NATCA Bookshelf

GLOSSARY Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 Legislation prompted by NATCA's efforts to end the sequestration-related FAA furloughs in April 2013. Once signed into law, it allowed the FAA to shift funds from the AIP fund to the operations account in order bring air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals back to work. (See also Airport Improvement Program) Remote Towers Air traffic control tower services performed somewhere other than at the local control tower. The remote tower initiative is currently being tested at Leesburg Airport in Virginia. Sequestration Sequestration is a tool to reduce federal expenditures. In 2013, it drastically cut the FAA's budget. Congress avoided sequestration through passage of a variety of spending packages for FY 2014 and 2015. For FY 2016, Congressional appropriators will either need to meet the mandatory spending caps or face across-the-board cuts again, starting October 1, 2015. Shutdown Furlough (also called an emergency furlough) In the event that funds are not available due to a lapse in appropriations or authorization, a "shutdown" furlough may occur. A shutdown furlough is necessary when the an 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 lile advanced notice prior to implementation. (See also Administrative Furlough) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) A tax-deferred retirement savings and investment plan that offers federal employees the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans. By participating in the TSP, federal employees have the opportunity to save part of their income for retirement, receive matching agency contributions, and reduce their current taxes. THUD The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development subcommiee of the Appropriations commiee. THUD writes the appropriations bill and oversees funding for the FAA. (See also THUD Appropriations bill) THUD Appropriations bill The appropriations legislation that provides funding for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other related agencies. This includes funding for the FAA. (See also Appropriations) Title 49 The provision of the United States Code that applies to transportation, including the FAA. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAV), or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), UAS are known in the mainstream as "drones," or aircraft without human pilots aboard. White Paper A government or other authoritative report describing a complex issue in a concise manner. It is meant to help readers understand an issue, solve problems, or make decisions. NiW Today n i w . n a t c a . n e t 54

• Cover