hard at following through to get this done as soon as I can.

The AL MOU is on the verge of completion, and you will be notified once this is finalized.

I will be out of the country the evening of 11/10 through 11/15. Devin Carlisto will be available for you in my absence if you need anything while I am away. His number is 619-818-5335.

We are still looking for an Article 5 for Miguel & Logan, please let me or a sup know if you are interested, the dates are hanging by the sign in computer.

The Mini-Fridge in the back of the area… If you use it, please consider taking 5 minutes of your life and wiping the inside down so it doesn’t get disgusting. Clarification on the term “use it” - if you put something in there that you plan on consuming or you would like to get or remain cold. Could be water, pop, food, your feelings, if you need to open the door to the fridge for any other reason than to see the current status of the beginning phase of an elementary science fair project, then YOU USE THE FRIDGE. It doesn’t matter if it’s only for your mid, or only on your Monday, there is no time limit assigned to the validity of your use of the coldness.

So - my point. If you use the fridge, please pick a month and put your initials down that you’ve taken time to wipe the inside down. That would be super helpful, considering the very same people (thank you!) have been keeping that fridge clean so your consumables and feelings don’t smell, well, like they’ve been in a disgusting fridge.

That is all I have for now, I will keep you posted when we start bidding, I promise. Thank you for your patience and encouragement while your MOU team works hard to ensure that your bid experience and forthcoming year will not suck.

Happy week to you all,

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Good update

Hello C Area,

Today, the BWS MOU has been tentatively agreed upon by NATCA & management. There is still work to do on the Leave MOU, and Amy, Drew & I will continue to work hard for the workforce on that.

What this means - Robello & I can start negotiating guides and the schedule. Carly & I met today to discuss some last minute tweaks before I take it to Robello, but we are both hopeful to have this finalized by the end of the week. I will keep you posted!

Thanks again for all you do and your patience.

Please let me know if you have any questions on all this.

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Happy October

Here we are about to enter into November. My quick wit is on vacation, so bear with me as I get warmed up.

First - congrats to Jun for certifying on D07/11! Well done to him and all who made it possible. Good work!

Please help me welcome Miguel Perales and Logan Gray to the area! They are upstairs studying and have made frequent visits to the floor to introduce themselves and get familiar with us and the operation. We will be in need of an Article 5 from 2/5/24-4/5/24 for their D side training, so please let me or your supervisor know if you are interested in this by the date on the solicitation in the area (sorry, I think it’s 11/17 but I can’t remember off the top of my head).

Other than this, I don’t have a lot for you. Things are moving, albeit probably not as fast as we would like them to, with MOU negotiations. I will keep you posted with that progress. With this, I cannot negotiate with management about our schedule yet, but Carly and I are still coming up with options to present to management with as many alternate options as possible. I also talked to Amy today about back up plans for January if bidding that time becomes an issue. Know that we will have something in place if it gets to that.

Still waiting on ZLC to send us a new copy of the LOA between us and them. I ask ALL the time if it has been received yet, and will continue to follow up.

Thank you for all you do, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I am listening and taking in all the feedback about the schedule so we can do our very best to make sure your concerns and suggestions are taken into consideration.

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Updating some info for ya

Hi C Area! Welcome to the end of September. Here are some things for you….

Shutdown stuff - Lets just start with the obvious… It sucks. I know it sucks. I know you know it sucks. Gentle reminders for you however

• You can still be held accountable for sick leave abuse.

• There is no paid leave status during a shut down, so if you call in sick, you will be put on “furlough status”.

• You are encouraged to use the non-recorded line if you need to call in (253-804-3007)

• Overtime will be paid (when we get paid)

• You are encouraged to keep track of your differential pay

• If you are in financial need during the shutdown, there are organizations that are available to you. Please reach out if you need guidance for this.

• The EAP phone number is 800-234-1327

• If you have any questions about the shut down, please reach out and I will get back to you ASAP.

Eric and I were in a meeting today with ZLC and GEG discussing the AIT procedures with MSO & GPI and we had a wonderful discussion with both facilities. There are changes in the works with it, so as soon as we have something written up, you will be briefed on it.

I reviewed the last update to the Route Chan order and noticed that there was something missing, so after reminding airspace about it, you should see in your TEAM briefings soon that 09 has control from 01 for descent for PSC, ALW & RLD arrivals. I’m sorry the ball got dropped somewhere, but it will be implemented soon.

My favorite season continues to elude us, and while talks are happening on the facility level, they are still not finished. I have been told that Takashi will be here if there is a shutdown, so we are hopeful that talks will continue to work collaboratively towards an agreement. In the meantime, Carly & I are still discussing options and plans for a schedule, and we could use your input. If you are looking for some more swing shifts in your week, please let one of us know. Our dreams of the dream line schedule are still floating around in outer space, but we want to be prepared in case we are unable to facilitate that.

Remember, as much as it is a horrible feeling to be a pawn in someone else’s political game, we are here to keep the flying public safe and do our job, even when those who are supposed to be looking out for us are not. You ARE appreciated, and we are here for each other during this time, so lean on your coworkers for some mental support and encouragement. I will do what I can for the health and heartbeat of our area, so please reach out.

Thanks again for all you do

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Happy Fri-YAY!

Dear C Area,

As I write this, some feelings of happiness come to the forefront of my mind in the form of significant commendations to our fellow aspiring CPC, Zeke, for certifying on the D side lows! HUZZAH! May their trainers and all who have collectively contributed towards his budding success also receive praise for their steadfastness.

I thought I would be able to keep that up for an entire email, but I just now realized I don’t have the energy…

A couple other things for you, though!

We will be getting automated handoffs to Edmonton starting 10/5 on the mid. MD will be there to ensure everything goes off without a hitch! We MAY be doing automated handoffs with Vancouver, still waiting to hear. Expect to get a briefing on it next week.

LWS Tower. As some of you may have noticed, there are new controllers working there. The 3 controllers who had been there since the mid-90’s will all be retired or secured a new job within the next week or two, taking with them years of experience. I have spoken with upper management and airspace about the lack of proper coordination with opening or closing the position, and with the procedures and past practice that we have come to share with the facility. They are following up with this, and while I would hope that this would be a quick turn around, we know that experience and change takes time. I would encourage you to be a positive resource for the facility (like asking them to use the checklist) and please reach out to me if you feel something was executed improperly. It is being addressed, please be patient, but I am here to take note of things and encourage improvement.

We are meeting with ZLC on the 29th to discuss MSO & GPI procedures. I appreciate your feedback with this and hopefully we will be able to come up with some resolutions and encourage positive communication between our facilities.

Thank you for all you do, and, as always, please reach out if you are in need of anything.

I appreciate you!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Question for you all

Hello C Area!

Please reach out with any suggestions for things you would like to see in the area specific recurrent training coming up in October. The material is being developed, and if there is something that you think would be beneficial for the area please respond to this email and I will pass along your suggestions.

Thank you for your time! Have a great week!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-CHANGES!

Some fun news to share…

A BIG congrats toooooooooooooooooooo

Jeydi for certifying on D8/18/09!

Andreas for certifying on R47/48!

Xylen for certifying on R07/11!

Well done to you three, and to everyone who worked so hard towards their success - many thanks!

In other news…….

The new metering procedures - BFI is NOT included in them, so treat BFI arrivals like we did before the trial. We can talk about adding it when the trial is over.

We are scheduled to meet with ZLC 9/22, hoping to have more answers for you after that.

Still no updates on facility MOU negotiations. I will keep you posted.

There was something else, but I have forgotten now. I’ll send out another email if I can remember…

OK, that’s it for now. Have a great rest of your week! Thanks for all you do!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Updates for you

Happy Friday! And a Happy Blue Friday to all you Hawks fans out there!

A BIG CONGRATS to Alex Mathers for certifying on lows! Many thank you’s to everyone who helped in his journey towards CPC - Well done all!

The total time with delays - there has been much confusion in this implementation. I wanted to clarify a few things for ya….

We see the total delay in minutes (and seconds, if displayed). The TEMPL or YKM time you are currently seeing shows the time they would need to cross TEMPL or YKM for all the delay to be gone. SO - disregard the time (there is no way to change this to my knowledge at this time) and go with the delay in minutes (and seconds if displayed).

• You are NOT required to eat up the whole delay, this requirement has NOT changed. Have no more than 4 minutes (and 20 seconds, if displayed) before the aircraft crosses the C/A area boundaries. (You may have less than that if desired or if it happens naturally due to sequencing or how much time they came to you with from ZLC).

• Continue to cross the fixes WITRO or YKM at and maintain FL260.

• If you have a delay equal or greater than 2 minutes (and 00 seconds, if displayed), have turbojet aircraft cross WITRO or YKM at 250 knots. TMU will no longer be putting out a 250 knot requirement with metering during this testing period.

If you have any questions about this process, please ask and I will be happy to explain this to you or find the answer if I don’t know it.

Next item - I have heard there has been some issues with trying to hand IFR aircraft off to PSC & YKM, having to RF the flight plan and then it flashing to Spokane East, things of that nature. This should not be happening, so if it does, please print out the flight plan and give it to the person in charge so a ticket can be filed and we can figure out what’s going on.

ZOOMR is still proving to be an issue with some flight plans. If you see an aircraft that has filed ZOOMR and isn’t flying it, please bring it to the attention of whomever is in charge so we can keep tabs on this.

I regret to tell you there was no meeting to discuss the facility MOU’s this week that I am aware of. Hopefully, talks will resume soon so we can get things rolling for the areas. Once those are done, I can speak to Robello about discussing our guide numbers and a schedule for next year. I have spoken with him a few times and I’m hopeful this will help us get to a spot where we can bid ASAP. I will keep you posted as soon as I hear more.

I am STILL waiting to hear back from ZLC about when we can meet regarding MSO/GPI procedures, and I am following up with that on a very regular basis.

Please reach out if you have any questions or if there is something I can help you with. I appreciate all you do for our area to keep it moving and going in a positive direction!

Have a great weekend,

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Happy Almost September

Here’s hoping you’re enjoying what is left of summer, and that the wildfires start to subside. A BIG thank you for all your hard work and help this past week with all the uncertainty with Spokane, working all the fire fighting aircraft, and all the changes going on to support the military operations coming up. I know it all hasn’t been ideal and there has been an increased workload on the area. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

Along with the BIG thank you comes a BIG congrats to Spencer for certifying in the area! Welcome to CPC life, dude! Well done to all those who worked hard to make it happen - thank you all for your dedication to his success!

Some solicitations….

We are still in need of someone to teach area refresher. If you are interested, please let a supervisor or myself know.

The facility is still in need of some more IST instructors. If you are interested, again, please let a sup or myself know.

An Article 5 is in need for the new sup, the solicitation is in the area. You know who to talk to if you’d like to help.

I am still waiting to hear when a meeting will happen with ZLC and us to discuss MSO/GPI procedures. I am meeting with ZLC next week to go over a new airspace configuration that will be happening. Will keep you posted…

You should be asked to attend a briefing discussing automated handoffs with Edmonton and (I’m hearing things in a positive direction!) quite possibly Vancouver center as well; this should be within the next couple of weeks.

The CWG to work with TMU about what can help us when we go red has stalled out. I have been working with Matt Snodgrass about ensuring this is moving forward, and I understand the frustrations in the area regarding the phone calls and the lack of support from TMU. This is not falling on deaf ears and is being addressed, please be patient and know that both controllers and TMC’s are wanting to come to some resolutions.

My favorite season is creeping towards us. Amy, Drew & I meet with Takashi & Dawn on the 31st to discuss facility MOU’s so we can get the bidding started soon. I have been talking with Robello about a tentative schedule, and we have been visiting guides here and there. I am hoping we can meet to make some decisions soon but I will let you know as soon as I know more.

You should have received your ballots for President & VP by now, if you haven’t, please let me know. I highly encourage you to cast your vote and make your voice heard.

Gentle reminder - if a supervisor comes to you to talk about something you’re unsure of, PLEASE ask for a rep!! Do NOT let them talk you out of it! I am here for you, so if you’re unsure, check in with me and I will get back to you ASAP.

Thank you for all you do and your dedication to the safety of the flying public. Once again, know I appreciate all you do.

Have a great rest of your week, and please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Updates!

Happy Friday to you!

I had a great time being on Banks Lake for a week and spending time with my family. Glad to hear everything went well while I was gone :)

I also wanted to share that I have accepted the nomination for C Area Rep. Thank you for your continued support of me in this position. My goal has always been and will continue to be doing what is best for the area and those who inhabit it. I not only appreciate but welcome feedback when it comes to how our area operates, and I will do my best to ensure your voices are heard and valued.

There are a couple of updates to share with you, unfortunately nothing ground breaking, but I want you to know that things are moving behind the scenes.

There were many goals in the development of the GPI/MSO procedures: Help our fellow coworkers in ZLC who are desperately short staffed, streamline the procedures to help things work more efficiently, incorporate procedures ZLC has with MSO to be similar. There were many hands and minds involved in the process, and while our intent was good, the outcome and actually implementation did not turn out how we had hoped. Having said this, I have requested that we meet with ZLC and GEG to discuss what is and isn’t working right now. We have a very good idea of what isn’t working for us, but we will meet with them (soon, I have asked) and see what we can do about coming up with a better solution. I have had a lot of feedback about this, and while I would be happy to list off the concerns, know that they will be addressed. Eric Winn is the C Area Airspace Rep and also is well aware of what needs to be revisited. I will keep you posted when we hear more. Thank you for your hard work with this and your patience while we go through the trial and error process.

Automated hand offs with Edmonton Center should be up and running mid-September. Be on the lookout for a briefing about this. Automated hand offs with Vancouver are in the works. The hope is we get an LOA done soon and they start at the same time as Edmonton, but no word as to whether or not that will be the case. I’ll follow up when I hear more.

Eric & I are meeting with the A Area and TMU today to discuss showing total delay times for metering. I will update you when there is more to share.

To the best of my knowledge, we are still moving forward to create a CWG to have a rep from each area work with TMU about delays and suggestions to help areas out. I will follow up with this so hopefully I have more to share in my next email.

My favorite season update - none really. Carly & I met with Robello before I left and discussed guide numbers, we need to get together again and finalize that before we get into schedules and start times.

I hope this finds you enjoying your summer, or as much of it you can from the parking lot. There is still a lot of overtime going around, but know that you are appreciated for your hard work and sacrifices.

Please let me know if you need anything or have any suggestions, comments, complaints (with suggestions or solutions) or questions. I am here for you!

Thanks for all you do,

Crumbley

360-635-8244

We made it to July

Hi C Area!

Here’s hoping you had a great 4th, and if you worked, thank you so much for being here. The swing is a difficult one to get home from, so I truly appreciate your time and effort!

First - a big CONGRATS to the Rodriguez Family with the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Frankie! Her picture is in the area for your viewing pleasure - welcome to the great parenthood adventure, J-Rod! :)

Congrats and High 5’s to Andreas for certifying on 07/11! Welcome to the eligible for overtime gang, we have T-shirts. (no we don’t but it sounded fun)

In other news, I will be on vacation and will not be available to be reached due to my own choices, but Devin Carlisto has graciously offered to be available if you need anything before I return. His number is 619-818-5335. I’ll be gone the 14-24th of July. If you have any questions about this, please let me know.

I’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not, but there is a supervisor in our area that spends his spare time dreaming up new ways of making my life difficult, or maybe just giving us learning opportunities as to what sups are NOT supposed to be doing. At least, that’s how it would seem. If you hear something from this sup that doesn’t sound right, like us taking Spokane’s airspace on mids, PLEASE reach out to me right away so I can make sure it is dealt with. **We are not taking Spokane’s airspace on mids

**PRC’s are to be conducted away from the area, and certainly not while you’re working live traffic. You also must be afforded the opportunity to review the FALCON replay and listen to the recording (Article 95 section 2 & 3).

OK - other updates

• I met with a bunch of very smart guys about the frequencies in our area. We are looking into cross-coupling, but only 2 frequencies can be cross-coupled at a time. I would like some feedback if we are able to do this on lows. What would you like to see…? 18/8? 18/9? 8/9? Not at all? We can cross couple 07/11 and 47/48 but when the highs are all combined, not all 4 freqs. (If you’re not familiar, cross-coupling would allow pilots to hear what is being broadcast on the other frequency which would reduce them stepping on each other so frequently).

• QLC UHF frequency has had some intermittent staticy noise on it, I believe it’s from a radio station that is crossing over onto the frequency (praise God I’m not in charge of all this, I’m trying to recap without attempting to get too technical). The idea is to reduce the filter level at the site and hopefully the interference will stop. It might reduce the coverage, but not by much.

• PUW BUEC was requested to be an RCAG. It sounds like that is an option, which will give us a main and standby TX & RX at that site, and would make the Cottonwood RCAG a BUEC. We don’t have room for another RCAG, so just adding PUW as a RCAG is not an option. If the funding comes locally, then the change may be able to complete in a few months. If it has to come from outside the building, it could take a few years.

• It was suggested to see what we can do to increase 118.55’s coverage on the east side of 48. It’s not as big of a deal now that we don’t have as many DH8’s across our airspace, but they said now was the time to ask so I figured I’d throw it out there. The technicians are going to see if there is anything they can do to increase the coverage there.

It’s coming up on my favorite season, and Carly has been working hard to put together a schedule that will totally rock. I know she talked to some of you about what you would like to see, and we will work hard to address everyone’s requests. It’s not always an option, but I understand if we can get you something that makes your life outside of work better, that is a huge goal. If we can bid 37 (which is what we’re projecting right now….) there might be some options for 4/10’s or 5/4/9 shifts. Be aware - if you do want or end up bidding a 5/4/9, you CANNOT earn credit. It’s an administrative thing and I’m happy to give you the Crumbley version of why that is if you want to know. No promises on the alternate schedules, but know that effort is being made on that front. Please let me know if you’re interest in a 4/10 line or 5/4/9 line so we know where to focus our efforts.

I think that might be everything for now. I am here for you if you need anything, and PLEASE reach out with any questions or concerns and I will do my best to address them. You’re never bugging me, but if I’m busy and I don’t answer right away, know that I will as soon as I’m able.

I appreciate you!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Updates for you

Happy Mid-June C Area! Just a few things for ya…

First - a BIG congrats and oodles of HIGH 5’s to JR for certifying on 47/48, joining the ranks of CPC! Many thanks to all the OJTI’s and fellow controllers who helped along his journey to success! Well done, all!

Additionally, lots of congrats and high 5’s all around to Jun for certifying on D47/48! Great job to all the controllers and OJTI’s who aided Jun in his success! Congrats!

Housekeeping - Still looking for someone to please wipe down the fridge in the back of the area for June.

Training checklists - if you see something that maybe shouldn’t be on a list, please make a * respectful * note on the checklist or email or text me what you would like to see changed. I am hoping the lists can be reviewed soon to make sure they are accurate and helpful towards training.

Glenn Wood has been given the info for the KPSC, KALW, KRLD arrival agreement between sectors 09 and 01, basically giving sector 09 control for descent for these three airports. Hoping it gets added to the route chan soon and briefed to the floor, but do watch for this in the future.

I also just received an email from Glenn about the aircraft using HOODOO without coordinating correctly. It sounds like NUW will be changing their internal SOP so it will be a requirement for an outside user to get a full briefing on the NAS scheduler on the airspace and how it works. Please let me know if this is still occurring or if you’re having any more issues with this.

I have been told about ZLC allowing aircraft to merge over PDT at the same altitude. I had a conversation with the ZLC VP and the area rep for U41. They are going to put it out to the workforce to remind the controllers to alleviate this situation if they see it building. Again, keep me posted if this isn’t resolving.

Summer is upon us, so I will throw out a gentle reminder to review your schedule as we have people on leave and you may be used for coverage here and there on shifts you weren’t expecting to have. If you have an overtime shift that you cannot work due to life (what? you made plans on your day off??), please help your fellow controllers by not leaving their shift short. Ask me to help you with ideas if you’d like, see if there is someone you can swap shifts with, or if there is someone who can cover your shift for you. Pay it back later if you can help cover for someone else at another time. I know time off is valuable and we all need that time away from the building, so please remember that we’re all in the same boat with not wanting to work short.

The C Area time slot to talk to the team to review frequency issues is the 28th at 8:00am. We are looking to make the Cottonwood BUEC the main since we use it so much, and the question about cross coupling has been brought up. I will let you know when the meeting is over how it went and what the results were.

Happy Fathers Day to all you 2-legged and 4-legged dads out there!

As always, I’m here for you if you have any questions, comments, or concerns you would like to see addressed. Please reach out if you need anything.

Thank you for all you do, I appreciate you!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

Lotsa Stuff for you

Here we are at the end of May. I have a lot to share with you and ask for your input on.

So - please read through to the end and know I do very much want to hear from you!

A few general announcements and info to share…

• A big WELCOME BACK to Blaser! We are so happy to have you back on the floor!

• Congrats and many high-5’s to Xylen for certifying on all the lows! A big thanks to all who helped him reach his goal. Well done!!

• Andreas is almost done with the dysim, we are looking forward to having you on the floor soon!

Some general info for ya…..

• I am still working on getting control for PSC arrivals from 01 for descent. The Route Chan order is being reviewed to have the section on control cleaned up a bit, so my goal is to have the new procedues included in this change.

• Airspace has sent an amendment to the depiction of the airspace where 01/09 overlap near ELN that will mirror what the LOA says to dispel any confusion on who has what altitudes. Be on the lookout for this change to take place.

• A gentle reminder - if a supervisor requests to talk to you and you aren’t sure if it’s involving or could lead to discipline, PLEASE ASK FOR A REP IF YOU’RE NOT OFFERED ONE. I (and any other area or facrep member) would rather you ask for one and it be nothing than you wishing you would have had someone in the room with you. If you have any questions about this at all, PLEASE ask!

• Our last round of IST went over EAP and CISM. I know it’s a public environment, so I thought I would send this contact info to you privately so you can save it if you wish. I encourage you to do so, but please don’t feel like it’s mandatory.

  • EAP 800-234-1327 http://www.magellanhealth.com/Member

  • CISM 202-505-2476 CISM@NATCA.NET

And, my favorite part……. How you can help!

• If you are interested in being the C Area QA Article 5, please let me know

• Tell me your thoughts on seeing the total delay for aircraft arriving SEA (not that we would take the total delay, but that we could see their total time and work with the A Area as to how much delay we would leave them with)

• I know these emails can be long, but the E-Board is working to get recording equipment to create a podcast of sorts. Please let me know if you’d be interested in hearing me drone on, or just reading me drone on in your own voice.

• If you have any thoughts on the Constitutional Changes that are being proposed, please let me know via text or email so I have a written record of your thoughts. I will share those with Drew and Amy as they get ready to share the facility’s position on the amendments being put forth. I strongly encourage you to attend the facility meeting Monday June 5th at 1:00. If you’re not able to make it, they will be sending out a link that you can listen to it through. This is your opportunity to share directly with them your position on these issues and get instant feedback from them.

• Thank you Liz for volunteering to clean the fridge in May! We need some more people to step up and pick a month to wipe down the mini-fridge in back of the area. Thank you for your help!!

• There will be a team of FAA Engineers (the radio technician peeps) at ZSE June 27-28 to do an audit of our existing Radio Frequency Interference and coverage problems. They are inviting a NATCA rep from every area to discuss the issues their area is having with this topic. Please let me know what issues you would like to have addressed, and I will send them to Garrett who is spearheading this. Be as detailed and thorough as possible, sector number, VHF/UHF, channel numbers, site names, and an overview of the issue in operational or practical terms. I will need this info before June 16th. If you would like to be the C Area point of contact for this, please let me know.

That’s all I had on my list. Thank you for all you do! I appreciate you and am available if you need anything.

Happy Memorial Day to you all!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

c.area.natca@gmail.com

Fridge and stuff

Happy April C Area!

I want to start off by congratulating Jackie Knox for getting a permanent position in Airspace! He has officially vacated the C area, which means we are in need of an Article 5 for Airspace. If you are interested, please let me know.

The status of the fridge behind the area (yes, there is a mini-fridge back there) has reached the status of 4th grade science fair award winner. Management is happy to throw the fridge away, but I will put that off for as long as we can, or as long as people are wanting it back there. I am going to clean it out today (MyTy sent me to work with 409 and gloves), but we as an area need to work together to keep the fridge from sending us into an ATC-0 status.

There will be a sign up sheet at the fridge, please pick a month and wipe down the inside and throw away anything that looks like it’s starting to colonize.

With all the overtime we’re starting to see, please let me know if management is doing anything weird with cancelling/adding….basically if management is having any “oversights” when it comes to following the MOU or contract.

As a reminder - I’m on vacation starting tomorrow. Devin will be around if you need any assistance before I get back.

I appreciate you all, have a wonderful Easter!

Crumbley

360-635-8244

2 Happy Guys

A few updates for you to round out March.

First - I would like to welcome Christopher Costanzo to the C-Area! He has been great about coming down to visit the floor and monitor the operation. Welcome Christopher!

Our 3 new D-side trainees will be joining us on the floor full time this week. There will be a LOT of training happening in the area, which is a great thing. A couple of gentle reminders for everyone…..

• We will all be impacted by the amount of training we need to get accomplished so we can get people certified. Please be patient and kind when it comes to getting our trainees time.

• Please remember to check your schedule on a regular basis! There is a lot of overtime coming down the pike as we roll into summer, and I completely understand that we can’t schedule our lives outside of work based on if we might get assigned overtime. Having said that, if you need out of your overtime, please do some leg work and see if there’s anyone you can swap with or cover part of your shift. If you need a 2nd set of eyes to help you navigate this, please reach out, I would be happy to look at this with you.

We finally got the ZSE/ZLC LOA back and I will review it soon. Pending everything looks good, you can expect to be briefed on it mid-April before it goes into effect towards the end of April. I will keep you posted.

I will be on vacation 4/6-4/15 and while I may be able to be reached if I am in cell service, I don’t want there to be any confusion on whether or not I care or want to be contacted. Having said this, I would rather you have Devin to fall back on while I’m out of town (thank you for being available Devin!) or you can save your concerns/complaints/comments/questions for when I return. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask.

There are no recent updates on the chair situation, but I will follow up with it and keep you posted. There have been some concerns about the broken or slow-moving chairs in the building but there has not been any follow up lately with it.

I am happy to report that both CZ and PM are in possession of the photo frames that were signed for them!

As always, I am here if you need anything and will do my best to ensure you’re getting info in a timely manner. Thank you all for everything you do, and know I appreciate you!

Take care,

Crumbley

360-635-8244