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
NiW 2026: EVP Mick Devine Highlights Power of Unified Advocacy
NATCA activists are in Washington this week with a clear mission: to advance the status, professionalism, and working conditions of every NATCA member. Executive Vice President Mick Devine opened NATCA in Washington sessions with a call to action, reminding us that legislative activism is the foundation of our Union’s strength. NATCA’s success is built on…
NiW 2026: NATCA Activists Align on Legislative Strategy for Capitol Hill
During “The Ask” briefing, NATCA’s Government Affairs team and National Legislative Committee (NLC) leadership provided activists with the strategic framework for the week’s advocacy. The session focused on delivering a clear, consistent message to members of Congress and their staff regarding the Union’s top legislative priorities. This unified approach strengthens NATCA’s influence and ensures the…
NiW 2026: President Nick Daniels Rallies Activists to Secure the Future of the Profession
President Nick Daniels opened NATCA in Washington with a powerful mandate for the Union’s legislative activists: leverage the hard-won victories of the past year to finish the mission on Capitol Hill. Reflecting on a year defined by legislative triumphs despite unprecedented challenges throughout the National Airspace System, Daniels emphasized that NATCA’s strength remains its unified,…
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Benefits
Only One Month Left to Enroll in NATCA’s Long Term Disability Insurance Plan
There is only one month left to enroll in NATCA’s exclusive Long-Term Disability Insurance plan with Unum. Unum is an affordable way to protect a large portion of your income that could be lost due to illness or injury. Premiums are based on your income and the elimination period you choose (90 or 180 days…
Unum Long Term Disability Insurance Open Enrollment Extended Until Jan 16, 2026
NATCA is pleased to announce the extension of the open enrollment period through Jan. 16, 2026 for our exclusive long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefit with Unum! Our LTD plan with Unum protects a large portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This benefit is available exclusively to…
Events
Save the Date: NATCA Returns to Chicago for 2027 Convention
NATCA is returning to its roots. Delegates at the 19th Biennial Convention in Fort Lauderdale selected Chicago as the site for the 21st Biennial Convention. Scheduled for April 27-29, 2027, the event will take place at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. This landmark gathering coincides with the 40th anniversary of NATCA’s founding. Chicago has a deep labor history, including our own…
Spotlight
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:
