Introducing the Professional Standards Program
Thursday, June 30, 2011

Welcome to what will be the first of a regular series on NATCA’s Professional Standards Program.

With the implementation of the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement, NATCA was able to initiate the provisions of Article 52. A workgroup was formed with three NATCA representatives: Garth Koleszar, Andy Marosvari and Jeff Richards. Our three FAA counterparts are Terry Biggio, Michael Demonte and Tonya Patterson.

We have been working to craft the complete training program for all the Professional Standards (ProStan) Committee members. We have attended ALPA professional standards training and have relied heavily on ALPA’s more than 50 years experience in professional standards to create our own unique program.

We are very close to rolling out ProStan in our three test areas, and have scheduled the training for the Anchorage, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago area test facilities. We anticipate being able to roll the program out to the centers through the end of the year, with the remainder of the facilities through 2012. The week-long training program for facility committee members will instill techniques to promote the Air Traffic Controller code, and teach coaching and mentoring skills; problem resolution; Professional Standards policy; reflective feedback; and many other skills needed to enhance the program.

It is our belief, as a union, that we as controllers are best suited to address our own issues; that we are the best stewards of the profession that we represent. This is a NATCA program, crafted by NATCA members, and run by NATCA committee selections.

Our goal, which is contained as a core component of Article 52 in the NATCA/FAA collective bargaining agreement, is to promote and maintain the highest degree of professional conduct among participants. We do that in compliance with the following Air Traffic Controller code, crafted by NATCA in the spring of this year:

• A Professional Air Traffic Controller’s performance and actions are a demonstration of their personal commitment to safety, excellence, and upholding their oath to the public trust, most specifically to the users of the National Airspace System. They shall conduct themselves in a manner that instills trust and merits the confidence bestowed on them by the public they serve.

• A Professional Air Traffic Controller, through his or her own conduct and performance, should inspire, motivate, and provide examples of professionalism to others. The safety of the airspace system is of the greatest importance, and their performance should always demonstrate the highest standard of excellence.

• A Professional Air Traffic Controller accepts that their actions represent the conduct and character of all members of the profession. They shall act in a manner that brings honor and respect to the profession, establishes public trust, and sets a global standard for excellence.

Your ProStan National Workgroup will begin providing regular updates here in the NATCA Insider regarding our progress, sharing our lessons learned, and recognizing examples of the professionalism that each of you exhibit. Thanks for the professionalism each of you show everyday and we will talk to you again in the next issue.


- NATCA's Professional Standards Committee Members