E & A Engineers and Architects
NATCA represents the engineers and architects who design new ATC facilities, construct orremodel new or existing ATC facilities, and replace aging NAS 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, propose changes and upgrades, and present those changes to the agency to secure funding and support. Engineers determine whether facilities will be replaced or upgraded, develop plans for improvements and implement upgrades and construction, installation projects, and much more.
Employees in this unit are assigned to Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Technical Operations (Tech Ops) Engineering Services, Technical Services, and the Service Centers. They are located in all nine FAA regional offices, three service centers, air route traffic control centers, and many Technical Operations District Offices. Our engineers in Oklahoma City and Atlantic City in the Flight Operations and Operations Support organizations are also part of this E&A unit. Operations Support provides field support, maintains the configuration management of systems, and performs modifications of equipment. Flight Operations provides airborne flight inspection of Navigational Aids and procedures.