CHRISTOPHER THORNTON
Manassas,VA
Summary
Experienced military and FAA supervisor with a proven track record in air traffic control, leadership, and operational management. Over 20 years of government service as an engineering technician and air traffic controller, bringing a wealth of expertise to any team. Holds a master's degree in Technical Management from Johns Hopkins University. Continues to maintain an impeccable safety and performance record throughout his career. Dual certified approach and tower terminal controller, equipped with extensive knowledge of ATC regulations, procedures, and systems.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Professional Controller (2152, IH)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
04.2019 - Current
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) Level 9 essential U.S. airport tower controller with supervisor qualifications.
- Lead and supervise the daily operations in the tower cab ensuring staffing efficiency, meeting training requirements, and maintaining a distraction-free work environment.
- Perform CIC (Controller-in-Charge) duties, working closely with Traffic Management to mitigate the impact of heavy traffic and flow restrictions on the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Provide tower clearances and ATC services to air carriers, military, and civilian aircraft under IFR, SVFR, and VFR rules in ZDC airspace, including IFR releases for Leesburg satellite airport.
- Training Instructor for the FAA.
- Successfully conducted seven classes for 35 personnel in 2022.
- Received award for outstanding performance of duty.
- Handled diverse weather conditions skillfully using Severe Weather Avoidance Plan (SWAP) when directing flights during storms or periods of low visibility ensuring safe takeoffs and landings at all times.
- Maintained current knowledge of industry trends, regulatory updates, and technological advancements to ensure consistent performance excellence.
- Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing the concerns of pilots, airlines, and other stakeholders in a timely manner.
Certified Professional Controller (2152, GH)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
06.2014 - 04.2019
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) Supervisor Qualified, FAA Level 7 – Approach and Tower Controller.
- Managed air traffic operations in complex high-volume New York Center (ZNY) airspace, including sequencing and separation of air carrier, military, and civilian aircraft under IFR, SVFR, and VFR conditions.
- Provided vectors and speed control to ensure efficient air traffic management, including RADAR and non-RADAR services in both enroute and terminal environments.
- Supervised controller activities in both tower and radar rooms, ensuring aircraft operations were handled according to safety standards and coordination protocols.
- Handled emergency situations (e.g., equipment failures, aircraft diversions) and coordinated with the Domestic Event Network (DEN) and Regional Operations Control Center (ROCC).
- Coordinated RADAR handoffs, point-outs, and air traffic control requests with adjacent ATC facilities, including Potomac TRACON, Reading Approach, and Philadelphia Approach.
Air Traffic Controller/Engineering Technician
United States Navy (Military/Civil Servant)
08.2008 - 02.2014
- Company Overview: CSC (Computer Sciences Corp.) Baywatch Atlantic Test Range.
- Provided radar advisories to aircraft operating in the Chesapeake Test Range, ensuring separation and airspace boundary integrity in compliance with 7110.65.
- Coordinated aircraft sequencing, assigned IFF transponder squawks, and ensured clearances for exclusive-use airspace.
- Assisted pilots during emergency situations by gathering crucial data for optimal assistance and coordination with additional services.
- Supervised a control tower-watch team of two Air Traffic Controllers, maintaining 24,575 incident-free operations.
- Trained 14 personnel, contributing to 24 professional qualifications and 6 FWS qualifications within a short period.
- Gained extensive experience controlling Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), including Global Hawk RQ-4, Fire Scout RQ-8A/MQ-8B, and Shadow TUAS.
- Qualified as Ground Controller and Flight Data Operator, ensuring safety and efficiency in the Tower Surface Area (TSA) and other movement areas.
Military Air Traffic Control Center Operations Manager
United States Navy
06.2005 - 06.2008
- Led a crew of 15 personnel onboard USS Nassau in daily air traffic control operations, maintaining zero airspace violations in a high-pressure environment, earning the Navy Achievement Medal for outstanding leadership and performance.
- Managed the training and evaluation of staff, leading to a division-record promotion rate and 25 ATC qualifications.
- Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all air traffic control systems and equipment, ensuring 100% mission readiness.
- Developed and managed an electronic library of 450 aeronautical charts to support operational requirements and ensure up-to-date mission planning.
Air Traffic Controller
United States Navy
06.2002 - 03.2005
- Company Overview: NAS Oceana
- Ground Control and Flight Data Operator at a Level 10 Master Jet Base, handling 250,000 annual flight operations
- Provided final control and radar data for aircraft on ASR, PAR, and PALS approaches
- Monitored ILS approaches and supported approach controllers as needed, ensuring safe and smooth aircraft transitions
- Managed the processing and transmission of aircraft flight plans and movement messages for over 650 customers
- NAS Oceana
Education
Master of Science - Technical Management
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
05.2017
FAA Terminal Skill Enhancement Workshop (TSEW) -
08.2014
Radar Training Facility (RTF) -
06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Professional Aeronautics, Minor in Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
01.2011
Certified FAA Control Tower Operator -
U.S. Navy
12.2008
Advanced Radar Air Traffic Control School (ARATC) -
U.S. Navy
07.2008
Amphibious Air Traffic Control School (AATCC) -
U.S. Navy
05.2005
Air Traffic Control School -
U.S. Navy
12.2001
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Air Traffic Control Training & Development
- Weather Analysis & Multitasking Abilities
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving aptitude
Timeline
Certified Professional Controller (2152, IH)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
04.2019 - Current
Certified Professional Controller (2152, GH)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
06.2014 - 04.2019
Air Traffic Controller/Engineering Technician
United States Navy (Military/Civil Servant)
08.2008 - 02.2014
Military Air Traffic Control Center Operations Manager
United States Navy
06.2005 - 06.2008
Air Traffic Controller
United States Navy
06.2002 - 03.2005
FAA Terminal Skill Enhancement Workshop (TSEW) -
Radar Training Facility (RTF) -
Bachelor of Science - Professional Aeronautics, Minor in Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Certified FAA Control Tower Operator -
U.S. Navy
Advanced Radar Air Traffic Control School (ARATC) -
U.S. Navy
Amphibious Air Traffic Control School (AATCC) -
U.S. Navy
Air Traffic Control School -
U.S. Navy
Master of Science - Technical Management
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
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