NATCA Bookshelf

NiW 2015: Q & A Q Q Q A A A Does NATCA have a preferred funding system? How does sequestration affect the FAA? What is NextGen? • NATCA does not support a specific funding system, but the status quo is unacceptable. • The NAS needs a stable, predictable funding stream so the FAA can move forward with modernization and technology improvements, as well as infrastructure projects. • Sequestration results in furloughs for our members and the potential for closures or reduction in service hours at many facilities. • Sequestration forced the FAA to institute a hiring freeze and close the FAA Academy for most of 2013, meaning it was unable to hire new trainees. This hiring freeze worsened an already critical air traffic control staffing situation. • Sequestration also causes preventative maintenance delays, meaning that engineers and technicians must contend with a fix-on-fail policy that forces them to wait until equipment breaks before replacing it. This results in down time for systems and could negatively affect the efficiency and the safety of the system. • NextGen describes an over-arching modernization project that will shift the FAA from its current ground-based RADAR system to smarter, satellite-based and digital technologies, along with new procedures that will combine to make air travel more efficient, predictable, and environmentally friendly. In short, NextGen will make the necessary upgrades to modernize the NAS. • NextGen improvements enable the FAA to guide and track aircraft more precisely on more direct routes. NextGen will produce efficiencies that will enhance safety, reduce delays, save fuel, and reduce aircraft exhaust emissions. • NextGen is also vital to preserving the United States as the world's leader in aviation and aviation's significant contributions to our economy. Q A How did furloughs resulting from sequestration affect the FAA? • Sequestration forced the FAA to furlough employees (including air traffic controllers) for one week in April 2013. Congress quickly intervened by passing the NATCA initiated bill, the Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013. • Provide staffer fact sheet highlighting April 2013 delays. FAA FUNDING SEQUESTRATION SEQUESTRATION NEXTGEN n i w . n a t c a . n e t MAY 18-20, 2015 31

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