NATCA Bookshelf

REFERENCES 50 NiW Today NATCA in Washington 2026 each year to fund the federal government and avoid a partial or complete government shutdown. Unlike a CR, which is merely an extension of previous funding levels, an omnibus bill typically sets new funding levels and lasts for the remainder of fiscal year. Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Under Title 49, the FAA may delegate to a qualified private person a matter related to issuing certificates, or related to the examination, testing, and inspection necessary to issue a certificate on behalf of the FAA Administrator. The Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program is how the FAA grants designee authority to organizations or companies. ODA holders are typically authorized to conduct the types of functions which they would normally seek from the FAA. For example, aircraft manufacturers may be authorized to approve design changes in their products and repair stations may be authorized to approve repair and alteration data. Regular FAA oversight of an ODA is accomplished by a team of FAA engineers and inspectors to ensure the ODA holder functions properly and that any approvals or certificates issued meet FAA safety standards. Ranking Member The highest-ranking member of the minority party on a congressional committee. The ranking member, along with the committee chair, often serve as members of each subcommittee because of their status on the full committee. Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 (H.R. 1765) Legislation led by NATCA to end sequestration-related FAA furloughs in April 2013. Once signed into law, it authorized the FAA to shift funds from the Airport Improvement Program fund to its operations account to bring air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals back to work. (See also Airport Improvement Program.) Remote Towers System (RTS) Program Air traffic control tower services performed remotely, that is, somewhere other than at the local control tower. The RTS program is an ongoing project for which NATCA remains actively engaged with the FAA. NATCA believes technological advancements in RTS technology could have a place in the NAS, especially at locations in which tower services are not currently offered. However, NATCA does not consider it to be a viable "replacement" for legacy air traffic control towers. As the FAA continues to work toward certifying the first RTS for single runway operations, NATCA continues to collaborate with the administration and industry stakeholders to evaluate and assess its safe and efficient integration into the NAS. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee This is the committee that has jurisdiction over FAA reauthorization, among many other things. The committee is chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and the ranking member is Sen. Maria Cantwell (Washington). The Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, which oversees the FAA, is chaired by Sen. Jerry Moran (Kansas), and the ranking member is Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Illinois). Sequestration In 2011, Congress implemented sequestration as a tool to reduce federal expenditures via across- the-board spending cuts when it passed the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA). Under the law, sequestration was intended to be in effect through FY 2021. In 2013, sequestration drastically cut the FAA's budget and as a result, forced the FAA to institute a hiring freeze and shutter the FAA Academy between March and December 2013. In recent years, Congress passed legislation that avoided sequestration, and the BCA expired at the end of FY 2021. Although no longer an imminent threat, sequestration was a major concern for NATCA for years and its effects are still being felt, especially in the areas of controller staffing challenges and delays to modernization programs. Shutdown Furlough (Also Called Emergency Furlough) In the event that funds are not available due to a lapse in appropriations or an agency's authorization expires, a shutdown furlough may occur. A shutdown furlough will be triggered when a federal agency no longer has the necessary funds or authority to operate and must shut down those activities that are not excepted, pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. Even employees who perform excepted activities cannot be paid for their work during a shutdown furlough. Based on the nature of an emergency or lapse of appropriation/authorization furlough, the agency has very little advanced notice prior to implementation. Glossary

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