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Patricia C. Gilbert Executive Vice President Steve Weidner National Legislative Committee Chairman Paul M. Rinaldi President WELCOME MAY 18-20, 2015 n i w . n a t c a . n e t Dear NATCA Brothers and Sisters, Welcome to Washington, D.C., our nation's capital. Thank you for traveling here this week on your personal time to aend NATCA in Washington (NiW) 2015. By being here and lending your voice to the collective, you become advocates for the safest, most efficient airspace in the world. You move the needle on aviation safety. We find ourselves at a crossroads this year, in uncharted territory. In the spirit of American aviation, we are once again pioneers forging a new way for an American treasure — the National Airspace System (NAS). But this time, we are not inventing the airplane or developing the first air traffic control system. Now, we are safeguarding the airspace against the insidious threat of ongoing funding instability. It could be easy to forget that sequestration still exists. The nation hasn't felt its direct effects since the government shutdown was resolved in October 2013. NATCA hasn't forgoen, though, and the consequences have not faded. The shutdown took a major toll on the implementation of NextGen technologies and threatened the safety and efficiency of the entire system. Hiring and training came to a standstill, and the continuous maintenance that our system requires and deserves was shortchanged. We need your help moving forward, as federal employees and guardians of the NAS. There's a growing consensus in D.C. that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Sequestration is not acceptable. A lot of people in this town like to talk. But it's time to do something. That's where you come in. As NATCAvists, you are the front line users and subject maer experts. You are constituents with the power to influence the future of the NAS. Over the course of this week, we will arm you with the skills and information you'll need to educate your members of Congress and guide legislation that will have a lasting effect on the NAS and on our professions. It's time to advocate for safety and economic security. The time is now. In solidarity, 3

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