Sponsor Biographies

Thomas Pactol
Supervisory Traffic Management Coordinator (STMC)
Northern California TRACON (NCT)

As STMC, I work with a group of highly talented Traffic Management Coordinators to ensure the traffic flows in and out of NCT airspace are safe and efficient. I also deal with airline representatives, military representatives, and civilian contractors when dealing with special activities such as, air shows, aerial photography, and military exercises. Prior to this role, I was a Frontline Manager at NCT. Due to my experience and knowledge of several operational areas I was assigned to 3 different operational areas.

After graduating from the screen at the Academy my first assignment was to LIH (Lihue Tower) on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. I know, I know…tough assignment. This level 1 VFR tower was a lot of fun with numerous VFR helicopter tour operators and a modest amount of commercial traffic. I then took a job at Bay TRACON in Oakland, CA. This level 5 TRACON was a totally new experience for me. The complexity and density of traffic was daunting and posed new challenges for me to conquer. I later became a TMC and moved to NCT with the consolidation in October 2002.

For me, the New Hire Initiative Sponsor program is a personal interest. As you see from above, I moved from a level 1 VFR tower facility to an extremely complex level 5 TRACON. I remember feeling like I was 3 feet underwater for the first few months at Bay TRACON. It is not something I want our newly hired personnel to experience. I take it as my personal mission to welcome and introduce our new hires to the challenging career of air traffic and to make their transition into the Federal Aviation Administration a rewarding experience.

Laura Stensland
Air Traffic Manager
Westchester Tower (HPN)

In my current position as Air Traffic Manager at HPN, I have so far found that managing a facility with 18 controllers and two Front Line Managers to be a fantastic, yet challenging, experience for me. Career opportunities within the FAA are endless.

My first job in aviation started in 1987 when I began working for Virgin Atlantic Airlines as a Customer Service Representative in their cargo division at Newark Airport. After working through several other positions in the industry, my interest in aviation began to grow. What really intrigued me most was the thought of becoming an Air Traffic Controller. Fortunately, the FAA was in a hiring mode and I took the Air Traffic Controller entrance exam. I was excited to learn that my grade on the exam qualified me as a potential new hire.

Approximately 18 months later, I left home for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City to begin the hiring process known as the “screen.” The screen was basically a three month “interview” to determine if you had the aptitude to be a controller. At the end there was no middle ground, either you passed or you failed. It was one of the hardest things I had ever been through but I knew what the hard- earned reward of a “pass” would mean for my future. Ten weeks later, I had passed.

Being from New Jersey, I had contemplated beginning in a less complex tower like Caldwell (CDW), or Morristown (MMU). Instead, I decided to go for a real challenge and start at Newark International (EWR) in 1991. I certified to full performance level controller in 1994, and remained a controller at EWR until July of 2005, at which point, I became a Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC). It was the best of both worlds, since TMCs have the ability to work traffic but also work on reducing delays throughout the system. Being a TMC provided a great learning opportunity for me to see the challenges of my fellow controllers working in the adjacent centers and the approach controls.

Congratulations on starting your career in the FAA. As part of the New Hire Initiative Sponsor program, I would like to welcome you and answer any questions that you may have.

David M. Uptain
Acting Air Traffic Manager
Lubbock Tower

I am currently the Acting Air Traffic Manager for Lubbock ATCT.

I began my Air Traffic career in the US Army in 1985, and I joined the FAA in 1988. I have worked at both Enroute and Terminal facilities including Albuquerque Center.

At Lubbock, I have held other positions, including Certified Professional Controller and Front Line Manager. I have served on various teams and committees, most notably on the 3rd Level Review and Arbitration. I am currently a member of ATO Mediation and lend my assistance during Pre Employment seminars held throughout the country, helping to screen candidates for employment as Air Traffic Control Specialists.

My wife, Julie, and I have 3 children. We live on a small farm and enjoy riding and training horses.

Earl W. West
Front Line Manager
Las Vegas TRACON

In 2008, I became a Front Line Manager (FLM aka Supervisor) at Las Vegas TRACON.

I started my career with the FAA when I was hired in 1991 at age 19. At that point, I attended the Air Traffic Control Screen in Oklahoma City. My first facility was Palmdale Tower (PMD, Level 1).

In 1993, I returned to my home town of Las Vegas and worked at North Las Vegas Tower (VGT, Level 2). In 1997 I was selected at Las Vegas Tower (LAS, Level 4, after reclass Level 10, then upgraded to Level 11). In 2006, I transferred to Las Vegas TRACON (L30, Level 11) as a Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC).

Alfonso Ybarra
Front Line Manager
Houston ARTCC

Mr. Ybarra reported to Houston ARTC Center in July 2005. In January 2008 he was promoted to Front Line Manager in the Corpus Christi Specialty.

Mr. Ybarra served 9 years in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller. He separated from the military in 1996 and was hired as a tower supervisor for the Department of Defense. Mr. Ybarra began his career with the FAA at Hilo ATCT in September 1997 and in May 2000 transferred to Corpus Christi ATCT.

Mr. Ybarra holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Management from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a member of the Federal Managers Association and Vice President of ZHU SUPCOM.

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