NATCA Bookshelf

NiW 2015: Q & A Q A Does NATCA support the proposed Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (H.R. 1062 and S. 571)? • Yes. Q Q A A Does NATCA support the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)? Does NATCA support remote towers? • Safe integration of UAS into the NAS is a top priority for NATCA. • There are some challenges, and NATCA believes the widespread commercial application of drones must not be permied until the FAA establishes clear and enforceable operating standards. • It is important to strike a balance between maintaining existing safety levels in the NAS, the potential value of UAS to the economy, and the need for protocols to regulate the wide spectrum of UAS operations. • NATCA supports the testing of the remote tower initiative at Leesburg Airport. • There are many concerns with the operation of a remote tower from human factors to the ability of controllers to maintain visual contact with aircraft in the traffic paern. • NATCA does feel there are technological advances in the remote tower system that may even be of use in a manned facility. Q Q A A Does NATCA support the proposed Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2015 (H.R. 1964)? Does NATCA support the House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill? • NATCA supports this legislation because it would improve the hiring process. • Rep. Hultgren and his staff have been open and willing to work with us on this bill to create effective legislation. • NATCA does have one concern with the bill, which is that it may unduly exclude potential qualified candidates who would otherwise be selected on an all-sources bid, such as individuals who participate in the controller training process by serving as remote pilots in ATC simulations. • NATCA will continue to work with Rep. Hultgren and his staff as this legislation moves forward. • NATCA has been working hard to ensure that the FAA is properly funded. • We are happy that the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) was fully funded at the President's requested level but are very concerned about the cuts to the Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account. DRONES CURRENT LEGISLATION CURRENT LEGISLATION CURRENT LEGISLATION REMOTE TOWERS n i w . n a t c a . n e t MAY 18-20, 2015 33

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