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 48 48 48 48 REFERENCES Q & A n On Jan. 19, 2022, the U.S. telecommunications industry launched 5G services across 46 markets utilizing radio spectrum frequencies known as the C-band. These C-band radio frequencies are adjacent to the frequencies used by aircraft radar altimeters, which provide pilots with accurate information about an aircraft's height above the ground. n Because the frequencies are so close, deployment of 5G services has led to disruption and interference with certain types of radar altimeter equipment, resulting in erroneous altitude readings on the flight deck. n Although aircraft manufacturers and operators continue to work to identify and mitigate 5G disruption and interference, the negative effects of this interference have the potential to be significant, particularly during landings in poor weather. Federal Employee's Rights What is NATCA's position on policies that targets the federal workforce? n For more than a decade, NATCA has successfully defended against legislation that would harm the federal workforce including NATCA's members, such as attempts to eliminate official time, cuts to pay and benefits, reductions in workforce, and a proposed elimination of the Social Security annuity supplement. n FAA employees – including the thousands of aviation safety professionals represented by NATCA – are essential to the safety and efficiency of the NAS, and Congress should ensure these employees are not negatively affected by sweeping, unrelated legislation. n The FAA remains near a 30-year low for CPCs, and many of them are eligible to retire. If retirement-eligible CPCs know that their retirement benefits will be reduced significantly, it will greatly incentivize them to retire before that law goes into effect. A large wave of unanticipated retirements could cripple the NAS by exacerbating the current staffing and training challenges. Official Time Are NATCA members using duty or official time to be in Washington, D.C. today? n No. NATCA members do not lobby on duty time or official time. We are on leave or on our regular days off. Is official time necessary for NATCA members to perform their statutory and contractual duties? n Yes. NATCA members contribute to the safety of the system by participating in the development and implementation of tools that focus on safety while on official time. n At the FAA, official time is paid time that employee representatives may use to resolve disputes, negotiate changes in working conditions, and collaborate on workgroups that implement new modernization programs and procedures.

• Cover