Bob Hatfield
Southlake,TX
Summary
Reliable Air Traffic Controller with exceptional 30-year safety track record. Commended for leadership under severe pressure and superior critical thinking skills. Fluent in automated radar systems, flight control software and full suite of advanced technologies. Highly communicative Air Traffic Controller with strong foundation in monitoring aircraft and handling emergency situations. Astute professional knowledgeable in directing pilots and providing information on weather conditions and runway closures. Careful Air Traffic Controller with crisis management experience. Deep knowledge of FAA policies and security regulations honed in busy environments of international hubs. Certified Air Traffic Controller with thirty years in en route control. Skilled in critical thinking and decision-making; exceptional at remaining calm under extreme pressure.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
08.1996 - 07.2019
- Oversaw several; emergency flight operations per government regulations for aircraft experiencing bad weather and equipment failure
- Reviewed requests for activities impacting National Air Space (NAS) and Special Use Airspace (SUA) management.
- Coordinated several domestic and international air ambulance flights on monthly basis.
- Worked closely with other air traffic controllers to establish safe and productive flow of traffic.
- Used radar and radio communications to accurately identify and monitor air traffic.
- Tracked aircraft movements in airspace to communicate and provide instructions to pilots.
- Analyzed flight plans to determine safety and accuracy, leaving no room for errors.
- Observed surroundings, alerting pilots to potential hazards and advising on altitude, speed and navigation.
- Managed training sessions to educate new air traffic controllers, applying best practices and complying with regulations.
- Utilized computerized flight planning and automated tracking systems for flight activity monitoring.
- Directed aircraft during takeoff, en-route, and landing, providing clear and precise guidance to pilots.
- Assisted aircraft in emergency situations to increase preparedness and quick response, providing guidance and support.
- Scrutinized flight patterns to determine available airspace and prevent collisions.
- Developed and implemented air traffic control strategies, optimizing airspace.
- Monitored aircraft departure and arrival times to determine accuracy and report delays.
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
06.1989 - 09.1996
- Notified airport response personnel to be ready when emergency situations presented.
- Coordinated several domestic and international air ambulance flights on monthly basis.
- Reviewed requests for activities impacting National Air Space (NAS) and Special Use Airspace (SUA) management.
- Worked closely with other air traffic controllers to establish safe and productive flow of traffic.
- Used radar and radio communications to accurately identify and monitor air traffic.
- Tracked aircraft movements in airspace to communicate and provide instructions to pilots.
- Analyzed flight plans to determine safety and accuracy, leaving no room for errors.
- Observed surroundings, alerting pilots to potential hazards and advising on altitude, speed and navigation.
- Managed training sessions to educate new air traffic controllers, applying best practices and complying with regulations.
- Utilized computerized flight planning and automated tracking systems for flight activity monitoring.
- Directed aircraft during takeoff, en-route, and landing, providing clear and precise guidance to pilots.
- Assisted aircraft in emergency situations to increase preparedness and quick response, providing guidance and support.
- Scrutinized flight patterns to determine available airspace and prevent collisions.
- Controlled arrivals and departures and transitioned aircraft across airfield and flight line.
- Provided pilots with instructions for safe landings and takeoffs at airport averaging dozens of flights per day.
- Researched continually to stay up to date on new FAA rules and policies.
Air Traffic Control Supervisor
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
01.1995 - 05.1995
- Read and interpreted plans, instructions and specifications to determine work activities and checked inventory and inspected equipment needed for job.
- Utilized communications systems to direct movement of pilots and ground personnel.
- Provided pilots with instructions for safe landings and takeoffs at airport averaging several flights per day.
- Identified, analyzed, resolved and reported hazards and procedural issues affecting or potentially affecting safe and timely outcomes.
- Researched continually to stay up to date on new FAA rules and policies.
- Reviewed requests for activities impacting National Air Space (NAS) and Special Use Airspace (SUA) management.
- Oversaw several emergency flight operations per government regulations for aircraft experiencing bad weather and equipment failure
- Worked closely with other air traffic controllers to establish safe and productive flow of traffic.
- Used radar and radio communications to accurately identify and monitor air traffic.
- Analyzed flight plans to determine safety and accuracy, leaving no room for errors.
- Utilized computerized flight planning and automated tracking systems for flight activity monitoring.
- Tracked aircraft movements in airspace to communicate and provide instructions to pilots.
- Assisted aircraft in emergency situations to increase preparedness and quick response, providing guidance and support.
- Directed aircraft during takeoff, en-route, and landing, providing clear and precise guidance to pilots.
- Developed and implemented air traffic control strategies, optimizing airspace.
- Monitored aircraft departure and arrival times to determine accuracy and report delays.
Education
Master of Science - Space Studies
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND07.2001
Bachelor of Science - Physics
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX12.1988
Business
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, TX05.1982
High School Diploma -
Huckabay High School
Huckabay, TX05.1981
Skills
- Radar Usage
- Job Training
- Clear and Effective Communication
- Emergency Situations
- Complex Problem-Solving
Astronomy and Astrophotography
I have a lifelong hobby of amateur astronomy and astrophotography. I have traveled to and photographed two total solar eclipses (2012 Australia and 2017 Jackson, WY). In June of 2023 I was invited by my old small high school in Huckabay, TX to give a 20 minute talk at a community reunion. I talked about my experience as an air traffic controller and about the upcoming (April 8, 2024) total solar eclipse, sharing maps and details of the eclipse and images of the two total eclipses I photographed. I am passionate about astronomy and space flight and I often "evangelize" about astronomy and show people (including Girl and Boy Scout groups) views through my 14 inch Celestron telescope of deep sky and solar system objects. Here is a link to some of my images on Flikr:
https://www.flickr.com/people/127802280@N06/
Certification
Top Secret Security Clearance during 30 year FAA career.
Timeline
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
08.1996 - 07.2019
Air Traffic Control Supervisor
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
01.1995 - 05.1995
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
06.1989 - 09.1996
Master of Science - Space Studies
University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Science - Physics
The University of Texas At Arlington
Business
Texas Wesleyan University
High School Diploma -
Huckabay High School
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