

When a student pilot’s aircraft lost a landing gear moments after takeoff, the difference between a damaged aircraft and a safe return came down to quick coordination and calm instruction. At the Archie League Medal of […]
When mechanical trouble and worsening weather closed in on a small aircraft at once, the difference between disaster and a safe landing came down to resourceful teamwork. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet […]
When a small aircraft’s engine began losing power far from the nearest runway, the difference between crisis and a safe outcome came down to clear, calm communication. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet […]
When a student pilot’s engine began failing over unforgiving mountain terrain, the difference between panic and a safe landing came down to calm, steady guidance. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet during Communicating […]
When a series of electrical failures left a pilot nearly blind and disoriented in flight, the difference between catastrophe and a safe landing came down to calm, coordinated teamwork. At the Archie League Medal of Safety […]
When one aircraft unexpectedly began its takeoff roll into the path of another, the difference between a close call and a collision came down to a split-second call. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award […]
When a pilot with no instrument training became trapped above a thick layer of clouds, the difference between a dangerous descent and a safe landing came down to patient, expert coaching. At the Archie League Medal […]
When a departing jet lost altitude and stopped responding normally over some of the country’s busiest airspace, the difference between tragedy and a safe outcome came down to teamwork under pressure. At the Archie League Medal […]
When a pilot flying into Anchorage’s Lake Hood Airport found himself boxed in by a stubborn cloud layer, the difference between a diversion gone wrong and a safe landing came down to one controller’s calm, alternative-minded […]
When a small aircraft entered a dangerous spiral in instrument conditions, the difference between disaster and recovery came down to a single, clear instruction. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet during Communicating For […]
Not every safety story unfolds over the radio. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet during Communicating For Safety 2026, engineer Mark Slover was honored with the Region X Commitment to Safety Award for […]
At Communicating For Safety 2025, an international panel brought together labor leaders from around the world to address shared issues of staffing, technology, and rising traffic. NATCA Safety Chair John Murdock reconvened this panel — NATCA […]
Potomac TRACON’s (PCT) Antonio “Maurice” Franklin received the Excellence in Training Award from NATCA National Training Representative Jamaal Haltom, recognizing the members who live out NATCA’s belief that every day is a training day. Franklin has […]
Today at Communicating For Safety 2026, NATCA National Training Representative Jamaal Haltom, SAIC Global Aviation Strategy Executive Terry Biggio, FAA Vice President for Mission Support and Management Services Chris Wilbanks, and Adacel Business Development Director Mark […]
NATCA Executive Vice President Mick Devine opened the third and final day of Communicating For Safety 2026, sending the room into a morning built around global collaboration and a look back at the year’s progress.
Earlier this year, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and the Global Air Traffic Controllers Alliance (GATCA) invited a high-level group — comprising union and global association presidents, as well as independent experts — to […]
At Communicating For Safety 2026, Los Angeles ATCT (LAX) NATCA member Joseph Gettler received the Allied Pilots Association (APA) Resolute Safety Award for the composure and skill he brought to a high-pressure save. APA’s annual Resolute […]
NATCA Chief of Staff and Regional Vice President Emeritus Dean Iacopelli, American Association of Airport Executives Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Karen Kuhlman, Airlines for America Legislative and Regulatory Policy Senior Vice President Sharon Pinkerton, […]
NATCA Safety Chair John Murdock, FAA Associate Administrator of Aviation Safety Management Nick Fuller, Delta Air Lines Director of Flight Safety Christopher Collins, and FAA Vice President of ATO Safety (AJI) Hope Kubala laid out what […]
NATCA National Surface Surveillance Representative Jamie Sanders, American Airlines Senior Manager of Airspace Optimization David Surridge, SWAPA Air Traffic Services Lead Brad Sims, NATCA Air Safety Investigator and OSHA Representative Karena Marinas, NATCA National Standards and […]
NCEPT SOP September 24 Final
Airlines, manufacturers, and technology innovators fill the NATCA Communicating For Safety exhibit hall each year, putting the people building the future of the National Airspace System in the same room as the people who operate it. […]
Shot down over Hanoi on his 75th combat mission and held as a prisoner of war for nearly six years, Capt. Charlie Plumb closed out day two of Communicating For Safety 2026 with lessons on resilience […]
NATCA President Nick Daniels kicked off the second day of Communicating For Safety 2026, pointing the room back to the work ahead: safety, efficiency, and running the busiest National Airspace System in the world.
NATCA Chief of Staff and Regional Vice President Emeritus Dean Iacopelli, American Association of Airport Executives Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Karen Kuhlman, Airlines for America Legislative and Regulatory Policy Senior Vice President Sharon Pinkerton, […]
Airlines for America President and CEO Christopher Sununu brought the airline perspective to CFS 2026, addressing how carriers, NATCA, and the FAA can move in step as the pace of change in the NAS picks up.
Today at Communicating For Safety 2026, NATCA Professional Standards members Lydia Baune (Spokane ATCT, GEG), Patrick Carter (Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON, D10), and Chris Keyes (Washington Center, ZDC) presented this year’s National Professionalism Award to Maurice Pitts […]
A $12.5 billion bet on the future of the National Airspace System (NAS) took center stage as NATCA Executive Vice President (EVP) Emeritus and IFATCA EVP Professional Trish Gilbert, Peraton National Aerospace Solutions Sector President Justin […]
NATCA President Nick Daniels sat down with FAA Chief Operating Officer Frank McIntosh at Communicating For Safety 2026 for an unscripted look at the state of the National Airspace System — the pressures facing the controller […]
The premier aviation safety conference opened its keynote programming with New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff, giving the room a jolt of energy before three days of technical sessions, panels, and peer exchange.
Memphis ATCT (MEM) and Memphis TRACON (M03) earned this year’s NATCA Helping Hearts Award, presented by NATCA Great Lakes Regional OSHA Representative Xavier Rivera. This OSHA Committee honor goes to the facility with the highest share […]
NATCA Safety Chair John Murdock presented NATCA members and Air Safety Investigators Seth Myers (Boston Center, ZBW) and Daniel Carrico (Chicago O’Hare ATCT, ORD) with the Steve Hansen Safety Advocate Award. Named for the former National […]
NATCA’s Communicating For Safety 2026 got underway with NATCA President Nick Daniels and Safety Chair John Murdock opening the conference, with Potomac TRACON (PCT) (Ret.) NATCA member Ann Marie Sullivan singing the national anthem. Daniels and […]
From Kevin Curtiss, NATCA New England RVP NATCA New England, New England is attending Communicating for Safety this week in Las Vegas. Over 20 members are here to learn and engage with other aviation safety professionals. […]
NCEPT Updated ERR Demand Sept 15 2026
When a serious accident happens in the National Airspace System, NATCA’s air safety investigators are often working behind the scenes long before the public ever hears the findings. Ahead of CFS 2026, we’re publishing a closer […]
You can be a part of the premiere aviation safety conference from anywhere in the world. Attendees and viewers following the livestream on natca.org can submit questions for main stage speakers through Slido in real time. […]
Pilots attending Communicating For Safety 2026 can walk away with more than a new perspective — several breakout sessions carry FAA WINGS credit. Aviation Safety at Ground Level, Commercial Space Operations, Human Performance 101, Every Aviation […]
It’s almost time for the premiere aviation safety conference — and we want to see it from your eyes! At Communicating For Safety, you’ll gain education and resources to transform frontline insights into operational excellence. Share […]
The NATCA Communicating For Safety exhibit hall is where the aviation industry puts its work on display — airlines, manufacturers, and technology innovators, all in one room, all ready to talk shop with the controllers, pilots, […]
First time at Communicating For Safety? The CFS Orientation breakout on Monday morning is built for you — a walkthrough of how the conference is structured, what to expect, and how to make the most of […]
For September, NATCA’s wall calendar features a photo of the air traffic control tower at Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo, N.D. The photo was taken by Matt Bartelt (Fargo ATCT, FAR). The history of Hector […]
In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah signifies the beginning of a new year in the Hebrew calendar. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. […]
Twenty-five years ago today, our world changed forever. On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and attempted to attack the White House, using hijacked commercial airplanes. Nearly 3,000 people died […]
Twenty-five years ago today, our world changed forever. On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and attempted to attack the White House, using hijacked commercial airplanes. Nearly 3,000 people died […]
NATCA President Nick Daniels, NATCA members LaKecia “Key” Shuron (Reading TRACAB, RDG) and Tina Thomas (FAA HQ Staff, EHQ), and NATCA staff member Alicia Jordan represented the Union at the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation […]
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is requesting two (2) Flight Service Station volunteers to serve as as-needed Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the Alaska Automation Capability (AAC) National Workgroup Members. In accordance with Article […]
WASHINGTON – The following is the official Labor Day 2026 statement of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association’s (NATCA) National Executive Board: “The National Air Traffic Controllers Association honors the labor movement and recognizes the work and […]
NATCA Family: On behalf of the NATCA National Executive Board, we recognize the work, dedication, and sacrifices you make every day. We know your value. On Labor Day, we celebrate your vital contributions to our nation. […]
NATCA wishes you a happy Labor Day! Today, we celebrate the unwavering dedication of our members who keep our country moving and recognize the strength that comes from our solidarity and unity. As our Union approaches […]
NATCA Leadership Dean Von Almen Great Lakes Regional Vice President (NGL) Dean Von Almen is serving a partial term as Great Lakes (NGL) Regional Vice President (RVP). Dean was appointed as RVP after Drew MacQueen retired. […]
Twenty-two NATCA members recently completed Secretary/Treasurer Training (STT), which took place Aug. 10-11, 2026, at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas. The STT course improves members’ knowledge of NATCA and the Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal […]
Sept. 3 marks 20 years since the Federal Aviation Administration imposed work rules on NATCA’s bargaining unit employees after declaring an impasse in negotiations. Under 49 U.S.C. Section 40122 as it then read, the FAA could […]
All CFS content lives in one place: the official mobile app for NATCA’s Communicating For Safety (CFS) conference, Sept. 14-16 at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. Session details, speaker updates, and networking tools are available exclusively through […]
August- NEB Minutes Nashua, NH FINAL
From Steve Brown, NATCA New England Regional ARVP New England, I know we’re all tired and frustrated. Across the Region, controllers are working short, training hard, missing time with friends and family, and being expected to […]
Save the dates for 2027 NATCA Academy classes! Dates and locations are now set for next year’s Academy offerings. NATCA will be using a new registration system for 2027 classes. Registration for these 2027 classes is […]
Thirteen NATCA members completed the Occupational Safety and Health/Office of Worker’s Compensation Program Training (OSHA/OWCP) in Las Vegas from Aug. 12-13. The training provided members with the knowledge and understanding needed to address employee safety issues […]
NATCA members Omar Chaudry (Akron-Canton ATCT, CAK), Wilbert Peay (Cleveland Center, ZOB), and Judd Wallace (ZOB) recently participated in the 2026 Props and Pistons Festival in Akron, Ohio. The two-day festival was held Aug. 19-20 and […]
NATCA members welcomed U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (Wash.-8) to Seattle Center (ZSE) on July 7, 2026. The visit included a tour of the facility and an opportunity for NATCA members to engage with the Congresswoman on […]
NCEPT August 27, 2026 Panel Selections
NCEPT Priority Placement Tool – Monthly Report September 2026
NATCA member Renee Zapf (Hillsboro ATCT, HIO) attended a two-day legislative briefing with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and his staff. The briefing took place June 19 and 20 in Portland and Salem. Zapf discussed […]
RNAV Committee Zoom Mtg Monday August 24th@3pm Eastern Agenda: Attendees:Chair – Tom ThompsonCraig SmithNoel KingstonRosa SeraiMichelle TrudeauMargaret Summers – Unable to attend. – RNAV membership count.– Total: 4104– Number receiving emails: 4256– Facebook group: 1426 – […]
NATCA’s 2026 Boots on the Ground Campaign has officially kicked off. Members have now started their full-time leadership roles as part of the AFL-CIO’s Member-to-Member program. The campaign officially started in July when volunteers attended one […]
This month, NATCA’s wall calendar features a photo of Sacramento International Airport (SMF) taken by Devin Payne (Boston ATCT, BOS). Sacramento International Airport opened in October 1967 with a 130-foot-tall air traffic control tower which is […]
NCEPT SOP Modifications August 27 2026 Final
NATCA is requesting two (2) volunteers to serve as a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Committee Members. The CISM Program operates in accordance with Article 74 of the Collaborative Bargaining Agreement (CBA). CISM is designed to […]
NATCA members Brian Schmelzel (Washington Center, ZDC) and Arianna Bocci (ZDC) recently attended an event with U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (Va.-7) on June 10, 2026. The three discussed pay parity for air traffic controllers and the […]
Today, Aug. 19, marks National Aviation Day! Eighty-seven years ago, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright as National Aviation Day. The day honors the history and advancement of […]
NATCA members at West Palm Beach ATCT (PBI) provided a tour and briefing to ten staff members of U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel’s (Fla.-22) on June 17, 2026. Ian Fitchpatrick (PBI) led the tour with assistance from […]
NATCA President Nick Daniels, NATCA Executive President Mick Devine, Central Region Regional Vice President Aaron Merrick (NCE), and National Training Representative Jamaal Haltom (Las Vegas ATCT, LAS) led the largest meet and greet for FAA Academy […]
Signed- NEB Minutes Juneau v1
2026 NATCA Local Voucher – Advanced (JUL26)
2026 NATCA Local Voucher – Fillable (JUL26)
NATCA is requesting one (1) volunteer to serve as the part-time (64 hours per pay period) National Partnership for Safety (PFS) Representative. This position is covered by NATCA/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), […]
Two aircraft. One call sign. One controller who caught it and averted disaster. America’s air traffic controllers – calm, precise, professional, and always on duty keeping you safe. All In a Days Work
From Jake Detwiler, NATCA New England ARVP NATCA New England, Though we are still in the heat of the summer season — which for controllers in New England means severe weather, peak volume and saturation, and […]
NATCA member Trevor Barry (Philadelphia ATCT, PHL) gave a tour of the Philadelphia ATCT and TRACON (PHL) to U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.-6) on June 18, 2026. During the tour, Rep. Houlahan learned more about air […]
New benefit alert! NATCA Benefits has partnered with Union Plus to offer up to 50 percent off Aura’s identity and financial protection services. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your identity is protected with a top-rated service […]
Sisters and Brothers, Over the last year and a half, our workforce and Union have faced numerous challenges. When looking back on the past and projecting ahead, it feels like NATCA and our members are engaged […]
Friday, August 7. Watch that line of weather walk into some of the busiest airspace in the world. Every yellow indicator is an aircraft counting on an air traffic controller. Every aircraft landed and departed safely. […]
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September 16, 2025: Images of the 2025 Communicating for Safety Conference at Horseshoe Casino in Paradise, NV.
U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross (N.C.-2) toured Raleigh-Durham ATCT (RDU) on June 22, 2026. This was Congresswoman Ross’ fourth facility visit in the past three years, showing her commitment to aviation safety and the future of Raleigh-Durham […]
Fifteen retired NATCA members met with NATCA leadership on July 2, 2026, officially kicking off this year’s educational activism efforts. The Boots on the Ground (BOTG) program empowers retired NATCA members to connect with fellow AFL-CIO […]
Last week, Minneapolis Center (ZMP) faced a near-total equipment failure. Radar and radios went dark. What did air traffic controllers do? They went to work. Hundreds of aircraft were rerouted, and controllers kept the system moving […]
September 16, 2025: Images of the 2025 Communicating for Safety Conference at Horseshoe Casino in Paradise, NV.
Communications Committee Charter Updated 07-01-2025
Social Media & Communication Guidelines & Resources
NATCA Social Media Ideas Updated June2026
NATCA Photography Guide Updated June2026
NATCA Photo Release for Children
NATCA Code of Conduct on Social Media Reminder- 06162020
Holidays and NATCA Events 2026 and 2027
Eric Goldman (NSO)
Dean Von Almen (NGL/C90)
Summer usually means sunshine and warm weather, but the season can also bring periods of extreme heat. Many parts of our country have already experienced heat waves and record-breaking temperatures. Heat exposure can cause illness or […]
U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw (Va.-11) toured Washington National ATCT (DCA) on June 29, 2026. NATCA members Andrew Santorelli (DCA) and Zachary Dussault (DCA) led the facility tour. As part of the engagement, Rep. Walkinshaw got an […]
NATCA members Brian Schmelzel (Washington Center, ZDC) and Jonathan Blackwell (ZDC) recently attended a Northern Virginia labor airport caucus meeting with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (Va.). Air traffic controller staffing, pay parity, and the Mental Health […]
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Read and download the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Event Booklet
NATCA National Executive Board Update: Stay Focused on Facts
