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Engineers & ArchitectsNATCA initially represented only controllers, but over the years it has grown to encompass many other FAA employees, including ATO Technical Operations engineers and architects. On November 10, 1997, NATCA was certified as the exclusive representative for this bargaining unit comprised of approximately 1,100 engineers.
This group is fully integrated into the NATCA organization as one of the Region X bargaining units, and is participating in all committees and initiatives. The E&A unit is currently into a second contract went which went into effect on August 5, 2007. This new agreement incorporated the AOS and AVN engineers also who were previously covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The FLRA approved a consolidated certification with the E&A, AOS, and AVN units on April 30, 2002.
What Do These Members Do?
NATCA E&A members design new facilities, construct or remodel air traffic control facilities and replace aging National Airspace System equipment. They evaluate systems and provide technical support to fix problems with NAS equipment. In addition, they analyze radar and communications coverage, correct deficiencies in existing systems and propose changes and upgrades to the agency to secure funding. Engineers determine whether facilities will be replaced or upgraded, develop plans for improvements and implement upgrades, construction and installation projects.
AOS engineers develop modifications and maintenance procedures for NAS equipment, provide national-level field support, and maintain the configuration management of NAS systems. AVN engineers provide modification and maintenance instructions for the fleet of flight inspection aircraft. This includes the creation of designs, drawings, reports and Supplemental Type Certificates (STC).
Engineers and architects are committed to ensuring the high performance operation of the vast network of sophisticated air traffic control, navigation, surveillance, communication and automation equipment which makes up the NAS, which is the busiest system in the world.
Region X Vice President Mike MacDonald, in his second term, leads this bargaining unit, which is further broken down into eleven "locals" that have their own charters and customized constitutions. Additionally, there is also a contingent of engineers assigned to FAA Headquarters who are part of the EEA Local. Similar to the controllers' locals, they structure themselves as they feel necessary. Each elects a local executive board consisting of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, but any of these positions may be combined if desired.
Contact Persons Mike MacDonald Kelvin Hale Larry Ihlen Ed Szczuka Dan Stefko Troy Swanberg Bob Aitken Curt Howe Douglas Hintz Jeff Tyler Sam Samad FAA Headquarters (HQ) FAA Aeronautical Center (EAC) LA ACO (EW1) |