NATCA Bookshelf

13 COMMUNICATING FOR SAFETY • 2025 CFS 2025: Awards Spotlight At Communicating For Safety, we are proud to celebrate the people who make our NAS stronger, safer, and more innovative. At this year's conference, NATCA will bestow prestigious honors recognizing aviation safety professionals from across the NAS, as well as friends of NATCA whose leadership and commitment leave a lasting mark on our profession. James L. Oberstar Sentinel of Safety Award The Sentinel of Safety Award honors aviation leaders outside of NATCA who have achieved remarkable success in advancing aviation safety. In 2014, at NATCA's Biennial Convention in Minneapolis, we renamed this award to honor Congressman Jim Oberstar — a tireless champion for aviation, air traffic control, and NATCA throughout his decades in Congress, including his time as Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Congressman Oberstar's passion for safety and dedication to our profession were unwavering. He passed away on May 3, 2014, just weeks before NATCA in Washington, the event he supported and attended for many years. Fittingly, he was the first-ever recipient of this award in 2005. Steve Hansen Safety Advocate Award Named for former National Safety Committee Chair Steve Hansen, this award goes to a NATCA member whose extraordinary achievements and tireless advocacy have strengthened aviation safety. Each recipient brings unique expertise, but they all share one defining trait: an unshakable passion for safety and aviation. Since its debut in 2011, the Steve Hansen Safety Advocate Award has recognized those whose skill, dedication, and work ethic have set the standard for safety leadership in our Union and our industry. Excellence in Training Award Introduced in 2019, the Excellence in Training Award underscores NATCA's belief that "Every Day is a Training Day." First presented at Communicating For Safety 2019, this award shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to foster learning and growth in our profession. It's a reminder that the pursuit of training excellence isn't a one-time effort—it's who we are, every single day. National Professionalism Award Established to honor individuals who embody the highest standards of safety and excellence, the NATCA National Professionalism Award recognizes those whose personal commitment and professional contributions elevate our entire profession. Presented as part of NATCA's Professional Standards program, this award highlights members across all bargaining units who demonstrate that professionalism is not just a standard to uphold, but a value to live every day in service to the NAS. Allied Pilots Association Resolute Safety Award The Resolute Safety Award, presented by the Allied Pilots Association (APA), honors an individual air traffic controller, a team, or a facility that has demonstrated extraordinary determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. This award recognizes those who, through steadfast commitment and resilience, ensured the safety of flight crews and passengers during a significant challenge or event. By celebrating these achievements, APA underscores the essential role NATCA members play in maintaining the highest standards of safety across the NAS. Awards

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