Rolf Knaack
Air Traffic Controller
San Ramon,CA
Summary
Air Traffic Controller with exceptional 36 year safety track record. Commended for leadership under severe pressure and superior critical thinking skills. Fluent in STARS radar systems, airport operations/lighting, and tower cab equipment.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Air Traffic Manager
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
04.2020 - 12.2020
- Worked closely with Supervisors and air traffic controllers to establish safe and productive work environment.
- Provided NASA/Air Traffic Bulletin briefings, established weekly team briefings/refresher training applying best practices.
- Established training teams and ensured top down communication between trainee, instructor, and supervisor through training reports and monthly Skill Checks.
- Documented air traffic activity to enable tracking history and maintain accurate personnel records and payroll.
- Developed and implemented air traffic schedules.
- Coordinated with FAA to determine compliance with all regulations.
- Approve/deny drone requests for activities impacting National Air Space (NAS) and Special Use Airspace (SUA). management.
- Complied with FAA Quality Assurance Order to ensure facility personnel are applying correct Air Traffic procedures.
Supervisor Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
11.2004 - 04.2020
- Directed Air Traffic Controllers at San Francsico International Airport.
- Notified airport response personnel to be ready when emergency situations were imminent or occurring.
- Continually coordinated Northern California TRACON, Oakland ARTCC, Airport Operations, and local Airlines to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
- Monitored air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient operations, and provided corrections when needed for safety.
- Participated in emergency simulations and drills to increase readiness.
- Managed training sessions to educate new air traffic controllers, applying best practices and complying with regulations.
- Developed and implemented air traffic control strategies, optimizing airspace, i.e. determined airport runway configuration.
- Provided weekly team briefings to my team of controllers.
- Plans and execute Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) considering customer needs.
- Remained actively engaged in the operation to identify safety risks (changing weather, equipment, traffic) and resolve potential problems before an incident develops.
- Communicates importance of appropriate behavior and identifies performance that deserve recognition.
Quality Assurance Training Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
02.2003 - 11.2004
- Established weekly facility team briefings.
- Entered training and certifications into employee training records.
- Participated in training review boards for trainees that were having a difficult time in certifying.
- Performed post accident/incident review and would disseminate findings to Facility Manager.
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
08.1989 - 02.2003
- Provided safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic in accordance with procedures, directives, and letters of agreement.
- Properly uses equipment and reports malfunctions.
- Provided pertinent weather and airport information as required.
- Recognized adverse situations and took corrective action before an incident developed.
- Used prescribed phraseology, performed effective inter/intra-facility coordinations.
- Collaborated well with facility supervisors, pilots on frequency, and Airport Operations personnel.
- Utilized communications systems to direct movement of pilots and ground personnel.
- Provided pilots with instructions for safe landings and takeoffs at airport averaging 1450 flights per day.
- Identified, analyzed, resolved and reported hazards and procedural issues affecting or potentially affecting safe and timely outcomes.
- Tracked aircraft movements in airspace to communicate and provide instructions to pilots.
- Assisted aircraft in emergency situations providing guidance and support.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Aviation Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, ILHigh School Diploma -
Half Hollow Hills High School East
Dix Hills, NY06.1981
Certification
- Licensed Private Pilot, 1981
Timeline
Air Traffic Manager
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
04.2020 - 12.2020
Supervisor Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
11.2004 - 04.2020
Quality Assurance Training Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
02.2003 - 11.2004
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA
08.1989 - 02.2003
Some College (No Degree) - Aviation Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
High School Diploma -
Half Hollow Hills High School East