Federico Ortiz

Supervise the use of airfield services in all the Air Regions of the Mission to ensure airfield services contractors comply with contract agreements. Account for all aviation support equipment and supplies to all the Air Regions issued to staff in the Mission and ensure proper use and disposition of same. Plan, execute and monitor the sourcing of all airfield support services and equipment. Coordinate with other sections in the supply chain to achieve efficient and effective airfield support at all Air Regions. Conduct landing site inspections and ensure airfield operations compliance with the Aviation Manual, International Standards and other Reference Documents. Coordinate ground support for all UN flights in the mission. Assist in the management of all Airfields Support Unit activities. Perform briefing to senior management and other stake holders on Airfield Support activities.

Act as the focal point in all Aviation matters and support services in Entebbe Air Region including planning, technical compliance and airfield support services. Manage the planning of daily operations of strategic air assets and ground support services for all UN aircraft transiting into Entebbe. Ensures all passenger and logistics air transport are conducted in the most cost efficient, timely and safe manner. Provides uninterrupted aviation support that is reliable, effective, efficient and safe to Entebbe based aircraft and UN aircraft transiting into Entebbe International Airport.

Act as the focal point in all Air operations matters in the Mission ensuring all passenger and logistics air transport are conducted in the most cost efficient, timely and safe manner. Review all operational and logistical mission flight requests as sent by mission sections/units. Review, plan and coordinate daily projected task orders and air support requirements; Prepare and publish mission materials, flight schedules, air task orders and issue the same to flight crews. Provide assistance in obtaining diplomatic clearances, routing, flight plans and weather information for flights outside the mission. Develop and implement aviation SOPs in compliance with Air Operations Manual, ICAO, IATA and host country's Civil Aviation standards, practices, procedures and regulations. Coordinate integrated Search and Rescue Air operations. Brief senior officials and other stakeholders on Air Operations support for the Mission.

Facilitated successful mission completion by providing timely and accurate information to pilots regarding weather conditions and potential hazards. Supported mission success with detailed pre-flight briefings covering essential information on weather, routes, and threats. Provided vital assistance during crisis management situations, coordinating response efforts alongside senior leadership teams. Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and open communication with fellow Air Operations Officers and Specialists.

Operations: Acts as the principal adviser to the Chief on air ops relating to current ops and post mission review of aircraft. Coordinates the logistics air transport to various locations utilizing the most cost effective air frame in a timely and safely manner. Review the processing of Air Mission Requests, Daily/Weekly Flight schedules, and obtaining Flight Clearance. Prepare Aviation technical reports, statistics, and other documents required. Compliance: Regular travel to airports and landing sites of the mission area to establish relationships with the personnel of ground handling companies and Civil Aviation Authorities to help the quality of service given to UN aircraft. Training: Conduct training and periodic evaluation to Air Liaison Officers and Aircrew in accordance with UN Aviation standards. Participate in writing training materials and review of Contingency Plans.

As an Officer, was assigned in different staff positions, including Operations, Administration, Logistics, Security, Training, Procurement and Human Resources. Held Command position at the Squadron Level.

As a pilot, was a Search and Rescue pilot operating the Bell B205A 1 and the Sikorsky S76A helicopters. I was also an Attack Pilot operating the McDonnell Douglas 520MG and Sikorsky AUH 76A helicopters. Also qualified pilot in SIAI Marchetti S211 jet, SF260 turbo prop, and the the T41 Cessna.