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, five Department of Defense air traffic facilities, and 123 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
Aviation Stakeholders From Industry and Labor Join Together to Call on Congress to Avert a Government Shutdown
A coalition of aviation stakeholders from industry and labor sent a letter to Congressional leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, calling on both parties to take immediate action to avoid a government shutdown. In the letter, the aviation stakeholders stressed the negative effects a government shutdown of any length would have…
Aero Club of Washington Speech: Safety Is the Destination—Action Must Be the Flight Plan
On March 12, NATCA President Nick Daniels addressed aviation leaders in attendance at the monthly luncheon of the Aero Club of Washington. The following is his written speech as prepared. Good afternoon, and thank you for that introduction and for the warm welcome by the Aero Club of Washington. It’s an honor to be here today,…
House of Representatives Passes Continuing Resolution to Fund Government
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the FAA and other federal agencies through Sept. 30, 2025. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to take up the legislation in advance of the March 14 deadline. The House-passed bill provides an increase in the FAA’s…
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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
Last Chance to Save: Early Bird Deadline is March 9!
Today is the final day to lock in the lowest prices for NATCA’s 2025 Convention in San Francisco! Register now to save on: Opening Reception: Free NCF Solidarity Night: $35 Closing Ceremony: $60 Refund Policy: 100% refund available Prices increase tomorrow, so don’t wait. Register now at natca.org/convention
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:
