Professional Standards Training Equips NATCA Reps to Create Positive Change

NATCA’s Professional Standards (PS) Committee hosted a three-day training for 16 members at Albuquerque Center (ZAB), from Nov. 15-17. Instructors and National PS Committee Members Lydia Baune (Spokane ATCT, GEG), Patrick Carter (Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON, D10), and Chris Keyes (Washington Center, ZDC) welcomed the new PS members to the team and thanked them for volunteering to serve NATCA in such a unique and impactful role.

“The Professional Standards Program is wonderful for many reasons, the biggest in my opinion being that it can handle issues at the lowest level,” Albuquerque PS District Chair Connie Williams (ZAB) said. “But more than that, this program gives us an opportunity to create positive long-lasting and impactful change and to maintain the highest level of professionalism in our workplace. I think it’s so telling that the FAA and NATCA give us this responsibility and the thoroughness of the national leads and their training program shows that we don’t take this responsibility lightly. The training is above and beyond and I am so proud to be part of this amazing team.”

“The Professional Standards class has provided me with the tools to be an effective communicator and an opportunity to reflect on my leadership skills,” Atlanta TRACON (A80) member Gabe Ramirez said. “I feel that I have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s career.”