A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1478078
11 COMMUNICATING FOR SAFETY Q 2022 Spotlight: NATCA Safety & Technology As if these changes aren't enough, many additional new technologies will impact the jobs of the workforce NATCA represents. This includes Enroute Data Comm, Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft that some envision being as easy to access as a taxi, increased push for new supersonic and hypersonic flight technology, Remote Air Traffic systems including virtual towers, and much more. Compound the potential impacts of these challenges with another 150 or so programs, projects, and initiatives NATCA is working collaboratively on. We should all quickly realize how drastically our careers could change, and NATCA must continue its involvement in these changes. NATCA has worked hard to become the preeminent expert on Air Traffic Control, and success in many of these programs and initiatives will be very hard without our active participation. NATCA has proven time and time again that through our collaborative efforts, the workforce we represent will embrace new technologies and procedures. This is accomplished through early involvement, including in the requirements phase, and through robust, hands-on testing. As we work through our current staffing crisis and consider all the future impacts, we have our work cut out for us. While never losing sight that the operations come first, we must also realize that these changes are coming – with our assistance or without. We must continue working collaboratively with the FAA and other aviation stakeholders to ensure our priorities are clear. Safety Above All is and will remain NATCA's mantra. Only through continued participation can we guarantee our active voices are heeded and the NAS remains the crown jewel of aviation. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for your hard work and professionalism, and I am immensely proud to be part of the NATCA family. We're proud to sponsor the National Air Traffic Controllers conference. AT UNITED, SAFETY IS EMBEDDED IN EVERYTHING WE DO.