Portland FSDO Will Also Receive Excellence Award

The Portland, ME Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and Susan Parson, Special Assistant to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) General Aviation and Commercial Division, will receive National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Excellence Awards at the 2008 NATA Air Charter Summit on June 10, 2008, at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Center in Chantilly, VA.

Parson will receive the NATA Excellence In Pilot Training Award for her lead role in managing the initial writing or rewriting of several flight training reference books published by the FAA, including The TAA Flying Handbook, Aviation Instructor's Handbook and Instrument Flying Handbook. Additionally, she has been a consistent contributor to FAA Aviation News, and her articles such as "Practical Risk Management for Local VFR Flying" frequently introduce innovative ideas to the general aviation community.

Parson has been a Master CFI and ground instructor since 2004, and continues her work as an active flight instructor in Northern Virginia. For three years, she has served as co-chair of the Personal Aviation Subgroup of the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee, a position she has used with great effectiveness in prioritizing the FAA's safety initiatives in the field of flight instruction. Acting on suggestions of the Personal Aviation Subgroup, Parson produced Conducting an Effective Flight Review, IPC Guidance and Best Practices for Mentoring in Flight Instruction.

NATA says these documents were highly praised by the subgroup for their clarity and on-point discussion of topics previously covered only with a broad brush. Parson is a past deputy safety director of the Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing (CAPVW). She currently holds the position of director for standards and evaluation of the CAPVW.

The FAA's Portland, ME Flight Standards District Office will receive the NATA FAA Customer Service Excellence Award based on the high degree of customer service demonstrated by its inspectors, supervisors and manager in their interactions with Part 135 on-demand air carriers.

"The FAA personnel assigned to this office offer regulatory compliance and application guidance that is a model for the rest of the agency," said NATA President James K. Coyne. "They are willing to listen to and understand the unique concerns of the Part 135 industry as well as clearly communicate FAA requirements and processes. In addition, the FSDO works well within the broader FAA on multiple levels."

NATA notes that by setting realistic goals and agreeing in advance to the requirements of projects, the Portland FSDO excels in the timely processing of submitted programs and manuals.

NATA annually recognizes individuals, offices, and organizations demonstrating excellence in their field and the highest level of customer service to the general aviation community. These awards are given by NATA to exceptional individuals and organizations that have helped improve the general aviation community.

FMI: www.nata.aero