Denver TRACON (D01)

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Welcome Letter

Dear New Employee,

Welcome to Denver TRACON! Here you will have an opportunity to work with an

outstanding team of professionals that help make us a great place to work and develop

your skills. Your knowledge, abilities and positive attitude made you a highly

regarded addition to our team, and I am certain that you will make a positive impact

on our future.

Several techniques and procedures of Air Traffic Control at D01 may be new to you.

Denver TRACON is delegated airspace within the Class A stratum. Denver

International Airport is located within Class B airspace. Inter-facility operations are

performed with Denver ARTCC, Colorado Springs Approach, Cheyenne Approach,

and numerous Control Towers. We are located within designated mountainous

terrain. Our facility was the 1st to conduct triple simultaneous ILS approaches, which

is 3 aircraft side-by-side on final. During VFR conditions, we routinely set an airport

arrival rate in excess of 160 flights per hour.

All of us want to make your tenure at this facility as enjoyable and rewarding as

possible. Please feel free to ask any questions and express your thoughts and ideas to

the staff and leadership team. Our goal is to create an informal atmosphere and

involve everyone in the process of making our facility an exceptional place to work.

I look forward to working with you, and would like to welcome you again to our

team!

Sincerely,

Ric Wunn

Denver District/Denver TRACON Manager

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Denver Terminal District

Denver TRACON (D01) is part of the FAA’s Denver Terminal District. The District

includes seven other FAA facilities (Denver Tower, Centennial Tower, Aspen Tower,

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Tower, Colorado Springs Tower/TRACON, Casper

Tower and Pueblo Tower), four Federal Contract Towers (Front Range Tower, Grand

Junction Tower, Eagle Tower, and Cheyenne Tower), one Non-Federal Control

Tower (Gillette Tower) and a Control Tower owned by the State of Colorado at

Buckley Air Force Base.

Denver International Airport (www.flydenver.com) is currently the nation’s 4th

busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and

Southwest Airlines are our busiest customers.

Denver TRACON Today

The TRACON is located south of Denver International Airport (DEN). It includes the

radar room, equipment rooms, a kitchen, break rooms, an Enhanced Target Generator

(ETG) Lab for training, and offices. There are approximately 60 controllers assigned

to D01, providing round-the-clock coverage. An average day’s staffing includes

employees working North Departure, East Departure, South Departure, West

Departure, Satellite Departure, Approach, Final, Final Monitor, Pueblo, Grand

Junction, Flight Data/Clearance Delivery, and a Traffic Management Unit position.

D01 uses up to 17 state-of-the-art ARTS Color Display (ACD) radar scopes during

day-to-day operations and opens up to three STARS scopes when conducting dual- or

triple-simultaneous ILS operations.

HISTORY

Denver TRACON was originally located at the base of Stapleton Airport Control

Tower. On February 28th, 1995, in conjunction with the opening of the new Denver

International Airport, operations were moved to the TRACON’s current location.

That morning, TRACON controllers conducted the world’s first-ever triple-

simultaneous ILS operation. At the end of 1995, D01 had handled over 585,000

operations.

AIRSPACE & OPERATIONS

Denver TRACON is one of the nation’s busiest approach control facilities. Its

airspace includes a 45-mile radius around DEN, and extends from the surface up to

23,000 feet. Denver International Airport is D01’s primary airport. Additionally, the

TRACON provides approach control service to six other controlled airports (including

Pueblo and Grand Junction) and seven public/municipal airports. The TRACON

averages over 2,700 daily operations and in 2008, the facility handled almost 840,000

operations.

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FACILITY STAFFING

The Air Traffic Controllers at D01 are supported by:

Air Traffic Manager

The Denver District Manager is the Air Traffic Manager (ATM) for D01, and has

responsibility for all facilities in the Denver District. The District Manager’s office is

located in Room 106 near the west entrance to the TRACON.

Staff Manager

The Staff Manager assists and supports the Air Traffic Manager. The office is in

Room 108.

Support Managers

There are two Support Managers at Denver TRACON. The Support Manager for

Training is located in Room 228, and the Support Manager for Airspace and

Procedures is in Room 220. Operations Managers (OMs)

Two Operations Managers provide managerial oversight at the TRACON. The OM’s

offices are in Rooms 208 and 212.

Front Line Managers (Watch Supervisors)

D01 is divided into eight crews, each supervised by a Front Line Manager. The

FLM’s office is in Room 209.

Traffic Management (TMU)

Three Traffic Management Coordinators work in the TRACON. They monitor and

balance traffic flows into, out of, and within D01. This unit is charged with the

responsibility of implementing the necessary restrictions to ensure an orderly flow of

traffic in extremely complex airspace. They work closely with Denver Tower TMU

and Denver Center TMU. The TMU’s office is in Room 232.

Support/Technical Specialists

There are six Support/Technical Specialists and two contractors located in Rooms

218 and 226. Their responsibilities include Quality Assurance, Airspace and

Procedures, Plans and Programs, and Training.

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Administrative Personnel

There are three Administrative personnel, all located on the first floor of the

TRACON near the west entrance. Their responsibilities include personnel, time and

attendance, budget, medical and security.

Denver TRACON Radar Display

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Denver TRACON Organizational Chart:

Ric Wunn

District Manager

Ron Olson

Staff Manager

Yancy O’Barr

Operations Manager

Charleen Willis

Administrative Officer

Sharon Tuggle

Secretary

Mark Phipps

Support Manager (Airspace/Procedures)

Janice Nelson

Mgmt Program Analyst

Kerri Hodge

Support Manager (Training)

Curly Simmons

Front Line Manager

Ted Goodlin

Support Specialist

Ray Huck

Support Specialist

Joe Wolters

Front Line Manager

Jeff Hamilton

Front Line Manager

Kyle Roddy

Support Specialist

Tom O’Neill

Support Specialist

Bob Schatz

Airspace Specialist

Luke Vesely

Technical Specialist

Paul Davied

Front Line Manager

Dave Geddes

Front Line Manager

Bob Twedt

Front Line Manager

Chuck Dickinson

Front Line Manager

Bill Hammond

Operations Manager

Dave Lister

Traffic Mgmt Officer (Acting)

Dave Swanson

TMU

Leti Vela

TMU

Bert Bowman

TMU

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Raytheon Contract Personnel

Raytheon is a private contractor hired to accomplish most of the initial classroom and

lab training of air traffic controllers-in-training, developmentals and academy

graduates. The Raytheon office in the Denver TRACON consists of a contractor site

supervisor, instructors, a computer-based instruction administrator, an administrative

assistant, and remote pilot operators. The instructors have all worked as air traffic

controllers. They prepare you to go into the control environment and receive on-the-

job training (OJT) with live traffic. This is accomplished for the most part by

providing classroom stage training and testing on facility airspace, standard operating

procedures and letters of agreement. Training and review of Air Traffic rules and

regulations is also provided during stage training. For TRACON training,

developmentals are given a series of sector specific simulated radar traffic control

problems. These problems (ETGs) are developed and run by the Raytheon instructors

and provide scenarios of increasing intensity so as to teach and evaluate individual

progress without impacting live traffic.

Training

Training is an extensive and ongoing process. Air traffic controllers receive

approximately 2 years of training prior to attaining the certified professional

controller (CPC) level. Training consists of classroom and computer based instruction

(CBI), plus enhanced target generator (ETG) lab scenarios for the TRACON. After

completion of each phase of academic and lab training, OJT is conducted in a live

environment.

Our Expectations of All Employees

• Come to work, be on time

• Be prepared – mentally and physically

• Understand leave policy and manage your leave appropriately

• Be cooperative and professional

• Treat people with respect and dignity

• Take initiative

• Be accountable

• Lead by example – be a good role model

• Do not tolerate or engage in any form of harassment or discrimination

• Actively participate in training

• Know your airspace and systems, know your equipment

• Use prescribed phraseology/correct facility and equipment names

• Follow rules and procedures

• Be open to feedback – provide honest information

• Be an effective team member

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Policies

Reporting for Duty

On your first day, report at 7:00 a.m. to the Technical Operations Center (TOC)

Building at 26805 East 68th

Avenue, Denver, CO, 80249-6361. Drive up to the

security gate; the guard will direct you where to park and an Air Traffic

representative will escort you over to the TRACON.

Hours of Duty

While in classroom and lab training, you will be on an 8-1/2 hour administrative

schedule Monday through Friday. Hours will be from 7:00am - 3:30pm.

Parking and Building Access

During initial orientation, employees will receive a parking sticker that allows them

to park next to the TRACON. Additional parking can be located outside the security

fence next to the TOC building. Within one day of arriving at D01 you will be

assigned an FAA ID card which is used to gain access to the TRACON. You will be

required to display your FAA ID card at all times while in the facility. These are to be

displayed on the front of your person, between the neck and the waist. If you forget

your FAA ID you will be required to obtain a temporary Employee badge from

security in the TOC.

Security

During facility orientation, you will also be briefed by Raytheon and the FAA on

emergency evacuation procedures, information security, and other safety and security

issues.

Guests and Visitors

The Air Traffic Manager or designated representative must approve any visits to the

facility by guests or family of employees.

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be completely powered off when in TRACON radar room.

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Denver TRACON Directory

The following list provides the most commonly used phone numbers within the

TRACON:

>> General Number

>> Secretary

>> Administrative Officer

>> TRACON Watch Desk

>> Support Manager (Training)

>> Support Manager (Airspace &

Procedures)

>> Traffic Management Officer

>> Raytheon Training

>> Facility Fax

(303) 342-1500

(303) 342-1500

(303) 342-1511

(303) 342-1590 (unlisted-operational number)

(303) 342-1509

(303) 342-1525

(303) 342-1582

(303) 342-1566

(303) 342-1513

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Denver Area Information

The following information can be located at denver.org.

Denver: The perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. That’s the

duality locals love about the Mile High City. With snowcapped peaks providing a

spectacular backdrop, Denver is as refined as it is laid-back. It’s a place where

aerospace engineers rub elbows with rock climbers at local brewpubs, at art festivals,

or while strolling their favorite pedestrian mall. And with 300 days of sunshine per

year, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with Denver the first time they visit.

Arts and Culture

Denver has always been a town that embraces diverse cultural experiences and

creative endeavors; after all, the city had an opera before it had a school. Today,

you can experience Denver’s thriving art scene at local galleries, dozens of

public museums and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which includes ten

venues for Broadway theatre, opera, ballet and the symphony. Discover the

creative vitality that makes Denver a great place to live and to visit.

Denver Art Museum

• The Children's Museum

A place to put your hands on learning!

• Colorado Historical Society

America's Leader In Rail History, Preservation And Enjoyment

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• Colorado's Ocean Journey

Offers self-guided tours with timed admission. Best to purchase your tickets in

advance. Look for the Indonesian river journey, the Colorado River journey

and the Sea Otter Cove. Educational tours to teach about Earth's fragile

ecosystems.

• Colorado Railroad Museum

Over 70 pieces of historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars

exhibited on 12 acres at the foot of North Table Mountain, near Golden, CO.

• Denver Botanic Gardens

Come enjoy a myriad of gardens containing collections of plants from all over

the world, including Japan, the Mediterranean, Africa, Spain, France,

Australia and the tropics, among others.

• The Denver Art Museum

For information, exhibitions, membership, activities, & the museum shop.

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Unforgettable dinosaur bone exhibits. This is a huge museum with an IMAX

theater. Gallery presentations, traveling exhibits, and permanent installations.

Plan to spend your day here.

• The Denver Public Library

The Library is world-renowned for its collection of western Americana and its

model Children's Library. Customers are served from a spectacular Central

Library designed by celebrated architect Michael Graves.

• The Denver Zoo

It's always new at the Denver Zoo! Baby animals year-round and ever

changing animal activity ... every visit provides a different experience.

• The Molly Brown House & Museum

Molly Brown survived the Titanic disaster with style, then selflessly assisted

with rescue and relief efforts.

Other museums close to Denver:

• Astor House Museum - Golden

1867 boarding house, built when Golden was the territorial capitol.

• Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art - Boulder

Presents visual works and performing arts from emerging and established

contemporary artists.

• Boulder History Museum - Boulder

features an extensive costume collection, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, and

local history rooms, as well as rotating exhibits.

• The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave - Golden

Buffalo Bill's Wild West shows traveled the world leaving a lasting vision of

the American West.

• Estes Park Area Historical Museum - Estes Park

Museum collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits local history for visitors

and residents.

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• The Golden Pioneer Museum - Golden

Exhibits reflect various aspects of Golden's history and development, such as

ranching, mining, etc.

Spectator Sports

The Mile High City is home to no less than eight pro sports teams. Baseball,

basketball, soccer, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby – Denver's got it all.

The Denver Broncos of the National Football League have been able to draw crowds

of over 70,000 since their AFL origins in the early 1960s at Mile High Stadium, and

continue to draw fans today to their current home Invesco Field at Mile High. The

team has advanced to the Super Bowl six times and has won back-to-back Super

Bowls in 1998 and '99.

In the 1980s and 1990s, one of the top priorities of former Mayor Federico Peña was

bringing Major League Baseball to the city, an effort which culminated in the

construction of Coors Field and the creation of the Colorado Rockies (National

League) as an expansion franchise in 1993. They appeared in their first World Series

in 2007.

Denver is also home to the Colorado Avalanche, a National Hockey League team

that relocated from Quebec City in 1995. They have won two Stanley Cups (1996 and

2001) while in Denver and play at Pepsi Center.

The Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association is hosted by the Pepsi

Center.

The Colorado Rapids of the Major League Soccer team, played at Invesco Field at

Mile High through 2006 until a new stadium, Dick's Sporting Goods Park was built in

nearby Commerce City for 2007. Commerce City is a northern suburb of Denver.

The Denver Dynamite of the Professional Arena Soccer League play at the Denver

Sports Center.

The Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League is hosted by the Pepsi

Center. The Mammoth won NLL Championship in 2006.

The Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse play at Invesco Field.

The Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League is hosted by the Pepsi Center.

The Crush won Arena Bowl Championship in 2005.

The Denver Bulldogs are a United States Australian Football League team located in

Denver that have won six national championships.

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Outdoor Activities

Denver has the nation's largest city park system and 850 miles of urban trails,

perfect for exploring on two feet or two wheels. There are dude ranches and fly-

fishing for outdoor enthusiasts and whitewater kayaking or rafting to whet the

appetites of adventure seekers. Take in the sights from above on a balloon or

helicopter tour, or on the ground with horseback riding or an off-road adventure.

And you can be in the Rocky Mountains in 20 minutes, where hiking,

snowboarding and more await – sometimes all in the same day.

Dallas Divide near Telluride by John Fielder

Skiing/Snowboarding

Colorado is known for its Rocky Mountain slopes. With top notch skiing and

snowboarding within an hour’s drive of the city, this is a must to try for anyone who

enjoys getting outside. For those who are new to the area, or visiting from the

lowlands, it is often recommended that you make a stop over in Denver to acclimate

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to the altitude before climbing even higher above 8,000 feet to the resorts. In addition

to Echo Mountain, there are a number of resort options to cater to your outdoor

interests. They are:

• Eldora – Very close to Denver, offering Skiing and other snow fun.

• Loveland – It’s been around for over 70 years and has been offering great

skiing every since it opened.

• Arapahoe Basin – The first resort to open in North America this year.

Mountain Biking

The many snow enthusiasts have to have something to do in the summer time in

Denver. Mountain bike trails all around the countryside offer this summertime

distraction. One great bike trail is the Green Mountain Bike Trail, a 7 mile looped

trail that is located in the Pikes Peak Area. It’s a little bit of a drive from Denver, but

completely worth it. For closer trails within the city, contact your local Denver bike

shop for insider trails and tips.

Explore the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains located about 75 miles northwest of downtown Denver offers a

myriad of top outdoor activities throughout its 416 square miles of serene mountain

territory. On the list of things to do: backpacking and camping in the backcountry,

horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hiking and fishing—just to name a few! The

Rocky Mountain National Park website is available online from the National Park

Service.

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

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Special Events

If festival hopping is more your forte, peruse Denver's roster of events

(www.denver.org/Events/), and you may end up spending your entire vacation

zigzagging between the Denver International Film Festival and the Denver

International Wine Festival, both held in November. Top-notch summer festivals like

the Cherry Creek Arts Festival strut the works of more than 200 regional, national,

and international artists. For beer aficionados, there’s no bigger event all year-round

than the annual edition of the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), known as the

“Super Bowl” of beer. The granddaddy of all U.S. beer festivals offers the largest

collection of U.S. beer ever assembled, all served in 1-ounce tasting portions. Denver

and the GABF are a perfect match. Not only is the Mile High City home to the

world's largest single brewery (The Coors Brewery), but it also has the nation's

largest brewpub (The Wynkoop Brewing Company) and the highest number of home

brewers.

Great American Beer Festival

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Restaurants

When the sun comes up over the eastern plains, Denver comes to life with breakfast

bistros, power lunch cafes, trendy diners and fusion eateries waiting to satisfy your

hunger. After the sun goes down, the city continues to shine with a collection of

restaurants that are garnering national recognition. And for those late night cravings,

the nightlife in Denver has that certain vibe. Energetic. Lively. Welcoming. From

upscale wine and martini bars, to hot salsa clubs, to neighborhood bars and rooftop

patios, you instantly feel you belong as you mix.

Check out the Restaurant section for a list of recent winners in Channel 7 News’

“A*List” Best of Denver Guide.

Online Resources

Local Area Resources

www.denvergov.org

www.denver.org

Chamber of Commerce

www.denverchamber.org

Local News

www.denverpost.com (Denver)

www.gjsentinal.com (Grand Junction)

www.chieftain.com (Pueblo)

Denver Area Schools

www.dpsk12.org

www.cde.state.co.us/

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Aerial view of the Denver International Airport looking North

Photo by George Canciani

Inside Denver TRACON

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