Frequently Asked Questions

  • AVTS was founded to provide organizations with experienced, independent insight into aviation operations, infrastructure, and modernization, grounded in decades of federal leadership. After a 38-year career inside the FAA, including senior executive roles, it became clear that many complex initiatives fail not due to technology gaps, but due to insufficient operational context, governance alignment, and risk-informed judgment. AVTS exists to close that gap.

  • AVTS is led by Dave Spencer, a retired FAA executive with 38 years of federal service, including 4 years in the U.S. Navy and progressing to FAA leadership roles spanning operational, engineering, and infrastructure oversight within the National Airspace System (NAS). His background includes direct responsibility for air traffic control operations, NAS operations and maintenance, modernization programs, and cross-agency coordination at both headquarters and field levels.

  • AVTS supports federal agencies, prime contractors, and integrators operating in the aviation and transportation ecosystem, particularly those involved in NAS operations, infrastructure modernization, and complex program execution.

  • AVTS helps organizations navigate complexity, where operations, engineering, governance, and modernization intersect. Typical challenges include unclear operational impacts of technical decisions, modernization risk, misalignment between stakeholders, and the absence of experienced judgment during critical decision points.

  • By translating complexity into operationally grounded insight, AVTS helps decision-makers understand what matters, what connects, and where risk truly resides, enabling clearer decisions and more effective execution.

About AVTS

  • AVTS brings lived executive experience inside the NAS, not theoretical models or generic frameworks. The firm operates as a trusted advisor, offering perspective shaped by responsibility, consequence, and long-term accountability within the federal aviation system.

  • AVTS evaluates modernization through an integrated lens, considering operational impact, engineering feasibility, safety implications and compliance, governance constraints, and downstream effects across the NAS. This ensures decisions are not only technically sound, but operationally viable.

  • AVTS does not sell hardware, software, or OEM solutions as part of its core advisory work. This separation preserves objectivity and allows AVTS to focus solely on what best serves the mission and operational outcome.

What Makes AVTS Different

  • Engagements typically begin with a direct conversation to understand the context, objectives, and challenges. From there, AVTS recommends an engagement approach aligned to the client’s needs, whether advisory, oversight, or targeted analysis.

  • AVTS supports advisory services, executive oversight, risk and impact analysis, modernization context assessments, and program-level insight, ranging from short-term engagements to sustained advisory roles.

  • AVTS integrates seamlessly, working alongside agency leaders, prime, subcontractors, and engineering teams to provide clarity, alignment, and perspective without disrupting existing structures or authorities.

  • AVTS is intentionally relationship-driven. Initial conversations are conducted directly with firm leadership to ensure clarity, alignment, and fit.

Working With AVTS

  • AVTS supports multiple pathways, including SDVOSB and VOSB engagements, subcontracting arrangements, and direct awards where appropriate.

  • AVTS is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), with active federal registrations.

  • AVTS supports NAICS codes aligned with aviation consulting, engineering support, program management, and advisory services relevant to federal and industry partners.

Contracting & Certifications

  • AVTS operates with strict confidentiality, professional discretion, and ethical standards consistent with federal executive service. Client trust is foundational to every engagement.

  • AVTS leadership has firsthand experience overseeing FAA modernization initiatives and NAS operational infrastructure, providing insight shaped by responsibility, execution, and outcome.

Trust, Credibility & Results

NAS Modernization & Technical Insight

  • AVTS bridges the gap between technical design and operational reality, helping leaders understand how decisions affect controllers, operators, maintainers, and system performance.

  • Operational integration context reflects how systems, people, procedures, and governance interact in practice. Without it, modernization efforts risk unintended consequences and degraded performance.

  • AVTS helps identify where risk truly resides—distinguishing perceived risk from operational risk—so leaders can make informed, defensible decisions.

  • AVTS is most valuable when decisions are complex, stakes are high, and experienced judgment is required to navigate uncertainty.

  • Yes. AVTS engagements range from targeted advisory support to longer-term program oversight, depending on client need.

  • Absolutely. AVTS is designed to complement, not compete with existing teams.

Engagement Fit & Use Cases

Compliance, Ethics & Neutrality

  • AVTS does not participate in vendor selection or procurement advocacy. Its role is to inform decision-makers with objective insight.

  • Through strict separation from product sales, transparent engagement boundaries, and ethical discipline grounded in federal service norms.

  • Vendor neutrality is foundational. AVTS focuses on mission outcomes and operational success, not product or vendor preference.

Get in Touch

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Interest & Engagement Form