May 6, 2010 -- FAA Technical Operations (TechOps), takes the lead in maintenance and operation of equipment for air traffic control.

Terri Bristol explains how TechOps continues the FAA's mission in Haiti by providing a mobile air traffic control tower.

Our discussion also includes NextGen, the FAA's project to upgrade the air traffic control system with a suite of new technologies, including satellite-based tracking of planes and text messaging between pilots and air traffic controllers will have the ability to communicate via text message in addition to voice.

We also touch on how TechOps reaches out to stakeholders (airports, airlines and other federal agencies) to develop policy and procedures.