Todd Pace
Summary
I bring over 20 years of experience as an air traffic controller, working in both Center and TRACON environments, where safety, precision, and decision-making under pressure are non-negotiable. Throughout my career, I’ve worked high-volume, complex airspace, coordinating seamlessly across sectors and facilities to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.
For the past 15 years, I’ve also played a key role in training and developing new hires, helping guide controllers from initial qualification through full certification. That experience sharpened my ability to break down complex concepts, adapt to different learning styles, and uphold consistent standards while building confidence in others.
Managed the safe integration and separation of law enforcement, military, and civilian UAS (drones) from manned aircraft operating within Class C and Class D airspace; interpreted and applied Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to determine permissible UAS operations and maintain aviation safety.
What sets me apart is the combination of hands-on operational expertise and long-term mentorship. I don’t just understand the job—I understand how to teach it, how to lead in real time, and how to maintain performance under pressure. I’ve seen how the operation has evolved over two decades, and I’ve helped ensure the next generation of controllers is prepared to meet those demands.
At my core, I’m someone who values safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement—and I bring those principles to everything I do.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Air Traffic Controller
FAA
10.2009 - Current
- Coordinated air traffic movements to ensure safe and efficient flow of aircraft.
- Achieved certification for tower operations
- Completed TRACON certification training
- Led training sessions for junior controllers on standard operating procedures and best practices.
- Analyzed traffic patterns to identify areas for operational improvements and increased efficiency.
- Collaborated with other control towers and agencies to enhance airspace management strategies.
- Spearheaded training development initiatives over 15 years to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Interpreted and applied Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and other FAA airspace restrictions to determine operational impacts on unmanned aircraft activities.
- Assessed airspace requirements and regulatory constraints to support safe, compliant integration of UAS operations into the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Facilitated communication as liaison for Norfolk at safety conference.
- Served as NATCA representative on review board for local and regional facilities.
Air Traffic Controller
FAA
01.2006 - 10.2009
- Washington Center ARTC
- Coordinated air traffic movements to ensure safe and efficient flow of aircraft.
- Monitored radar and visual displays to track aircraft positions in real-time.
- Communicated with pilots regarding flight plans, weather conditions, and navigational assistance.
- Managed emergency situations by implementing established protocols to maintain safety.
- Reached CPC in 2 years.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Air Traffic Controller
Beaver College
Beaver, PA8 2003
Skills
- Airspace management
- Flight plan analysis
- Traffic pattern analysis
- ATM operations
- Safety protocol implementation
- Conflict resolution
Certification
Received private pilots license while I was working towards my degree.
Timeline
Air Traffic Controller
FAA
10.2009 - Current
Air Traffic Controller
FAA
01.2006 - 10.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Air Traffic Controller
Beaver College