NATCA Bookshelf

Q & A Q A Does NATCA support the proposed Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2015 (H.R. 1964)? • NATCA appreciates the work of Rep. Hultgren and his staff. They have been open and willing to work with us on this bill to create effective legislation. • However, we believe this bill would have unintended consequences and would slow down the hiring process. We cannot support anything that would slow down the hiring process during a time when the FAA is at a 27-year low in the number of certified air traffic controllers. • One additional concern with this bill 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. CURRENT LEGISLATION Q A Does NATCA support the proposed Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (H.R. 1062 and S. 571)? • NATCA has concerns about the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 included in the Senate's Reauthorization Bill. • As currently drafted, the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 does not contain critical language that would protect all ATSAP submissions by excluding them from being released to pilots in certain situations, such of FOIA requests. This is problematic, as it would create a loophole in the ATSAP programs that NATCA has developed with the Federal Contract Towers (FCTs) and potentially with the FAA as well. • NATCA supports the testing of remote tower technology 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 pattern. • NATCA also believes that there are technological advancements in the remote tower system that may even be useful in a manned ATC facility. Q A Does NATCA support remote towers? REMOTE TOWERS D I D Y O U K N O W ? Members of Congress can be re-elected as many times as the people wish. Every two years, voters elect all of the members of the House and one-third of the Senate. via government-and-constitution.org 37

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