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
Happy 25th NATCAversary to our Aircraft Certification Specialists
Happy 25th NATCAversary to our Aircraft Certification Specialists! On Sept. 12, 2000, the Federal Labor Relations Association (FLRA) certified NATCA as the exclusive bargaining unit representative of FAA aircraft certification specialists. This group is composed of aerospace engineers, senior engineers, program managers, flight test pilots, aircraft certification assistants, and various administrative and technical support personnel. These…
NATCA Remembers September 11, 2001
Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. NATCA remembers those who lost their lives that day and commends the aviation safety professionals that were on duty that day for their bravery and hard work. It fills us with great pride to represent the men and women who handled such a terrible event seamlessly,…
NATCA President Nick Daniels Speaks at National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees Annual Training
NATCA President Nick Daniels recently spoke at the National Hispanic Coalition for Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) annual training in Puerto Rico. Daniels spoke about the important role air traffic controllers play in maintaining a safe and effective National Airspace. The two-day training conference aims to advance members’ professional development through skill-building sessions and networking while also…
Video Channel
Check out our most recent videos:
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
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:
