Discover NATCA
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
NATCA is a labor union and aviation safety organization in the United States that represents nearly 20,000 highly skilled air traffic controllers, engineers, and other aviation safety-related professionals. NATCA was certified in 1987 by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to be the exclusive bargaining representative for air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Today, NATCA is one of the strongest labor unions in the federal sector and represents a range of aviation safety professionals in 15 FAA bargaining units, six Department of Defense air traffic facilities, and 171 federal contract towers. These air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals make vital contributions to the U.S. economy and make modern life possible by coordinating the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of nearly one billion aviation passengers and millions of tons of freight within the National Airspace System each year. NATCA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
Featured News
NATCA President Nick Daniels Shares the Controller Perspective During DOT Industry Days
On June 10, NATCA President Nick Daniels joined aviation industry stakeholders at the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Industry Days event. Daniels participated in a discussion panel moderated by Rebecca Guy, the Chief Technology Officer (acting) in the Air Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration. Other panel members included National Business Aviation Association President and…
NATCA SUPPORTS THE SAFE OPERATION OF SHARED AIRSPACE ACT OF 2025
WASHINGTON – The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) strongly supports the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act of 2025, which was introduced last week by Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Maria Cantwell (Wash.) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), along with original co-sponsors Sens. Amy…
Happy 25th NATCAversary of Automation Support Specialists Being Represented by Our Union
Happy 25th NATCAversary! We celebrate that on June 1, 2000, the FLRA recognized NATCA as the exclusive bargaining representative of FAA Automation Support Specialists (AOS). Members of this bargaining unit work in en route centers and terminal field facilities nationwide. They include computer specialists, computer scientists, electronic engineers, and air traffic control specialists. Their primary…
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Benefits
Time Is Running Out to Protect Your Income with Unum LTD.
NATCA members, now is the time to take action. Protect your income and secure your financial future with Unum long-term disability insurance. This benefit is available exclusively to NATCA members, giving you peace of mind no matter what life brings. Open season is only available through Dec. 8, so act now. Enroll at natcadisability.com.
NATCA Benefits Partners with Beacon Realty for Exclusive Member Savings on Real Estate Services
NATCA Benefits is pleased to announce its partnership with Beacon Realty, offering members coordinated support for all real estate needs during relocation. Beacon Relocation’s services provide seamless management whether members are moving locally or across the country, along with the advantage of up to a 20% Realtor® discount through their network of Approved Realtor® Partners….
Events
Convention Applauds 100% Membership Facilities for Union Solidarity
Delegates in the convention hall cheered as NATCA recognized every facility that has achieved 100% union membership. The moment highlighted the strength of our Union and the deep commitment of members across the country. Reaching full membership is a powerful reflection of solidarity, unity, and shared purpose at the local level. May 11, 2025: Images…
Spotlight
Get To Know NATCA’s National Legislative Committee Chair David Skarphol
Relationship building is at the core of NATCA’s legislative activism. Earlier this year David Skarphol (Phoenix TRACON, P50) stepped up as the chair of NATCA’s National Legislative Committee (NLC), leading the team that coordinates and facilitates NATCA members’ legislative training and relationships with members of Congress. Today we take a moment to introduce Skarphol and…
Aviation Facts
Fact: The United States aviation system is an economic driver, contributing 5.2 percent to the nation’s gross domestic product, and generating nearly 11 million jobs.
Aircraft in the sky at peak operational times
Pounds of freight moving through the National Airspace System each year
Current Traffic
Tracking 10,677 airborne aircraft with 636,859,278 total flights in the database. FlightAware has tracked 113,709 arrivals in the last 24 hours.
Aviation Acronyms
Learn acronyms used by safety professionals nationwide:
