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
Air Traffic Controllers & Pilots From Around the World Share Messages of Global Solidarity with NATCA During the U.S. Government Shutdown
In recognition of the International Day of the Controller, air traffic controllers and pilots from around the world issued statements in support of American air traffic controllers, who are presently operating under enormous stress and distraction, as they continue to be responsible for moving 35,000 flights with millions of passengers and many tons of cargo…
IFATCA Issues Statement of Support for American Controllers on International Day of the Controller 2025
In recognition of the International Day of the Controller, the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) released this statement in support of American air traffic controllers, who are presently operating under enormous stress and distraction as they continue to be responsible for moving 35,000 flights with millions of passengers and many tons of…
International Day of the Controller, Oct. 20, 2025
Today, NATCA recognizes the International Day of the Controller, the observance recognizing the vital work that is done by air traffic controllers around the world to keep the global airspace operating safely and efficiently. In the U.S., American controllers are presently operating under enormous stress and distraction as they continue to be responsible for moving…
Video Channel
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Benefits
NATCA Partnering With National University, Offering up to a 25% Tuition Reduction
The NATCA Benefits Committee is proud to announce that our Union is partnering with National University (NU) to offer a tuition reduction of up to 25%* to our members, employees, and retirees for associate, undergraduate, and master’s programs and up to 15% on doctoral programs. NATCA spouses and dependents also are eligible for a 15%…
Unum Open Season Starts Today: Don’t Wait, Enroll Today
Open season for NATCA’s Unum Long Term Disability Insurance starts today. Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. Unum is one of the most important parts of your overall benefits package, and NATCA offers members the opportunity to purchase this coverage at affordable group rates. If you’re unable to work due to a…
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
NATCA Members Speak About Effects of Government Shutdown on Their Families
NATCA members speak about how the government shutdown is affecting their families and is an unnecessary distraction from performing their vital duties of keeping America’s National Airspace System operating safely and efficiently. NATCA members featured in the video include: Natelie Chappell (Potomac TRACON, PCT) Tom Lefebvre (Boston Center, ZBW) Nicole Wysong (Engineer/Northwest Mountain Region, ENM)…
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:
