This Week's Notebook: Rep. Biggert Honored
Friday, December 21, 2012


Pictured left to right: Jeff Nordell (C90), Frank Diliberto (ZAU), Toby Hauck (ZAU), Congresswoman Biggert, Craig Sullivan (ZAU), Adam Humpal (ORD) and Joe Rougeau (C90).

On December 14, 2012, NATCA presented Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-Ill.,13th District) with a plaque honoring her service as a U.S. Representative since 1999. After touring Chicago Center (ZAU) early in her career, Congresswoman Biggert became a close friend to NATCA.

“Throughout her career she supported issues that affected NATCA members in the Illinois 13th and across the country,” ZAU Facility Representative Toby Hauck said. “She took time out of her busy schedule to wish NATCA a happy 25th anniversary on the floor of the U.S. House.”

Personally, Congresswoman Biggert has helped NATCA members in many ways. She has helped constituents retrieve service records and medals of family members and has sent hand-written letters to NATCA members who were stricken with serious illnesses.

"It was our pleasure to take a few minutes and honor Congresswoman Biggert for her dedication to our profession,” Hauck said. “She has been a friend both professionally and personally. She will be missed.”


New ATSAP Briefing Sheet: Call Sign Read Back

A pilot's intent to be brief and not tie-up the frequency often backfires if a call sign is not included. Please click HERE to see the latest Air Traffic Safety Action Program (ATSAP) briefing sheet, entitled, "ATC Wished Pilots knew ... What Controllers Say (Chapter 1)."


ZNY Member Added to VLTP List and Needs Your Help

Our list of members in the Voluntary Leave Donation Program (VLTP) can be found on the members website HERE. These are brothers and sisters who are going through some very tough times and need whatever help you can provide.

This week, we added New York Center member Pete McCabe to the list. Pete has been a NATCA member since 1989 and suffered a stroke on July 27, 2012. He is currently recovering but his return to duty date has yet to be determined. In addition to exhausting his leave, the financial burden he has encountered for the care of his three boys has been overwhelming.

We also have sad news to report regarding another member who has been on the VLTP list, Ian Kelley of Atlanta Center. Ian and his wife, Jessica, lost their 4-year-old son, Henry, who died this week from a malignant brain tumor. Below is a message that ZTL Facility Representative Rick Baugh sent out to members:

“Most of you know of my member, Ian Kelley, who many of you and your facilities helped out with donations of money, food and leave over the past few months to help him care for his son, Henry. It is my sad duty to let you know that 4-year-old Henry passed away. His family was with him throughout this whole ordeal and was with him at the end. They were able to do this because of all of your donations and they are very appreciative of all that you, his NATCA family, has done for them.

“We will continue to take care of Ian and his family and get them through the hard times ahead.  If anything else is needed, I will let you know.

“Thank you again from me and all the members at ZTL for helping us take care of one of our own.”

If you know a member who is also in the VLTP and needs to be added to our database, please email Director of Communications Doug Church (dchurch@natcadc.org).


This Month in NATCA History

December 16, 1985 - Controllers meet administrator/NATCA name adopted: Howie Barte is invited to meet with FAA Administrator Donald Engen, along with four other controllers, to discuss the state of the ATC system and controller morale. This gathering is a direct result of the ABC “Nightline” program the previous month. Meeting at MEBA headquarters, Barte and John Thornton agree to change the name of the proposed union to NATCA, which had been used by Washington Center controllers during their organizing effort in 1983-84.

December 9, 1981: President Reagan rescinds an order banning fired controllers from seeking federal work for three years. However, they are still barred from returning to the FAA. Many controllers who subsequently apply for work in other government agencies and at overseas ATC facilities claim they have been blacklisted when they find it nearly impossible to get hired.

Dec. 7, 2000 - FAA reorganization: President Clinton signs an executive order mandating the FAA to reorganize its air traffic control operations into a performance-based Air Traffic Organization. He defines such services as “inherently governmental.” Clinton names five members to a board of directors that will serve as an oversight committee and directs that a chief operating officer be hired.


This Month in Labor History

1955: Ending a 20-year split, the two largest labor federations in the U.S. merge to form the AFL-CIO, with a membership estimated at 15 million.

1884: The Washington Monument is completed in Washington, D.C. On the interior of the monument are 193 commemorative stones, donated by numerous governments and organizations from all over the world; one of them is from the International Typographical Union, founded in 1852. In 1986 the ITU merged into the Communications Workers of America.

1948: International Human Rights Day, commemorating the signing at the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, in part: “Everyone has the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of his interests.”


NATCA Merchandise Item of the Week: Lady Darby Jacket

Ladies'-styled heavyweight poplin jacket with micro polar fleece lining. Features a zip-thru collar, open cuff and bottom with double welt pockets. Embroidered logo on the left chest. Available colors: Black, blue, coral and sage from sizes S-3XL.  Priced between $61.00-$64.00.  Made in USA. Please note that apparel orders take 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Click here to see the item and order it on the NATCA Store website.

Ongoing Holiday offer: 15 percent OFF on your entire purchase. Enter online promo code 9591-68 during checkout.  Minimum purchase per order is $50.00.  Promo ends December 31, 2012.
Log on now at NATCASTORE.COM. For assistance call 800.266.0895 or email natcastore@natcadc.org.
 

NATCA Benefit of the Week: Aviation Medicine Advisory Service/AMAS (Formally Virtual Flight Surgeons/VFS)

AMAS serves NATCA members to improve their health and increase aviation safety. NATCA members have access to world-class physicians that specialize in Aeromedical medicine.

- Confidential aeromedical advice! AMAS provides you one-on-one contact with their physician staff. They believe this contact provides early intervention with medical issues and gives you the expert advice and assistance you need. Their physicians do not perform medical exams nor act as AMEs, which provides you a confidential, risk-free source for aeromedical assistance.

- Protect your career! Professionals who depend on a current valid medical certificates for their career can not afford to be surprised at their medical exam with a deferral or denial of their medical certificate. Even more costly is the months of waiting for the FAA to process additional information required to reinstate a medical certificate. AMAS physicians can help controllers anticipate and avoid most of these situations, and when necessary, expedite processing of FAA medical determinations by providing complete accurate information required by protocol of the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division.

This is available to you as part of your NATCA membership. Contact AMAS via www.aviationmedicine.com or 1-866-AEROMED with your medical questions or concerns. If you have any questions about this benefit or other benefits offered by NATCA you can visit www.natcamembers.org or contact National Benefits Committee Chairman John Bratcher at john.bratcher@natca.net.