A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/770043
" So now we're looking at, how do we get some type of regular order so we can look at long term projects. So we can modernize our system, grow aviation and increase the safety margins in this country, and continue to be the world leader in aviation. And if we continue down this path we're going to lose th at competitive edge. Wolfe: " What is it about the structure in Shuster's bill that makes you think it holds the solution? " Rinaldi: " The AIRR Act was a good piece of legislation, and I think with a new administration, maybe we have an opportunity to do s ome good things here. Most important, it gave us a revenue stream, a stable, predictable revenue stream. It protected the airspace system, it would give us the flexibility to actually expand and grow and at the same time modernize the system and protect th e current workforce. Which is very important because that current workforce is what's keeping the system together. " Read the full interview here. 2. Soc iety Of Aviation And Flight Educators (Safe) E - Newsletter (January 2017): Need A Job? Consider CFI + ATC From the story: " Have you heard? The FAA needs new air traffic controllers, and SAFE says that flight instructors can be ideal candidates for the hundr eds of new controller jobs to co me open in the next few years. " A massive FAA recruitment campaign last year hired more than 1,400 new controllers, and although 2016 hiring is done, observers believe ATC under - staffing termed "critical" by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) will necessitate additional hiring soon. "For instance, take the case of CFI Josh Haviland, a controller in the Seattle TRACON," said David St. George, SAFE Chair. "In 2011, he and two other controllers saved a VFR - only pilot in a Mooney who was disoriented and trapped above an overcast sky." For that action, Haviland , and two other controllers , won the coveted NATCA "Archie" award. " The VFR - only pilot was in the clouds when he reported running out of gas. Haviland, the only flight instructor among the three controllers, immediately suggested the pilot go to best glide speed and level his wings. "I recall closing my eyes to help visualize being in the cockpit and getting a grasp of the pilot's perspective" said Josh. My advantage was the ability to switch to a tactical mindset without having to overcome the emotional responses that any of us would have in that pilot's situation. "My career as both a flight instructor and air traffic controller have been a perfect fit f or one another," he added. "I never stop learning in either role and doing both certainly helps fill in a lot of the blanks. For someone who loves to see how things work, flying and controlling work hand in hand and are a perfect match!" According to NATCA , the number of qualified controllers has falle n nearly 10 percent since 2011. NATCA officials testified before Congress last month that staffing levels at ATC facilities all over the country are at a 27 - year low, with some ATC facilities, such as the New York area, at just 60 percent of what is needed. To read the full story, please click here .