NATCA Bookshelf

N A T C A I N W A S H I N G T O N 2 0 2 5 N i W To d a y 34 34 34 34 ISSUES Increased Funding Critical for Modernization and Infrastructure Efforts Issue u Quick Reference 1 NATCA is proud of our role as an aviation safety organization that represents thousands of aviation safety professionals, who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with government and industry stakeholders to ensure that the NAS the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world. The FAA needs increased F&E funding to repair, maintain, and modernize the NAS while continuing to repair and replace its rapidly-aging physical infrastructure. Funding disruptions and a flat budget for Facilities & Equipment – which has not kept up with inflation – have required the FAA to spend the bare minimum to sustain certain programs, while diverting the remainder of money to whatever programs need it the most. 2 Despite collaborative success between NATCA and the FAA on several modernization programs, there is still significant work to be done to modernize outdated technology, keep pace with system sustainment needs, and replace or repair the Agency's physical infrastructure. 3 How This Issue Affects NATCA Members For more than a decade, NATCA and the FAA have achieved collaborative successes on modernization programs such as En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), DataComm, Metroplex, and a fast-tracked runway surface situational awareness tool. Despite these achievements, the FAA is behind in its effort to maintain its current technology, modernize outdated technology, and upgrade its physical infrastructure. Funding disruptions and a flat Facilities and Equipment (F&E) budget have delayed many of these programs. The FAA has consistently, across several administrations, requested far less F&E funding than it needed to meet programmatic demands. Moreover, any further reduction to the number of certified professional controllers (CPCs) would cripple the FAA's ability to deliver modernization programs on time and within budget, because only CPCs can provide the subject matter expertise necessary to perform this critical work. 4 One of the most serious issues is the looming threat to FAA's telecommunications infrastructure, which is the backbone of the NAS. Any discontinuation or disruption to the existing copper wire services without first transitioning to fiber optic services would lead to potential safety risks and/or significant delays in air traffic services.

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