NATCA's Successful Outreach Efforts Continue at WIA Event
Friday, March 18, 2011

NATCA's expanded outreach efforts are continuing to pay big dividends, with successful interactions with the aviation community all across the country and the enhancement of key relationships.

The latest example: A highly successful NATCA presence at last month's Women in Aviation conference in Reno, Nev. NATCA's booth at the event was staffed by Outreach Coordinator Kelly Richardson, Danny Aguerre (ZMA, Safety Committee, Partnership for Safety representative), Leanne Martin (AZO, Reloaded Committee, ATSAP representative) and Jamie Nuss of SFO.

"It was a great show as we had so many people come up to our booth," Richardson said. "There were many CTI students in attendance along with a good number of students who are looking to attend a CTI program. This event is a good place to talk to pilots (both commercial and private) along with future controllers.  NATCA had a small booth with a very big presence."

Aguerre gave a presentation (along with FAA’s Bob Tarter) on Partnership for Safety. 

Said Martin: "I have been working quite closely with Kelly, attending a number of outreach events. I am proud to say, we have had great success. As we learn and develop our approach, I foresee even more profound results. The response we are getting is overwhelming. The attendees just can't seem to get enough of us. When we did our presentations at the AOPA Summit, our booth had standing room only!  At WIA, our booth was one of the busiest. We could have easily had another person working. The feedback that we are receiving is positive and welcoming."


Below, is a letter that Martin received from a college student who is looking for a new avenue to pursue in aviation.

It was really great meeting you at the WAI conference last week. I hadn't expected to be given a whole new career option when I came to the conference, but you and the others at the NATCA booth really gave me a lot to think about. Frankly I'm excited to find out more about being a controller, and I've been researching schools since I got back home. Broward College is still a possibility, and I won't forget to e-mail you as soon as I make a decision. I can not thank you enough for all the encouragement and advice you gave me. Your help has been invaluable to me.

Thanks again!
Kelly McCoy


NATCA Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert received this feedback from JoAnn Becker, a meteorologist:

"I had the pleasure of visiting the NATCA booth at the Women in Aviation International Exhibition in Reno, Nevada.  It was very useful to speak to your NATCA representative, Leanne Martin about opportunities in FAA and NexGen impacts. It was good to hear the real story about opportunities and future goals from an employee perspective and not just an organization perspective. I am also a member of the National Weather Service Employees Organization. As fellow union member I really appreciate having the voice of the employees at these events.

"I believe it is very useful for NATCA to continue to attend events like this in the future."

 

Pictures from the event are below:


From left to right, volunteering at the NATCA booth: Jamie Nuss (SFO),
Leanne Martin (AZO and ATSAP rep), Danny Aguerre (ZMA, NATCA Safety
Committee and Partnership for Safety Representative). 

Aguerre talks with attendees after her presentation.

 

 

Martin talks with more visitors to the NATCA booth.