NATCA Bookshelf

24 I s s u e s N A T C A I N W A S H I N G T O N 2 0 2 4 N i W To d a y trainees, which streamlines the learning process. For instance, from 2009 to 2014 at ZLA, training times were reduced by more than a year, which allowed at least 26 controllers to reach certification faster. This is an example of how the FAA and NATCA have worked collaboratively to decrease certification times and take a step toward addressing the CPC staffing challenges. N a t i o n a l Tr a i n i n g I n i t i a t i ve The National Training Initiative (NTI) began in July 2019 and is a collaborative effort between the FAA and NATCA. The NTI is based on a joint expecta- tion for training developmental controllers that has resulted in a more efficient and effective progression of trainees towards CPC status. Although the NTI was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts resumed in April 2022. Currently, there are a large number of developmental trainees who are in various stages in training. In order to achieve increased CPC certifications, it will take a concerted effort on behalf of both the FAA and NATCA to reach this shared goal. For instance, the NTI collaboratively established target On the Job Training (OJT) hours to be obtained by individual trainees on a weekly basis at their respective facilities. At facilities in which individuals in training already meet the training hour expectations, those facilities will collaboratively monitor and ensure the training hours accomplish the parties' shared goals. For facilities that do not meet the weekly OJT training expectations, the FAA and NATCA engage in collaborative discussions at the local level to determine the appropriate course of action. When local collaborative discussions are unable to resolve matters that impede the meeting of NTI expectations and goals, the issue is elevated to the national level for assessment and possible intervention. Ad d i t i o n a l C o n s e q u e n c e s of S ta f f i n g a n d Tr a i n i n g C h a l l e n g e s : Reduced Capacity—A further reduction in CPCs could have an immediate and detrimental effect on capacity, meaning fewer planes in the sky and greater potential for delays. Deployment of Modernization Programs—Understaffing hinders facilities throughout the NAS from deploying and training for modernization programs, procedures, and equipment. Overtime—Critically understaffed facilities require controllers to work mandatory overtime to provide adequate coverage of all needed positions. Some facilities may lack sufficient staffing — even with mandatory overtime and extended workweeks — to open all positions. Fatigue—These extended workdays and workweeks can lead to significant fatigue problems for the workforce. The National Transportation Safety Board has identified fatigue as one of its highest priority safety concerns. Although NATCA and the FAA, along with other stakeholders, have worked collaboratively to develop a fatigue awareness and education campaign called "Fully Charged," which is part of the collaborative Foundations of Professionalism program, the only long-term solution is sufficient staffing. S t a f f i n g A n d Tr a i n i n g C h a l l e n g e s P e r s i s t Issue

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