Nov. 20, 2015 // Member Focus: Lydia Baune, Spokane Tower
NATCA/FAA career: I was hired in 2006 and worked at Seattle Boeing (BFI) Tower. Now, I’m at Spokane (GEG) Tower/TRACON.
Born and raised, other places of living: Born and raised in Apple Valley, Minn., but will always be a Green Bay Packers fan!! I’ve lived in Grand Forks, N.D., Seattle, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Education: I majored in Commercial Aviation and Air Traffic Control at the University of North Dakota.
Family: My husband, Joe, is a captain for Horizon Airlines, which makes for two crazy schedules and three crazy kids. My son Dylan is four, my daughter Elliot is three, and my son Jackson is one.
Q: How did you get involved and what are you involved in with NATCA?
A: I started getting involved by attending local meetings, and taking on the role of secretary and treasurer. I am currently the vice president at GEG, the Professional Standards district chair, and an Air Safety Investigator (ASI) mentee.
Q: What would you like to get involved in that you haven’t already?
A: I would like to get more involved in labor relations and arbitration. I have a lot to learn but would be honored to serve on our regional team someday.
Q: Out of all your involvement within NATCA, what speaks to you the most?
A: I have had a passion for aviation safety and accident investigation since my first safety course in college. To serve on the ASI committee is such a unique way to represent the membership and give back. I look forward to learning as much as I can, and am excited to work with such a wonderful committee of knowledgeable, dedicated, and driven individuals.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or any other activities you enjoy outside of NATCA?
A: I enjoy reading, researching ancestry, running, and I’m just starting to get into bodybuilding. My family and I love to do anything outdoors — like flying, hiking, camping, boating, and dirt biking. We have a huge garden we spend much of the spring and summer taking care of, which keeps us busy canning, cooking, and baking. Living in north Idaho is awesome. The beauty of the mountains, lakes, and rivers inspire me everyday.
Q: Do you have any advice/tips/messages for members who would like to get involved?
A: Just do it! If you want to make a difference, start with yourself by trying to be a role model. Then, just jump in volunteering. Ask questions, talk to people, and educate yourself. Try to learn from the current NATCA experience in your facility before they retire! Take NATCA Academy classes. Try to attend CFS when you can. Don’t wait for someone to ask you for help, just dive in. Believe in what you do, have passion, and don’t let anyone take it away. Sometimes you can surprise yourself. The more involved you get, the more you find you have to give.
Let’s go beyond your involvement with NATCA.
My favorite band is: Josh Garrels — check him out! Other favorites include but are not limited to: Radiohead, Coldplay, Incubus, Neil Young, and James Taylor.
My biggest pet peeve is: Laziness.
My favorite comfort food is: Cookie dough.
The best place I’ve ever traveled: Jaco, Costa Rica.
