Great Falls Tower Directory

Great Falls ATCT/TRACON
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter
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Great Falls Tower Yesterday and Today
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Great Falls Tower Organization Chart
7
Great Falls Tower Leadership Team
8
Our Expectations of All Employees
9
FAA Policies
10
Local Area Information
11
Great Falls Attractions
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Great Falls Tower Airport Map
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Great Falls Tower Directory
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2
Welcome Letter
Dear New Employee,
Welcome to Great Falls Tower! 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.
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 senior
leadership. Our aim 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,
James R. Hantz
Great Falls ATCT/TRACON Manager
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Great Falls Tower – Yesterday and Today
Great Falls (county seat of Cascade County) is located on the scenic Missouri River less than 120
miles from the Canadian border, 93 miles northeast of Helena (the state capital), and a few hours
drive from Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks. The airport is approximately three miles
southwest of Great Falls.
Cascade County is located in west central Montana in the transitional area between the Great
Plains and the Rocky Mountains. At 2,698 square miles, it is the twentieth largest county by area
with the third largest population in the state.
What is today the Great Falls International
Airport was recommended to the City of
Great Falls in 1928 by the U.S. Department
of Commerce as an excellent site for a future
airport. In November 1928, the city acquired
640 acres of land and construction was
started on Runway 16/34, which was
completed in June 1929. Development
continued at a steady pace for the next ten
years, and in 1939 the airport facilities
included four runways, a large hangar, and
the familiar white administration building
that is currently used by one of the airport's
Fixed Base Operators.
First Terminal - March
31, 1927
W. T. Lease, Reyn
In 1939, the Great Falls Airport Commission appealed to Harry H. Woodring, Secretary of War, to
locate an Air Corps squadron at Great Falls. In 1941, the Civil Aeronautics Authority provided
money for the further development of the Great Falls Municipal Airport, which was known as
Gore Field.
During World War II the airport was leased by the U.S. War Department and used as a base for the
7th Ferrying Command. During the war years, more than 7,500 bombers and fighter aircraft passed
through Great Falls on their way to the war fronts in Europe and the Pacific. While using the
airport as an airbase, the U.S. Army acquired an additional 740 acres of land and built many
buildings and other facilities.
In June 1948, the U.S. War Department deeded the airport back to the City of Great Falls with the
stipulation that the facility could revert to military control in the event of a national emergency.
The airport was released from this clause in 1961.
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In May 1942, construction began on an Army Air Corps base six miles east of Great Falls. The
base (now known as Malmstrom Air Force Base) was known as the East Base and consisted of
four 8,850-foot runways with connecting taxiways leading to a parking apron. While the base was
being built, the Air Transport Command's 7th Ferrying Group was assigned to the Gore Field
Municipal Airport. Their mission was to establish an air route between Great Falls and Ladd Field
in Fairbanks, Alaska, as part of the lend-lease operations with the Soviet Union. In addition,
numerous bombardment groups were trained at Great Falls before the units were moved in 1943.
In 1948, the Soviet Union closed all land travel between West Germany and West Berlin. The
United States and Britain vowed not to abandon the West Berliners to the Berlin Blockade, but
also realized that any attempt to bludgeon a corridor through Russian lines could ignite World War
III. Operation Vittles was born, and Great Falls played a very important role in this drama.
Operations Vittles was the code name for the strategic airlift of supplies to a city of over 2 million,
and Great Falls was selected as the training site for Berlin Airlifts C-54s due to its favorable flying
weather.
In 1975, the terminal at Great Falls International Airport was replaced and all runways, aprons, and
taxiways updated. With use of FAA matching funds, the Airport Authority performs annual
operations, maintenance, and capital improvements.
Today, the Great Falls Tower is home to over 20 air
traffic controllers.
The Great Falls International Airport Authority (GFIAA)
is a Regional Airport Authority and is the autonomous
public governing body of the Great Falls International
Airport.
GFIAA recognizes the economic influence that airports
have on the regions they serve. The Authority is
committed to corporate style business planning to maximize economic benefit to the region. The
Authority is entering the second phase of a six-year strategic planning cycle aimed at improving
our business model and attracting aviation related businesses to the area.
The results of the 2000-2006 strategic planning sessions have been dramatic. Results include but
are not limited to the following:
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Reestablished a solid engineering foundation
Streamlined and refined our organizational structure
Defined effective accountable business processes
Reconstructed 80% of aging infrastructure
Established key partnerships to affect region-wide economic recovery
Expanded FedEx Cargo in to a new 79,000 sf regional hub
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Expanded general aviation infrastructure to support development of 20 new hangars
Attracted two new airlines serving two top markets with direct service
Attracted three new industry sectors to the Great Falls Airport (Distribution, Aircraft
Heavy Maintenance and Department of Homeland Security Aviation Surveillance)
Installation of Category III ILS completed in 2006 (commissioning in the Summer of
2007)
The next planning cycle for 2007-2012 will shift the focus from infrastructure and organizational
improvement to development. With the addition of the Category III ILS, our infrastructure is
second to none. The synergies of the new industry sectors have created broader opportunities to
attract development.
The Authority’s business model offers unique opportunities for companies looking for fast track
expansion solutions. The full package of skills from “to-facility” scoping, design and financing are
available through the Authority’s development resources. Our partners at the City, County, State
and Great Falls Development Authority bring an additional menu of incentives and resources to
assist companies with expansion or new development.
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Great Falls Tower Organizational Chart
Air Traffic Manager
Jim Hantz
Staff Support Specialist
Larry Strommen
Front Line Manager
Tom Spain
Management & Program
Assistant
Patricia Jarrett
Front Line Manager
Tony Nunez
Doug Beck Controller
Harold Auer, Controller
Darrick Anderson,
Controller
Tim Forrester, Controller
Greg Sorrensen, Controller
Nick Hall, Controller
John Poole, Controller
Todd Knowles, Controller
Dan Porter, Controller
Tom Walden, Controller
Chris Coffell, Controller
Bill Yonkin, Controller
Chris Oehrig-Straub,
Controller
Nick Olson, Controller
Matt Holland, Controller
Ryan Johnson, Controller
Clay McCarty, Controller
Scott Hilger, Controller
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Great Falls Tower Leadership Team
Mr. Jim Hantz, Air Traffic Manager
Tony Nunez, Front Line Manager
Tom Spain, Front Line Manager
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Jim, Tony and John welcome Clay
McCarty, the newest member of the Great
Falls Team.
Keeping your eyes open is just one part of the
job when it comes to Air Traffic Control as
Doug and Gregg demonstrate.
Support Specialist Larry Strommen
prepares for a meeting.
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More of the Great Falls Team - TechOps
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Training
Raytheon is an integral part of the Great Falls
team. John and Dan impart their knowledge of
Air Traffic Control while guiding the training of
our new controllers.
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Our Expectations of All Employees
Great Falls ATCT/Tracon relies upon all team members to do their part in making this a great
place to work. We hold ourselves and all of our team to a higher standard of excellence and
integrity. Below are just a few examples of what we expect from all FAA team members here in
Montana:
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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
Employees are expected to report for their assigned shift on time. If any situation arises that will
prevent you from reporting on time, call a front line manager at 406-454-7500. You will be given
information once you arrive at the Great Falls location. If you have any questions before that time,
please don’t hesitate to call 406-454-7510.
Hours of Duty
Your Front Line Manager will discuss your new schedule once you are assigned to a Team. Upon
arrival, policies will be discussed in detail and your questions will be answered then.
Parking
Parking is located directly in front of the building as well as along the fence to the South of the
building.
Security
Security is of the highest priority at all FAA facilities. Badges are to be worn at all time. A pass
will be issued once you arrive that allows you into the facility and parking areas. Your training
and orientation will cover this information in detail.
FAA ID Cards
FAA photo ID cards must be worn above and visible at all times when you are on the FAA facility.
Guests and Visitors
Guests and visitors must be approved ahead of time by either the Front Line Manager or the Air
Traffic Manager or designee. Each person must sign in, wear a temporary badge and be escorted
by an employee at all times.
Cell Phones
Cell phones must be in the off position while in the operational areas. This is strictly adhered to as
an interference with air traffic systems may occur if they are left on.
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Local Area Information
A Brief History of Great Falls
Settled in the heart of Montana, the Big Sky Country, Great Falls is surrounded by spectacular
natural wonders and scenery. It is nestled between rich, productive farm land only miles away
from the majestic Rocky Mountains to its west and the Little Belt Mountains to the east.
The city was settled around the mighty Missouri River, one of nature's most magnificent
waterways. The Missouri River provides Great Falls with its name. As the Missouri cuts through
the city it drops over 500 feet in a series of rapids and five breathtaking waterfalls -- the great falls
of the Missouri.
Great Falls is an exciting community
of over 55,000 people with various
recreational opportunities for citizens
and visitors alike. Great Falls, or the
Electric City, lies near the
geographical center of Montana,
between two National Parks. Great
Falls proudly serves as the Gateway to
the Glacier-Waterton International
Peace Park and a main thoroughfare to
Yellowstone Park.
The Electric City has a long tradition
of history which began with the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1805. They explored the
newly purchased Louisiana Territory filled with herds of buffalo roaming the prairies. The Great
Falls area had long been inhabited by tribes of Native American Indians, mainly the Blackfeet.
Lewis and Clark were the first known white
explorers to catch sight of the "great falls" of the
Missouri River...they heard the roaring of the falls
more than seven miles away. Their expedition took
nearly a month to portage around the falls. Before
the party left in mid July of 1805, they celebrated
the Fourth of July in the new territory at White Bear
Island. The stage was set for the creation of Great
Falls. It was ready for a man named Paris Gibson.
Gibson came west in May of 1882. He made plans
for a city, and then laid them out before James Hill,
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a man of great importance in the railroad industry. Hill gave his financial backing to Gibson,
knowing that a city in such an area would make a valuable connection for the railroads.
Fun Great Falls Trivia
Great Falls First!
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Great Falls had the first fire bell in the State of Montana in 1887
Great Falls was the first known community in Montana to elect an African American. In
1894, William M. Morgan was elected to one of two open constable positions.
Great Falls had the first woman newspaper editor in Montana. Martha Edgerton Rolfe
became editor of the Great Falls Leader in 1895, when her husband died of typhoid fever.
Mrs. Rolfe, daughter of the first territorial governor of Montana, was also the first white
woman to live in Great Falls arriving in May of 1884.
Great Falls bought the first motorized fire fighting apparatus in the State of Montana in
1910
Great Falls had the first black Public Library Director in Montana. Alma Jacobs was
Library Director from 1954-1973.
In 1982, Great Falls hired the first female firefighter in the state.
Great Falls Claims to Fame
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Roe River — the world's shortest river
Giant Springs — the largest fresh water spring in the U.S.
Western Art Week
Largest (indoor) Movie Screen in Montana (Civic Center Mansfield Theater)
Most rapid temperature change registered in the United States (-32F to 15F in 7 minutes
January 11, 1980 NOAA)
Explore! The Big Sky — National Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Signature Event
Great Falls in the Movies
These movies were made in and around Great Falls:
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Northfork (2003)
The Slaughter Rule (2002)
Holy Matrimony (1994)
The Untouchables (1987)
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)
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Famous People who've lived in Great Falls
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Walter Breuning — world's oldest man
Betty and Gene Burkland — land speed record holders
Terry Casey — U.S. World Championship hockey team
Dorothy Coburn — Silent Movie Actress and Stunt person
Scott Davis — Twice Ice Skating National Champion and Olympian
Dave Dickenson — football star, led the UM Grizzlies to national title
Todd Foster — National Golden Gloves Champion and Olympian
Pete Fromm — writer, four-time winner of PNBA book awards
Tracey and Missy Gold — child sit-com actresses ("Growing Pains" and "Benson")
Jim Kalafat — American Gladiator
Mike Mansfield — statesman, Representative, Senator, Ambassador to Japan
Dallas Neil — NFL Player
John Petkevich — Ice Skating National Champion and Olympian
Charley Pride — Country Music Star
William Roth — Congressman from Delaware (Roth IRA) born in Great Falls
Charles M. Russell — Western Artist
Lones Wigger — 2 Olympic Gold and 1 Silver in shooting events
Bob Woolf — NBA Mascot (in Mascot Hall of Fame)
Jack Dempsey — boxing legend (1923 training camp in Verde Park)
Brother Van — Early Methodist Missionary to the Native Americans
Lewis, Clark and the other members of the Corps of Discovery (they lived in the area for
nearly a month)
Ryan Leaf — former NFL player
Miscellaneous
Great Falls lies at 47° 30' N latitude 111° 18' W longitude (give or take for location in town)
Water, water everywhere. . . Great Falls has three rivers: Missouri, Sun, and Roe.
What Wind? On July 18, 1884, Mrs. Kate Beachley, who had just become the third white woman
to arrive in Great Falls, commented on how hard the wind was blowing. Everyone laughed. Later,
Mrs. Beachley realized that the "wind" was only a breeze by local standards.
Got Arts and Culture? Great Falls has nine museums/interpretive centers: Cascade County
Historical Society, Charles M. Russell Museum, Children’s Museum of Montana, Galerie Trinitas,
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum,
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park Visitor Center, and
Ursuline Centre.
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On June 8, 1964, the iris became the official flower of the City of Great Falls.
Great Falls kid-friendly in the winter: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the City would flood
certain vacant lots so kids would have a place to ice skate. In the 40s and 50s, Fourth Avenue
South was open to traffic, except in the winter when a section of the avenue near Great Falls High
School would be closed so children from, what is now, the Housing Authority Main Site could sled
the hill safely.
This is a brief view of the airport and surrounding areas.
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Attractions Abound in Great Falls
No matter what your preference, Great Falls offers a wide diversity of entertainment opportunities.
Great Falls is located just hours away from both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National
Park. Centrally located within the state offers the adventurous soul access to boating, skiing, horse
back riding, hiking just to name a few. Parks dot the city and include Lewis and Clark Interpretive
Center, Gibson Damn Overlook and Giant Springs. So, no matter what you enjoy doing with your
time, being in Great Falls offers you a smorgasbord of choices.
Here are a few helpful links...
Local Community
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The City of Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls International Airport
CM Russell Museum
Great Falls Chamber of Commerce
Great Falls Public Schools
Malmstrom AFB
Finance
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First Interstate Bank
Mountain West Bank
Stockman's Bank
US Bank
Wells Fargo
News
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Great Falls Tribune
KRTV - Montana's News Station
Montana Area Travel
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Montana Directory of Bed and Breakfasts, etc.
Montana's Official Travel Guide
Giant Springs State Park
Lewis & Clark Historic Interpretive Center
First People's Buffalo Jump State Park
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park
Montana Recreation, Accommodations and Travel Information
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9.
Glacier National Park is just hours
away!
A visit to Yellowstone National
Park is always exciting!
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Great Falls Tower and Airport Area Map
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Photos of the Airport
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Great Falls Tower Directory
Great Falls ATCT/TRACON
2830 Airport Avenue A
Great Falls, Montana 59404
Telephone Directory
Front Desk..........................................................................................(406) 454-7500
Air Traffic Manager, Jim Hantz.........................................................(406) 454-7508
Front Line Manager, Tony Nunez .....................................................(406) 454-7531
Front Line Manager, Tom Spain........................................................(406) 454-7532
Management & Program Assistant, Pat Jarrett ..................................(406) 454-7510
Staff Support Specialist, Larry Strommen .........................................(406) 454-7536
Facility Fax ........................................................................................(406) 761-7736
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