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
From the Desk of President Rich Santa: The Week Ahead
Brothers and Sisters, The National Executive Board had a very productive meeting last week. We worked on team building, new expectations, and held numerous briefings. The new Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) have embraced the challenge, and the returning RVPs have been supportive and served as a valuable resource for our newest members. The week ahead will…
From the Desk of President Rich Santa: CRWG CPC Target Implementation Update
Brothers and Sisters, First, on behalf of the National Executive Board (NEB) thank you to all the aviation safety professionals that kept the National Airspace System safe and moving during this past Labor Day holiday weekend! This week, the National Executive Board will meet in Omaha, Neb. Our five new regional vice presidents will start…
Happy Labor Day from NATCA!
Today, we celebrate the immense contributions of working people across the nation. Labor Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and dedication of America’s workforce. The labor movement is picking up momentum as workers across industries organize and unite to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. The past few…
Video Channel
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Benefits
Amusement Awaits: NATCA Benefits Offers Theme Park Thrills and Discounts with Union Plus
NATCA Benefits is proud to offer our members discounts on attractions, tours, water & theme parks with Union Plus. Union families save on admission to Walt Disney World, Six Flags, Universal Studios and many more. For more information visit www.natcabenefits.org and see everything Union Plus has to offer under the “Union Plus” tab or here…
NATCA Exclusive Retirement Briefings: Unlocking Your Path to Financial Freedom
Discover your retirement journey with NATCA’s expert planning and guidance. As one of your exclusive benefits as a member, NATCA’s partnership with 4 Square Financial Literacy Partners, Inc., offers members expert planning and guidance for retirement. These workshops delve into federal benefits, retirement choices, and their effects on retirees and their loved ones. Retirement briefings…
Events
Registration for NATCA’s 20th Biennial Convention Is Now Open
Registration for NATCA’s 20th Biennial Convention is now open. Register today and plan to be at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco from May 9-11, 2025, with the opening ceremony taking place on the evening of May 8. Early registrants will get the best prices on all Convention events. Please do not register NATCA members…
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:
