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
Deadline for Union Plus Scholarship Application is Jan. 31, 2026
The NATCA Benefits Committee is proud to partner with Union Plus to offer savings and helpful programs to our Union’s members. Each year, Union Plus offers a scholarship to help union members and their families with the cost of college. They’ve provided over $5.4 million in scholarship funds to date. The online application is now open. The deadline to submit an application is Jan. 31, 2026. For more information on eligibility requirements…
NATCA Wishes You a Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! NATCA hopes your new year celebration is full of fun and happiness. As the new year approaches, we send our warmest wishes for a year filled with prosperity, health, and joy for you and your loved ones. 2025 was a challenging year for NATCA, from the mid-air disaster at DCA to the 43-day-long government shutdown. But no…
Save the Date for NATCA in Washington 2026
Save the date for NATCA in Washington: May 4-6, 2026 in Washington, D.C., at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill. Member activists will gather in Washington, D.C., this spring to receive training on legislative advocacy and engage directly with members of Congress regarding our Union’s legislative priorities. “Our goal is to give every member the confidence to walk into any Congressional office and speak…
Video Channel
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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
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:
