Sherry Avery learned to fly, she says, "when dinosaurs roamed the runways." On the runway was not where Avery was meant to be... she was destined to rule from above, and became an Air Traffic Controller. Currently, Avery is Los Angeles Tower District Manager and oversees nine towers in the busy LAX area. Avery is on call 24/7 and says, "keeping track of everything is like herding cats." Avery has been with the FAA for 33 years, starting out as an Air Traffic Controller.

Avery spoke at the General Session on Friday at the Women in Aviation Conference. As with the other speakers, the message contained thoughts to help in the job search, and much of it is about attitude. A good, friendly, helpful attitude.

Avery believes listening is an essential quality as a manager. Professionalism in all employees is a must. "Part of professionalism is being seen as reliable both in temperament and attendance," Avery advises.

First impressions can be lasting, Avery advises dressing properly for your interview. Even if it's a casual company, dress tastefully. "Leave the low cut blouses and super short skirts home," opines Avery. "Although that type of clothing will get you noticed," Avery warns, "You may not be taken seriously."

At some point a conflict will arise at work. Avery advises talking to the person in a non-confrontational way. This is sometimes easier said than done. "Most people avoid doing this at all costs, they say they don't want to aggravate the relationship, which is interesting because it's already bad."

Learning your boss's job, not with the intent to undermine, but to be there if needed, may make you seem promotable. Believing in yourself is a must.

Later, Avery spoke with ANN. Avery feels strongly about the shortage of aviation employees.

"We are short at a lot of facilities," Avery admits. "The FAA has a huge recruitment effort underway to fill the gap." She vows that, "We are always going to keep the skies safe, regardless of how many people are working. What we would do is limit the amount of airplanes in the sky at one time so it's always commensurate with who you have to staff all your positions." While the airlines might not be happy with this solution, Avery knows it's safety first.

One of the FAA initiatives currently underway to increase controller numbers, are College Training Initiative (CTI) Schools. Recruitment efforts are being increased. Avery advises to check for enrollment opportunities on the FAA website. Some of the schools have two year degrees in Aviation Science, some are a full four years. One of the schools, located in Pennsylvania, has an actual tower used for training. About 20 schools exist across the country.

WAI is helping Avery in her recruitment efforts. In just the last couple of days at the conference, Avery has found some prospective recruits for ATC. "I think this is an incredible networking opportunity," Avery says. "It's great for every line of the aviation business."

More can be done, believes Avery. "I think we need to start recruiting at colleges that are not associated specifically with aviation degrees."

Asked about advice that Avery would give to the new FAA Administrator, she responds, "Keep focusing on the hiring effort. I think it'll take a little while to get back where we feel we're at the target staffing we'd like to be at."

Being a pilot, Avery realizes knowing both sides of the coin is an asset. "I think it's important to have a pilots license to be a controller." Avery says, "It gives you more empathy." About 25% of her employees have their license. Avery hopes the 'Fly a Controller' program is resurrected, allowing controllers to fly in airline cockpits and allow for additional observation.

Having experienced both sides of the coin, Avery has some pet peeves for each. As a controller, it was sometimes difficult when foreign pilots came through her airspace. Learning to fly is hard enough without having language as a barrier. "It creates too much chance for misunderstanding." As a pilot however, Avery wanted, "controllers to be patient with me."

LAX used to seem like some scary airspace, but with Sherry Avery leading the way, maybe not as much... 

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/acquisition/aja51/cti/