Samantha Hernan
Pinehurst,NC
Summary
Accomplished Air Traffic Control Specialist with a proven track record at the Department of the Army, enhancing air traffic efficiency and airspace safety through expert airspace management and stress tolerance. Skilled in radar interpretation and FAA regulations, successfully managed high-pressure situations and complex operations, ensuring seamless coordination and operational excellence.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist
Department Of The Army
10.2018 - Current
- Enhanced air traffic efficiency by effectively managing and coordinating aircraft movements.
- Ensured the prompt resolution of airspace conflicts by employing effective problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
- Served as the facility subject matter expert (SME) on UAS and sUAS operations.
- Instrumental in the creation of several different permanent restricted operating zones (ROZ) to enhance unit readiness through UAS training.
- Oversaw a diverse array of operations including but not limited to ISR, equipment drops, personnel drops, close air support, aerial gunnery, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
- Employs extensive knowledge of aviation and air traffic control procedures to create and implement Letters of Agreement, Certificates of Agreement, and several locally produced publications, including the Fort Liberty 95-1 Aviation SOP.
- Prepares and presents reports based on aviation concepts and studies, including the introduction of new aviation assets and capabilities and their effect on daily operations in the restricted area.
- Reviewed requests for activities impacting National Air Space (NAS) and Special Use Airspace (SUA) management.
- Coordinates the dispatch of the installation MEDEVAC by recording and relaying 9-line MEDEVAC requests via the Fort Liberty Pre-Hospital Emergency Management System (PHEMS). This includes creating and managing the PHEMS line SOP to ensure all agencies know the procedure and can react quickly during emergency situations in the restricted area.
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Department Of The Army
02.2015 - 10.2018
- Performed duties as an air traffic controller in an Airspace Information Center (AIC) by providing flight following services, traffic advisories, weather conditions, range information, and safety advisories to a variety of different aircraft platforms.
- Identified, analyzed, resolved and reported hazards and procedural issues affecting or potentially affecting safe and timely outcomes.
- Received and relayed clearance and control instructions to aircraft, ensuring the continued safe, orderly, and expeditious control of air traffic in the Fort Liberty Special Use Airspace (SUA),
- Used transponder codes and STARS radar to track and monitor a diverse set of aviation operations including but not limited to air assault, ISR, close air support, fast rope insertion (FRIES), and military free fall.
- Leveraged advanced radar systems and navigational aids to provide accurate aircraft positioning and routing information for pilots.
- Worked closely with neighboring air traffic control facilities to facilitate seamless transitions between controlled airspace sectors for arriving and departing flights.
- Collaborated with other Air Traffic Control Specialists to manage complex airspace situations during peak traffic periods.
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Maryland Army National Guard
04.2008 - 04.2014
- Operated and maintained fixed base air traffic control tower and ground-controlled approach facilities in Virginia, Iraq, and Kuwait. Operated and maintained tactical air traffic control equipment including but not limited to the TTCS tactical tower, the AN-TSW/7A tactical tower, the ATNAVICS tactical RADAR system, and the air traffic control simulator.
- Provided the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic within the Al Taji Airfield Class Delta airspace. This airspace has a 5 nautical mile radius, up to and including 3,000 feet, 4 GPS approaches servicing two runways, and an average of 30,000 movements per month.
- Separated and sequence a variety of aircraft, both manned and unmanned.
- Supported the 160th SOAR and the 4th Calvary Division in the training and integrating of Iraqi’s into the new control tower on Al Taji Airfield.
- Coordinated with tactical GCA and tower crews in order to provide sequencing and separation for aircraft within the area of operation. Provided weather and traffic alerts to all aircraft within the airspace and coordination with nearby airfields.
- Ensured the proper clearance was obtained for entry into the special flight rules zone (SFRA) and DC flight restricted zone (DC FRZ). Aided in the setup and tear down of tactical airspace IAW the 14 CFR Part 77. Served as the Tower Chief for the 7-Alpha tactical control tower. Managed six soldiers and ensured their proficiency and training were up to date IAW the 7110.65 and the TC 3-04.15.
- Utilized and monitored the mIRC chat. Monitored the JLENS feed and SIPR net for abnormalities.
- Provided emergency services to aircraft in distress and aircraft experiencing direct and indirect fire. Provided immediate services to MEDEVAC aircraft who have received an urgent 9-line call.
Education
Master of Science - Uncrewed And Autonomous Systems
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Uncrewed And Autonomous Systems
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida12.2024
Skills
Part 107 Certified Commercial Drone Pilot
AOV Credentialed Air Traffic Controller
Radar Interpretation
Air Traffic Regulations
Stress Tolerance
Memory retention
Airspace Management
Technical knowledge
FAA Regulations
Certification
- Part 107 License
- Certified Air Traffic Control Specialist
Timeline
Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist
Department Of The Army
10.2018 - Current
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Department Of The Army
02.2015 - 10.2018
Air Traffic Control Specialist
Maryland Army National Guard
04.2008 - 04.2014
Master of Science - Uncrewed And Autonomous Systems
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science - Uncrewed And Autonomous Systems
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
- Part 107 License
- Certified Air Traffic Control Specialist
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