atct/ tracon - Air Traffic Control

Peoria International
ATCT/ TRACON
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter
Peoria Tower/TRACON
Leadership Team
Our Expectations of All Employees
Policies
Local Area Information
Attractions
Sporting and Special Events
Area Restaurants
Online Resource
Peoria International Airport
Airport Diagram & Map
Directory
3
4
6
9
10
11
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
2
Dear New Employee,
Welcome to Peoria Tower! Here you will have an opportunity to work with an
outstanding team of professionals that help make us a great place to work and develop
your skills. Your knowledge, abilities and positive attitude made you a highly
regarded addition to our team, and I am certain that you will make a positive impact
on our future.
All of us want to make your tenure at this facility as enjoyable and rewarding as
possible. Please feel free to ask any questions and express your thoughts and ideas to
the staff and senior leadership. Our aim is to create an informal atmosphere and
involve everyone in the process of making our facility an exceptional place to work.
I look forward to working with you, and would like to welcome you again to our
team!
Sincerely,
Brian Smith
Peoria Tower/TRACON Manager
3
Peoria Tower/TRACON
Peoria Tower/TRACON (PIA) controls the Peoria class C airspace under the
Chicago Center (ZAU) airspace. The facility is a level six and operates 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year. Located four miles west of Peoria, the airport consists of two
crossing runways (04/22 and 13/31) with 13/31 being the longest at 10,104 feet.
Instrument approaches include VOR/DME or TACAN, ILS, NDB, and RNAV.
Peoria hosts several air carriers including Allegiant Air, American Eagle,
Delta, and United Express. They offer flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las
Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Tampa. Also, cargo carriers FedEx and UPS
operate out of Peoria nightly.
The 182d Airlift Wing Illinois Air National Guard, which operates C-130
“Hercules”, calls Peoria home. The Illinois Army National Guard also operates CH47 “Chinook” helicopters. As a controller at Peoria, you will be handling military
operations on a daily basis as the Air and Army National Guard perform tactical
exercises.
The airport is also home to several corporate jets for Caterpillar, Maui Jim,
and RLI Corporation. The FBO, Byerly Aviation, operates several chartered aircraft
out of the airport. In addition to the air and cargo carriers, military operations,
corporate, and chartered flights the airport is also used by general aviation pilots.
Within the Peoria airspace are a variety of public airports and hospitals with
helipads. To assist over flights and pilots getting to and from these airports,
TRACON utilizes ASR-11 radar system with ARTS IIE scope. The largest satellite
airport that we provide RADAR service to is Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
in Bloomington. BMI is utilized by both general aviation and airlines including Air
Tran, American Eagle, and Delta.
4
History
Charles Lindbergh loading mail on his first
airmail route
Peoria’s history in aviation began on October 9, 1911 when the first aircraft
landed at what is now Peoria Stadium. Later, in 1926, a young man named Charles
Lindbergh arrives with the first airmail. Peoria, along with Springfield, was one of his
stops on the route from St. Louis to Chicago. It is said that Lindbergh offered Peoria
the chance to sponsor this trans-Atlantic flight but refused. His plane would have
been called the “Spirit of Peoria.”
As the 30’s came, commercial passenger travel grew along with the size of
aircraft. This required longer runways, and a need for a new airport. In 1932, Peoria
constituents voted to have an airport after being twice defeated. Once the airport was
completed several airlines, including American Airways (now American Airlines)
utilized the airport. As airplanes and commercial air travel continued to grow over the
years, the airport continued to accommodate that growth.
In 1959, a new terminal, which includes our offices, TRACON, and tower
cab, was built. In April 2011, the airport opened its’ new $65 million terminal. Plans
are being made to build a new tower, in order for the old terminal to be demolished.
5
Leadership Team
Air Traffic Manager: Brian Smith
Hello, my name is Brian M. Smith. I have been the Peoria
ATCT manager since August 2009. I have been employed by the
FAA since August of 1985. My first facility was in Bloomington, Il
(BMI), a VFR tower. In January 1989, I transferred to Peoria. As
enjoyable as the time at BMI was, I wanted to expand my
experience in the FAA. Peoria was a good transition for me,
because it was a combined Tower/TRACON facility. This allowed
me to experience both parts of the terminal world. I gained a
great deal of experience in the environment PIA offered. I have
also been fortunate enough to be a controller selected to work the EAA Air Venture
Air Show in Oshkosh 9 times. My son has kept me attached to the Peoria area since.
IN July 2006, I became a Front Line Manager. A few years later, the opportunity rose
for me to become the Facility Manager. I have enjoyed the challenges that have
crossed my paths. I am also excited about the direction the Air Traffic Organization
(ATO) is headed. We are about to embark on a whole new way of handling airspace
and aircraft. I enjoy and am very proud of my profession. This job requires a lot of
teamwork, which has led me to meet and work with many wonderful individuals in my
career.
In my time away from the facility, when I am not engaged with a teenage son,
I officiate basketball and baseball at the high school and collegiate levels. I also
enjoy riding my motorcycle and scuba diving. The FAA has been a very enjoyable
career for me. It sure seems like a long way from lying in the backyard during the
summers, as a kid, listening to airplanes talk to ATC while on finals for Milwaukee’s
Mitchell Field or Chicago’s O’Hare field.
In closing I would like to thank you for your interest in Peoria Tower. Please feel free
to call with any question you may have or to set up a facility tour. I look forward to
meeting you soon!
6
Front Line Manager: Jay McKinty
Jay graduated from the ATC co-op program at
Southern Illinois University, and entered the FAA
in 1991. He became a controller in 1994 at Grand
Forks, North Dakota (GFK). In 1997, Jay
transferred to Peoria where he became a Front
Line Manager in 2010. When not at the facility,
Jay enjoys spending time with his wife, who is a
school teacher, and three boys. Jay also coaches
youth football, basketball, and baseball.
7
Staff Specialist: Gary Main
Gary Main joined the FAA in 1982, with prior
experience as a military Air Traffic Controller from
1975. His first FAA facility was here at PIA, working
at both Peoria and Bloomington over the years. As
Support Staff Specialist, his duties range from quality
assurance, training, airspace and approach
procedures to pretty much the ‘go-to’ guy. He and his
wife, Carol, reside in Morton, IL along with their son Ben, and daughter Lindsay
currently away at college. The majority of Gary’s spare time is spent with youth
sports and community service.
Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Schupbach
Jennifer Schupbach is Administrative Assistant at the Peoria ATCT, joining
the team in July, 2007. Prior to the FAA, Jen has worked in the advertising industry
and in various non-profit organizations, including The
Nature Conservancy and Lifeline Pilots. However,
having always had a love of aviation and holding a
Private Pilot Certificate, working at the FAA has made
for a good mix in all respects. Along with her husband,
Phil, also a Private Pilot, family and travelling top the
list of enjoyment followed closely by the love of Golden
Retrievers. “Peoria is a wonderful place to raise a
family, a welcoming place to work, and though travels
take us away for awhile, this will always be home”.
8
Our Expectations of All Employees
The leadership team at Peoria ATCT/TRACON expects all employees to:
Come to work, be on time
Be prepared – mentally and physically
Understand leave policy and manage your leave appropriately
Be cooperative and professional
Treat people with respect and dignity
Take initiative
Be accountable
Lead by example – be a good role model
Do not tolerate or engage in any form of harassment or discrimination
Actively participate in training
Know your airspace and systems, know your equipment
Use prescribed phraseology/correct facility and equipment names
Follow rules and procedures
Be open to feedback – provide honest information
Be an effective team member
9
Policies
Reporting for Duty
Once arriving at PIA, call the Administrative Office (309-697-0751 or 309-6971363). Someone will greet you at the exterior door to the tower building.
Hours of Duty
PIA is a 24 hour facility. You will initially be assigned to an 8 ½ hour administrative
shift for classroom training, which includes an unpaid lunch break. When you begin
on-the-job training, you will be assigned to either permanent or rotating days off.
Normal shifts are 8 hours in duration with a minimum of 9 hours off between shifts.
Parking
Employee parking is available and mandated by the Metropolitan Airport Authority
of Peoria (MAAP). A permit will be issued, which shall be hung from your rear-view
mirror.
Cell Phones
Electronic devices of any kind are not permitted in the operating areas due to
potential interference issues. Please turn electronics off while in these areas.
10
Local Area Information
As the largest city on the Illinois River, Peoria sits right in between the cities
of Chicago and St. Louis. Each is about 170 miles, or a three hour drive. Peoria is
also the third largest metropolitan area in the state, only after Chicago and East St.
Louis. The city became famous for its representation of the average American and
mainstream culture. In 1890, the renowned question “Will it play in Peoria?” derived
from the vaudeville theaters. This has become a metaphor for how successful
something will appeal to mainstream America.
Peoria is home to several world headquarters including Caterpillar Inc. heavy
equipment and engine manufacturer, Maui Jim sunglasses manufacturer, and RLI
Corp. insurance company. There are four public K-12 school districts in the Peoria
Area. There are also several Catholic, Christian, and other private schools. There are
also multiple higher education opportunities with Bradley University, Midstate
College, Illinois Central College, and Robert Morris University, and nearby Eureka
College.
The health-care industry in Peoria
is so outstanding, that it accounts for at
least 25% of our economy. The Hospitals
include Methodist Medical Center, OSF
Saint Francis Medical Center and Proctor
Hospital. Also, in close proximity is
Eureka and Pekin Hospitals. St. Francis
is the largest, with over 700 physicians
and top of line technological equipment.
It includes the Children’s Hospital of
Illinois, which is a St. Jude Children’s
Research affiliate. Health-care education
is prominent with both Methodist and St.
Francis having nursing schools. Also, St. Francis is home to the University Of Illinois
College Of Medicine. We also have the largest USDA research facility, the National
Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. This is where the mass production of
penicillin was invented.
11
Average Precipitation
& Temperature
12
Attractions
Distinct Midwest seasons allow us to host a variety of festivals, attractions and other
fun in our communities, big and small. Whether you visit the Botanical
Garden for spring blooms, local wineries, O'Brien field for hot dogs and soda at a
summer baseball game, the miles of fairway, the Morton Pumpkin Festival in its
autumn prime or a glass blowing studio and gallery, you'll experience a new kind of
fun each and every time. Come and “Play in Peoria!”
The beautiful Gateway Building
was designed and created to be the focal
point of Peoria's Riverfront. The
Gateway is conveniently located
downtown just one block from Interstate
74 and is within walking distance of
hotels, major businesses, and many
restaurants.
“The Spirit of Peoria”
Turn-of-the-century paddle wheeler
available for sight-seeing, themed
cruises, private charters, and
overnight excursions to Starved Rock
State Park and the Saint Louis
riverfront
13
Sports
Since we are centrally located between Chicago and St. Louis, many residents
are able to easily travel to enjoy some of the major city professional sports teams.
However, Peoria is home to several teams both professional and collegiate. Most
notably are:
The Peoria Rivermen are an AHL professional hockey team. They
play at the Peoria Civic Center, and are affiliated with NHL’s St. Louis
Blues.
The Peoria Chiefs are a class A Minor League Baseball team. They play
at O’Brien Field, and are affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.
The Bradley University Braves are a part of the Missouri Valley
Conference. Athletics include baseball, basketball, cross country
running, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Perhaps most
recognizable is men’s basketball. They have participated in the NCAA
tournament eight times, and most recently appeared in the Sweet
Sixteen in 2006. The Braves also play at the Peoria Civic Center.
14
Special Events
Peoria hosts the Steamboat Classic and Race for the Cure running races. The
Steamboat Classic is a 4-mile event which draws over 4,000 participants. The Susan
G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s
largest fundraiser for breast cancer education
and research, with over 14,000 people
participating in the event. The Foundation is in
memory of Susan G. Komen, a Peoria native,
who died from breast cancer.
Peoria has great events and festivals for all to
enjoy. One is the Taste of Peoria. Here you can
enjoy samples from a wide variety of restaurants. Live entertainment, drinks, and
specialty cocktails are also available. Another great event is the Steam Boat Festival.
This features world-famous sports, carnival, food, music, and entertainment. In July is
the Heart of Illinois fair, which includes all the great things that are typically involved
with fairs. During the holiday season East Peoria hosts the Festival of Lights, which is
a two mile drive through animated light scenes.
Area Restaurants
15
Local Area Restaurants
Avanti's, central Illinois' most award-winning Italian restaurant,
a customer favorite since 1966, and home of the famous Gondola.
It's Midwestern Steak House Fare at its finest. Comfortable, casual dining with
emphasis on quality and service. The menu features succulent, savory Midwestern
beef, served sizzling on the table. Fresh pond-raised catfish, award-winning ribs
and that special touch on cocktails, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts ensure a
memorable dining experience.
At Kelleher’s we offer traditional Irish fare as well as
American Style pub food. Along with our food we offer 20 micro or import drafts
and 90 different bottled beers. We also have Peoria’s best liquor selection and a
reserve wine list. Here at Kelleher’s we’re sure there is something for everyone.
And remember everyone’s Irish when they step into Kelleher’s.
16
Online Resources
Local Area Resources
http://www.peoria.org/
http://www.city-data.com/city/Peoria-Illinois.html
Chamber of Commerce
http://www.peoriachamber.org/
Housing
http://www.realtor.com/peoria
http://www.apartmentfinder.com/Illinois/Peoria
Local News
WEEK: http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com
WMBD: http://www.centralillinoisproud.com
Peoria Journal Star: http://www.pjstar.com/
Public Schools
Peoria District 150: http://www.psd150.org
Peoria Heights District 325: http://www.phcusd325.net/
Dunlap District 323: http://www.dunlapcusd.net
Limestone District 310: http://limestone.k12.il.us/
Local Sports Teams
Baseball: Peoria Chiefs http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t443
Hockey: Peoria Rivermen http://www.rivermen.net/
Bradley Braves: http://www.bradleybraves.com/
17
Peoria International Airport
Photo Courtesy: Thomas Dittmer
18
19
Contact Peoria ATCT/TRACON at:
FAA Peoria ATCT/TRACON
General Wayne A. Downing
Peoria International Airport
6100 E.M. Dirksen Parkway, 5th floor
Peoria, IL 61607
Phone: 309-697-0751
Fax: 309-697-9711
Administrative Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
20
– END –
[Please do not delete the “end page” section, as it is required to maintain section
definitions within the document. You may discard this page once the document is
printed.]
21