Employee Orientation


	Dryden Orientation Home



Dryden is one of NASA’s smallest centers, operated as a tenant organization on Edwards Air Force Base on the northwest corner of Rogers Dry Lake . Along with a varied fleet of research and support aircraft, Dryden facilities include a high temperature and loads calibration laboratory to ground test aircraft and structural components for the combined effects of loads and heat (Bldg. 4820); a highly developed aircraft flight instrumentation capability; a flow visualization facility to study flow patterns on models and small aircraft components; a data analysis facility to process flight research data; and a facility to carry out flight research with remotely piloted vehicles. http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/Facility-FLL/Small/EC96-43678-1.jpg Carbon-carbon control surface being tested in the temperature and loads laboratory Dryden's Research Aircraft Integration Facility (RAIF, Bldg. 4840), which became operational in 1992, is used to carry out simultaneous checks of flight controls, avionics, electronics and other systems on a variety of aircraft. It is the only facility of its type in NASA and is designed to speed up and enhance systems integration and preflight checks on all types of research aircraft. Working in these facilities has given Dryden pilots, engineers, scientists, and technicians a unique and highly specialized capability to conduct flight research programs unmatched anywhere in the world. Many engineering offices are also located in the RAIF, as is the Avionics Laboratory. http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/Places/Small/EC97-44165-81.jpg Walter C. Williams Research Aircraft Integration Facility In addition, more than 12,000 square miles of special-use airspace over California 's high desert are available for research flights. Agencies monitoring flights in the area are linked directly to the Western Aeronautical Test Range (WATR). The WATR provides tracking and data acquisition support through a highly automated complex of computer-controlled tracking, telemetry, and communications systems and control room complexes. Other Buildings Although Dryden is a comparatively small center, it contains many other buildings, listed below. See the map at Dryden’s internal web site, http://xnet.dfrc.nasa.gov/EmployeeInfo/Maps/dfrc_shuttle_pickup.html for their locations. Dryden Headquarters (Bldg. 4800), containing the Center Director’s Office, Flight Operations, and many other offices. This building forms the nucleus or hub of Dryden activities. Aircraft Construction and Modification Hangar (Bldg. 4801) Dryden’s Main Hangar (Bldg. 4802) Warehouse #3 (Bldg. 4809) is one of many warehouses on Dryden, but this one includes the Dryden Fitness Center . The Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to both civil servants and contractors, but they must obtain a medical clearance through the Health Unit (described below, Bldg. 4822) before use. Among the offerings of the Fitness Center are three classes daily. Eventually, there will be a new fitness facility located behind the Health Unit. For further information about the Fitness Center , see the intranet at http://xnet.dfrc.nasa.gov/EmployeeInfo/Fitness/index.html . Health Unit (Bldg. 4822): This building also houses a Shuttle support facility, but that is normally used only when a Space Shuttle has landed at Edwards. The Health Unit is open 7:30-4:00 with a nurse on site from 6:00 to 7:30 in case of an emergency. The Health Unit staff primarily serves civil servants, but it will treat contractors for job-related health concerns and emergencies. For civil servants, the Health Unit provides job certification physicals, treats workplace illnesses and injuries, and provides travel clearances. It provides health education, promotion, and screening, including periodical physicals. Fabrication Branch (Bldg. 4823), containing a sheet metal shop, a welding/heat treating shop, a machine shop, and a hydraulics shop with a servicing bay for aircraft. Communications Building (Bldg. 4824) for communication with air- and spacecraft via communications dishes on this building and the adjoining Bldg. 4870 and associated radars. Integrated Support Facility (Bldg. 4825), containing an auditorium, cafeteria, visitor center, and security post 1 of Dryden Security. Aircraft Maintenance Hangar (Bldg. 4826) Research Engineering Support Facility (Bldg. 4830A, B, C, D, E), actually five different buildings with offices for engineers. Warehouse #7 (Bldg. 4832), one of several storage buildings in the area between Gates #29 and 30, but this one also includes Dryden’s mail operations area (mail room). Shuttle Hangar and shops (Building 4833), the largest building in Area A, which services the Space Shuttle when one lands at Edwards. Data Analysis Facility (DAF, Bldg. 4838), the hub of the local area network and the place where postflight data is stored. The Dryden phone system is centered in this building, which also provides tape and video storage for the Center. Public Affairs and Commercialization (Building 4839), accessible through two rotary gates, where Dryden Public Affairs, Technology Commercialization, part of the History function, the tour guides, and related offices are located. This is the place to go for public information, including maps of Edwards AFB, photos, posters, historical information and publications, and releasable information about current flight research projects. Bldg. 4840 (see description of the RAIF above). Calibration Lab (Bldg. 4841), which calibrates sensors used in flight research to ensure that they provide accurate data. Dryden Learning Center (Bldg. 4842), where training classes are conducted. Shuttle Support Office (Bldg. 4845), which directs Shuttle support, including lots of personnel who fly in from Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers to support the Shuttle after it lands at Edwards. People who require access to Area A would come to this building to get a signature from the Area A manager, allowing them this access on their badge. Hazardous Materials Handling Building (Bldg. 4849), where people bring (or arrange for) hazardous materials to be stored or disposed of safely. Safety Office (Bldg 4850), a former child development facility that now houses the Dryden (Ground) Safety Office and part of the Management Support Office. Audio/Video Support Center (Bldg 4851), which provides audio and video support for flight research projects and other Center needs. Filling Station (fuel, Bldg. 4854), where people with government vehicles can refuel them. Warehouse #6 (Shipping & Receiving, Bldg. 4876), where materials are received and shipped for the Center. Cafeteria Dryden has a cafeteria located in Building 4825. Cafeteria hours will be 6:30 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday. There are three vendors in the Dryden cafeteria: American Eatery will be 6:30 - 3 (Breakfast, grill items, desserts) Anthony's Pizza will be open 10 - 3 (pizza) Robin Hood sandwiches will be open 10 until 3 (sandwiches, salads, soup) Dryden Mealtime Express If you can't make it to the Dryden Cafeteria, the Dryden Mealtime Express food truck will come to you. The Mealtime Express features many of the same items found in the Dryden Cafeteria including the daily specials, all delivered within a few feet of your work area. For addresses and information about other places to eat on Edwards Air Force Base, see the internet at http://www.edwards.af.mil/base_guide/index.html (Establish link to this site.) Then click “on-base” and “dining facilities”. Gift Shop and Dryden Employee Exchange Purpose : To promote activities that contribute to the efficiency, welfare, and morale of NASA Dryden personnel. Membership : All NASA Dryden civil servant employees and retirees, as well as current NASA Dryden contractor employees. Dryden Employee Exchange $ IN: $ OUT: • Cafeteria • Activities • Gift Shop (includes the • Clubs & Leagues new on-line web store) • Events • Vending Machines • Amusement Tickets • Fund Raising Activities • Scholarships • Tickets Clubs & Leagues Events Activities Golf Club Holiday Dance (bi-annual) Sporting Events Flying Club Summer BBQ (bi-annual) Trips Softball League Holiday Skating Party (annual) Theatrical Productions Basketball League Ice Cream Socials (periodic) Pizza Nights (periodic) * The number of off-site events is set by insurance policy limitations. Remember: The Dryden Employee Exchange is yours ! Your active participation can make a difference !!!! The NASA Dryden Employee Exchange Gift Shop offers a wide assortment of NASA merchandise including jackets, shirts, caps, mugs, pens, and patches. Discount tickets to amusement parks and attractions, hotels and Exchange Council sponsored events are also available and can be purchased during normal operating hours. Hours of operation and location: Trailer-2 (behind the credit union) Tuesday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Telephone X2113. If you would like to see additional merchandise or services in the Gift shop, please contact rosalie.toberman@mail.dfrc.nasa.gov . For other information about the Gift Shop, see: http://xnet.dfrc.nasa.gov/EmployeeInfo/Exchange/Gift/index.html Credit Union There is one credit union on Dryden, located in Bldg. T-1 near the DAF (Bldg 4838). Other banking services are available on Edwards AFB (see http://www.edwards.af.mil/base_guide/index.html ; establish link) and in the surrounding communities. Child Care Child care for Dryden employees is available through Edwards AFB’s Child Development Center 1208 W. Fitzgerald Blvd. 8-1-661-275-TOTS The CDC, located in the housing area, provides developmental care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old for both military members and Department of Defense and NASA civilians. The CDC is open Monday through Friday and is closed all federal holidays. Hourly care and part-day enrichment programs are available. Saturday hourly care is offered once each month. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are served on a regular basis. All meals are in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. Planned activities include dramatic play, blocks, art, music, reading and writing centers, indoor and outdoor gross motor play, science and language. As part of the creative curriculum, all children are exposed to a variety of developmental activities to promote their social, physical and cognitive growth. Health Unit: See above under other Buildings, # 4822. Human Resources (Bldg. 4800, Rm. 2407, telephone 661-276-2810) This is where employees come to fill out and sign their initial forms before reporting to their supervisor. This is also the place to submit applications for training; get advice about health and life insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan, and other benefits; donate leave or apply for the donation of leave; view their official personnel folders; and the like. Payroll The payroll function is split between Human Resources and Financial Management. For questions involving time cards and WebTADS, employees can go to Rm. 1013 of Bldg. 4800 (phone numbers X3306 or X2659). For other matters involving payroll, they can contact Human Resources in Rm. 2407 of Bldg. 4800 (phone number X2099). Technical Order (or Documentation) Library In Rm. 1114 of Bldg. 4800, there is a library with technical publications relating to aircraft maintenance. Reference Library Dryden also has a Reference Library in Rm. 2412 of Bldg. 4800, with books, technical reports, periodicals, and other reference material of a more general nature. It also offers interlibrary loan services and DFRC telephone books. Photo Lab In Rm. 1022 of Bldg. 4800, Dryden has a full-service photo lab that produces and develops work-related products from passport photos to engineering documentation and in-flight photography. Graphics Located in Rm. 1704, near the photo lab, is the Dryden Graphics Group. It is a full-service art department covering every graphic need from camera-ready research-report art through high-end poster, brochure, and exhibit design. Reproduction Dryden’s Reproduction shop is in Rm. 1708 of Bldg. 4800. Mostly a quick copy operation, with longer lead times it can reproduce technical drawings and, to a limited extent, color documents. History In rooms 1611 and 1613 of Bldg. 4800 is the Dryden History Office. It includes a large historical reference collection where employees and other researchers can gather valuable information about past projects beginning with the X-1 as well as Dryden’s administrative history. Included is a collection of back issues of the X-Press that, together with other documents, allows reconstruction of much that went on at Dryden. Many past projects are very relevant to current research, so engineers working on current projects can benefit from what their predecessors did and learned. The history office sponsors histories of Dryden, and copies of these are available in Rm. 1613. If you want to propose a history that has not yet been written, this is the place to begin. Technical Publications Dryden’s Technical Publications Office in Rm. 1718 of Bldg. 4800 edits, formats, and archives technical reports, conference papers, and journal articles. It also maintains the technical reports server for the Center. Before bringing a report, paper, or article to Technical Publications, the author(s) must take it to the Aeronautics Branch Office in Rm. 2228 of Bldg. 4800 for coordination with the Engineering Directorate and Export Control and then have it peer reviewed. Forms obtained from the Aeronautics Office will need appropriate signatures before Technical Publications will accept a document for editing. Calling Aeronautics at X3135 and Tech Pubs. at X3587 before beginning the process will make the effort easier for all involved.