Welcome FAA Academy Trainees!

Congratulations on starting your career in air traffic control! The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is here to support you every step of the way.

NATCA is the exclusive union representing over 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers, and aviation safety professionals across the country. We are committed to improving working conditions, protecting employee rights, and promoting safety in the National Airspace System.

This page has resources for Academy trainees, containing all the handouts distributed at NATCA’s Meet & Greets for FAA Academy trainees. Below, you’ll find helpful information on pay, leave, travel to your facility, union membership, and support resources available to you through NATCA.

Resources

Join NATCA: Learn how to become a member and the benefits of union representation.

Letter from the NEB: A welcome from NATCA’s national leadership encouraging your involvement in the union from day one.

Article 24 – Annual Leave: Outlines how vacation leave is earned, bid, approved, and managed throughout the year.

Article 29 – Excused Absences: Explains how new hires receive paid time off for travel from the Academy to their first facility.

Article 29, Appendix G – Travel Time Chart: Lists how many days of excused absence you receive for driving to your assigned location.

ATSPP Pay Band Chart (2025): Shows pay ranges by position level and helps you understand where your salary fits.

NATCA Bargaining Units: Describes all the roles NATCA represents and helps you identify where your job fits in the union.

NATCA Reloaded Info: Contact info for NATCA Reloaded, a program supporting new members after graduation.

RVP Regional Map: Find your region and the contact info for your Regional Vice President.

GI Bill Benefits: Your training to become an Air Traffic Controller may entitle you to GI Bill Benefits.