NATCA Bookshelf

M E E T I N G T I P S You don't have to get there early, just don't be late. Let your passion for the issue shine through. via cq roll call NATCAS FOUR CORE PRINCIPLES FOR REFORM NATCAS PRINCIPLES FOR REFORM Any reform model must ensure that our members are fully protected in their employment relationship. It is crucial to maintain our members' pay and benefits, including retirement and health care, along with our negotiated agreements for their work rules, and indemnification for our members for acts within the scope of their employment. NATCA does not believe there is only one solution to ensuring a stable, predictable funding stream for the United States' National Airspace System (NAS). However, any new system must improve upon the status quo, which is unacceptable. NATCA also opposes any proposal that would result in a for-profit model. Furthermore, to receive consideration, NATCA believes that any ATC reform proposal must — at minimum — meet NATCA's Four Core Principles for Reform: Safety and efficiency must remain the top priorities within the system. We cannot allow maintenance to lag or reduce staffing to save money. The NAS must be fully staffed to ensure both safety and efficiency. A stable, predictable funding stream must adequately support air traffic control services, staffing, hiring and training, long-term modernization projects, preventative maintenance, and ongoing modernization to the physical infrastructure. Stop-and-go funding crises slow the hiring and training process, which create staffing shortages. Funding uncertainty also prevents NextGen modernization projects from timely implementation. The system must also maintain a dynamic aviation system that continues to provide services to all segments of the aviation community, from commercial passenger carriers and cargo haulers to business jets and general aviation, from the major airports to those in small communities and rural America. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that a new system continues to provide services to the diverse users of the NAS. The United States has a vibrant general aviation community that relies on us. At the same time, rural America's economic success is connected to the access we create with our comprehensive NAS that serves even the most remote areas. 35

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