To review our key messages and documents:
NATCA's main call to action : We are calling for a Congressional hearing to
examine the chronic understaffing of the nation's air traffic control facilities.
What the FAA data shows : New data we obtained shows that national staffi ng
totals have fallen nearly 10 percent since 2011. In addition, FAA data shows the agency
will miss its controller hiring goal for fiscal year 2015. This will be the fifth consecutive
fiscal year in which the FAA has not hired enough air traffic controlle rs to keep up with
the pace of workforce attrition. As of Aug. 22, 2015, the FAA had only hired 1,178 of a
planned 1,772 controllers, putting the agency 34 percent behind its goal.
Why it could get worse before it gets better : Of the 10,859 certified con trollers,
30 percent are eligible to retire at any time.
NATCA's Oct. 13 Press Release : Please click here .
Fact Sheet : National controller staffing numbers .
Fact Sheet : Controller staffing crisis at major hubs .
NAT CA's Oct. 13 Press Roundtable : On Oct. 13, we hosted a roundtable press
briefing for several D.C. - bas ed national aviation reporters. NATCA Executive Vice
President Trish Gilbert led the discussion and opened with rema rks that outlined the
issue, NATCA's co ncerns, and the most pertinent data. You can read a transcript of
Trish's opening statement here .
STAYIN G UP TO DATE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDING AND FAA
REAUTHORIZATIO N ISSUES : The critically important issues of government funding
and Congressional actions and inactions , detailed above in the Government Affairs
update, remain at the forefront . While the FAA authorization extension runs through
March 2016, the CR funding the government will expire in early December. A shutdown
threat could return unless a budget deal is passed and signed by the President.
The Communications Department is continuing to engage in media activity where
appropriate on these topics and inform o ur members of important news and up dates
through a variety of ways .
Here are ways you can keep up with news and information:
Emails from National Office : I mportant updates from the National Office will be
sent to each member via the email address we have on file for you in our membership
database. If you have not received recent updates and need to either add or change the
email address we have for you on filed, you can do so through the NATCA Portal here .
Daily Press Clippings : If you're not already receiving the daily clips via your
email in box and would like to be added to our distribution list, email
dchurch@natcadc.org . Archive of all press clips available here . We are including many
shutdown - related clips in our recent editions of the daily press clippings package.
Press list : We can add you to our press distribution list so yo u receive anything
sent out immediately upon release. Email smccann@natcadc.org .
Government Affairs Department Updates : In addition to the most recent
update above from Government Affairs, you can see past updat es to get the full
background on all shutdown, sequestration, and FAA reauthorization - related news. Click
here .
Stay Informed on Social Media : Th e quickest way to get information is via
social media, on NATCA's Facebook , Twitter and Instagram accounts. We encourage
you to "Like" and "Follow" them today. Postings over the last several days on the funding
issue drew significant interest and attention.
News and Notes from the Public Affairs Shop
