A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1526622
4 N AT I O N A L A I R T R A F F I C C O N T R O L L E R S A S S O C I AT I O N Welcome We would like to extend our warmest welcome to NATCA's 2024 Communicating For Safety Conference (CFS) and thank you for helping us celebrate the 25th anniversary of NATCA bringing together a community of labor, government, and industry partners to elevate the conversation around aviation safety! When NATCA took the lead for organizing this event in 1999, it was a small gathering that moved to venues all over the country each year. It wasn't until 2013 that CFS made its current home here in Las Vegas. Attendance grew with each conference, from 40-50 attendees in 1999, to the more than 1,300 who are here this week. Now, in its 25 th year, CFS is recognized as the premier conference for all aviation professionals to come together to discuss and share the latest ideas surrounding aviation safety. NATCA is proud of what CFS has become and is grateful for the support of our colleagues in labor, government, and the aviation industry who contribute their knowledge and expertise to this event every year. And of course, CFS would not be a success without the support of our sponsors, especially our Grand Benefactors, American Airlines, Collins Aerospace, and L3Harris. It has been quite a year for the aviation industry. We have seen a historic Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill passed that included critical initiatives to address the air traffic controller staffing shortages. We also faced the threat of multiple government shutdowns and, in the final hour, saw appropriations pass through Congress. Additionally, Michael Whitaker, who will address CFS on Wednesday, was confirmed as FAA Administrator, and helped to stabilize the Agency's leadership and his staff worked with NATCA to address critical issues like staffing, fatigue, and modernization. We will discuss these issues and more this week at CFS, during our general sessions. Here, we delve into every facet of a safe and efficient air transportation system. We have an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers, including Dr. David Morgan, a psychologist who is an expert in reducing stress, improving mental endurance, and increasing emotional resilience; Ryan Leak, an expert in overcoming challenges in your professional life; Dr. Amy Grubb, who works with the FBI and is an internationally recognized expert on leadership, change, collaboration, engagement, performance, and organizational culture; and Michael Whitaker, FAA Administrator. Throughout the coming days, you also will be exposed to the expertise of NATCA representatives, their FAA counterparts, and industry representatives. These professionals will highlight their pivotal roles in maintaining and operating our aviation system. The aviation industry is vast and complex, comprising many technologies and programs that shape the way we operate and ensure safety in the skies. The CFS exhibition hall is a testament to this dynamism, highlighting both emerging technologies and ongoing modernization projects. We encourage each one of you to explore this space, engage with our NATCA representatives, FAA program managers, and conference sponsors. These interactions will provide you with insights into the current and future capabilities that may influence the trajectory of your careers. Rich Santa President Andrew LeBovidge Executive Vice President Welcome to Communicating For Safety 2024!