A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1539411
17 COMMUNICATING FOR SAFETY • 2025 Spo tl ight burden on our workforce, ensuring we have the staffing to operate safely, and giving every aviation safety professional the tools they need to succeed. It's also about protecting the NAS as the safest and most efficient in the world. Without bold investment, we risk falling behind. The cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of acting now. How You Can Help Every one of you can be part of this fight. The Modern Skies Coalition has made it easy for you to urge your elected officials to support these efforts. By visiting modernskies.com, you can send a letter directly to your Members of Congress asking them to take action. Your voice matters. When lawmakers hear directly from the professionals who keep our skies safe, they understand the real-world consequences of inaction, and the benefits of modernization. When you write, you'll be joining a united front that includes: • Aviation labor unions • Airlines, cargo carriers, and pilot associations • Airport and aerospace industry groups • General aviation organizations • Travel and tourism leaders • Safety and technical standards bodies This breadth of support sends a powerful message: modernizing our ATC system is not a partisan issue. It's a national priority. The Path Ahead The challenges we face — from antiquated equipment to inadequate staffing and rising demand — are solvable. But they require decisive, coordinated action from government and the entire aviation community. The Modern Skies Coalition offers a roadmap for success: invest in modern technology, recruit and train the next generation of controllers, and create a system that can meet the needs of today and tomorrow. By standing with the Modern Skies Coalition, NATCA is reinforcing our commitment to safety, efficiency, and professionalism. We're telling policymakers that the status quo is unacceptable, and that the safest, most efficient airspace in the world can and must get even better. Now is the moment to act. Visit modernskies.com, send your letter to Congress, and be part of building the modern, resilient ATC system our nation deserves. NATCA's Air Safety Investigators (ASIs) are appointed by the National Executive Board (NEB) to represent the Union in National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. When granted party status — a privilege reserved for organizations offering technical expertise — NATCA participates fully. This was true for the Jan. 29, 2025, midair collision near Washington National Airport (DCA). Immediately following the accident, NATCA's ASI Committee mobilized. Two NATCA representatives were assigned: Dan Carrico as ASI on the NTSB's Air Traffic Control (ATC) workgroup, and Seth Myers as Party Coordinator (PC). The ASI assigned to an investigation works directly with the onsite investigation group, gathering data, performing interviews, and more. The PC is the NTSB's official point of contact for the organization, interacting with and coordinating between all of the other investigation workgroups.