National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Nearly 400 NATCA activists are heading to Washington, D.C., for NATCA in Washington (NiW) 2025, ready to advocate for the issues that matter most to our Union and our profession. They will spend their time in Washington learning how to be more effective advocates and meeting with members of Congress and their staff. Each participant will receive the 2025 edition of NiW Today, a must-have briefing booklet filled with key advocacy topics, legislative insights, meeting strategies, and more. In addition, every NATCA local will receive two copies of this guide, providing a lasting resource for legislative engagement. It’s Hatch Act compliant, so members can use it throughout the year in any venue to stay informed and involved. Advocacy doesn’t end after NATCA in Washington. It’s a year-round effort. Staying informed and engaged is key to securing the future of our profession. Want to do more? Visit the National Legislative Committee (NLC) webpage (natca.org/nlc) for training, resources, and guidance on how to be an effective advocate. #NATCAinWashington View the 2025 NiW Today booklet PDF at natca.org/niw

The 5th Annual NATCA Charitable Foundation (NCF) 45-Day Step Challenge begins Wednesday, March 26, and runs through Friday, May 9, bringing NATCA members together to support charitable causes while staying active. Participants will track their steps using the newly rebranded Wellbeing+ app and compete for $5,000 in donations to charities of their choice. Prizes will be awarded to: The top three teams with the most steps The top individual stepper Nine randomly selected teams throughout the challenge This challenge is a great way to stay active, build camaraderie, and support important causes. Register today and make every step count. Sign up now: igfn.us/form/DyrkXg

Last month, numerous members of Congress met with NATCA members to gain a better understanding of our work. They also showed their support for the essential work our members do as aviation safety professionals. By fostering relationships with political leaders on both sides of the aisle, NATCA ensures that our voice is heard by all. Rep. Sean Casten (Ill.-6) toured Chicago Center; U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (N.H.-2) visited Boston Center (ZBW), U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (Ill.-16) toured Rockford ATCT (RFD); U.S. Rep. Lamonica McIver (N.J.-10) visited Newark’s Liberty ATCT (EWR); and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (Minn.-5) toured Minneapolis-St. Paul ATCT (MSP). Several Alaskan Region leaders also met virtually with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski and her staff. https://lnkd.in/eWmd3FRf

On Wednesday, March 19, NATCA President Nick Daniels served on a panel at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Joint Board of Directors and Advisory Council meeting. The panel was moderated by NBAA’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Kristie Greco Johnson. The other panelists included Airlines for America’s Sr. Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Policy Sharon Pinkerton and former FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolan. The panelists answered questions about recent aviation safety, technology upgrades within the FAA, and recruitment, training, and retention of the controller workforce. #AviationSafety #PilotCommunity #AirTrafficControllers #WeGuideYouHome

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Archie League Medal of safety Awards — the 21st annual ALMOSA awards. We are looking for the best saves that occurred at your facilities between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025. The deadline to submit nominations is May 15. More information about the award and the nomination form can be found in the Awards section of our website: https://lnkd.in/dBcbAeR https://lnkd.in/dfBSkfgd Our banquet celebration of the 2025 Archie League Medal of Safety Award winners will be held at Communicating For Safety in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. If you have questions or are having trouble collecting all nomination materials, please email [email protected].

Registration is now open for NATCA’s 20th Biennial Convention in San Francisco, May 9-11, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis. This is where local delegates from all NATCA regions come together to vote on key issues and set the direction of our Union. Business Begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9 The business of Convention starts early. Delegates should plan to be in their seats and ready for the first gavel at 8:30 a.m. sharp on Friday, May 9. Don’t miss any part of the discussion that will shape our Union’s future. Schedule Overview Thursday, May 8 Afternoon: Optional educational classes for members Evening: Opening Reception Friday, May 9 Convention business begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Saturday & Sunday, May 10-11 Full days of Convention business and member engagement Early registration ensures the best pricing on all Convention events. Register today, and plan to arrive and be ready for business to begin at 8:30 a.m., Friday, May 9. https://lnkd.in/diRZhgz

A coalition of aviation stakeholders from industry and labor sent a letter to Congressional leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, calling on both parties to take immediate action to avoid a government shutdown. In the letter, the aviation stakeholders stressed the negative effects a government shutdown of any length would have on the National Airspace System (NAS). “Shutdowns are extremely detrimental to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by suspending air traffic controller hiring and training, delaying the implementation of safety initiatives, postponing maintenance and repair work to critical air traffic equipment, suspending air carrier pilot check rides, delaying airworthy inspections for aircraft, deferring?the analysis of voluntary safety reporting, and suspending work on modernization and infrastructure programs. During a shutdown, many FAA employees are furloughed, meaning that they cannot perform their duties that support aviation safety, aircraft certification and the integration of new entrants. The ensuing backlogs cause further delays in these critical FAA services long after funding resumes. “While air traffic controllers will continue to work without pay, many of the employees who support them are furloughed, and the programs that the FAA uses to review and address safety events are suspended. To remain the world leader in aviation, we must continue to strive to improve efficiency and further mitigate risk.” Read the full text of the letter: https://lnkd.in/e5UYb4uE

This video is part four of a series of videos that we are publishing from NATCA President Nick Daniels’ address at the monthly luncheon of the Aero Club of Washington on March 12. In this clip, Daniels lays out NATCA’s recommended solutions to the challenges our aviation system is encountering. You can read Daniels’ entire written speech as prepared on our website. ICYMI: The Aero Club is a membership organization of aviation leaders from airlines, aviation labor unions, industry trade associations, airports, manufacturers, legal firms, FAA and DOT personnel, and aviation enthusiasts. #weguideyouhome #laborunions #natcaproud #solidarity #safetyfirst #aviation

This video is part three of a series of videos that we are publishing from NATCA President Nick Daniels’ address at the monthly luncheon of the Aero Club of Washington on March 12. In this clip, Daniels covers the rigorous hiring and training process for controllers and calls for better incentives and improved working conditions to retain these hardworking, highly-skilled professionals. You can read Daniels’ entire written speech as prepared on our website. ICYMI: The Aero Club is a membership organization of aviation leaders from airlines, aviation labor unions, industry trade associations, airports, manufacturers, legal firms, FAA and DOT personnel, and aviation enthusiasts. #weguideyouhome #laborunions #natcaproud #solidarity #safetyfirst #aviation

This video is part two of a series of videos that we are publishing from NATCA President Nick Daniels’ address at the monthly luncheon of the Aero Club of Washington on March 12. In this clip, Daniels covers how chronic air traffic controller understaffing puts a strain on the airspace. You can read Daniels’ entire written speech as prepared on our website. ICYMI: The Aero Club is a membership organization of aviation leaders from airlines, aviation labor unions, industry trade associations, airports, manufacturers, legal firms, FAA and DOT personnel, and aviation enthusiasts. #weguideyouhome #laborunions #natcaproud #solidarity #safetyfirst #aviation