Reply to Lockheed ISGS Post

AFSS5602 Junior Member

Dear Information Systems and Global Services,

I would like to thank you for adding some good information to the flight service section of Stuckmic. This website is a very well known aviation forum where individuals can share information on jobs and the aviation industry. Since the flight service section was started there has been quite a bit of interest in employment and how Lockheed Martin is handling the new air traffic contract.

As an aviation professional, I like many of my fellow flight service specialists are dedicated to the safe and efficient operation of the flight service contract. Many specialists have significant aviation experience in professional flight and air traffic control. In addition many of these specialists have college degrees that have made them very well rounded individuals. These specialists are grateful for the opportunity to use their expertise to provide quality service to the aviation community.

On this website you will notice that there is a concern that Lockheed Martin is putting financial concerns ahead of quality and safety. As a specialist I can tell you that an already very stressful and difficult job has been getting worse each year due to job cuts. As you know there has been very little if any profit from this contract since its beginning. The problem is that the APL’s created cannot be met with our current staffing levels. By cutting people to make up for not getting your desired profit, you are in fact making it more difficult to meet those APL’s.

As you know in business you often have to spend money to make money. These specialists are your capital and more capital is needed in order to bring in a profit for this contract. A critical error that many companies have made over the past decade is occurring on this contract. That error is cutting capital to yields short term results. Many companies find as demand picks up they are caught in a situation where they cannot keep up. This is especially true for flight service since it takes years for a specialist to become a knowledgeable journeyman.

I welcome you to join in the discussions on this forum so that a healthy debate can be established.

Sincerely,

AFSS Moderator