National Safety Committee Information
NATCA Safety Manual: Word DOC
NATCA Safety Committee Charter
Regional Safety Chairperson Position Description
Local Safety Representative Position Description
Committe Member Expense Voucher
Safety is the center of an air traffic controller’s universe and dictates everything a controller does. It is an unyielding taskmaster which allows for few mistakes, requires total loyalty, and comes fully equipped with demands that must be met. An air traffic controller who cannot meet these requisites does not remain an air traffic controller for very long.
Controllers have made an absolute pledge to safety. In a world where there are often no clear-cut answers and where principles are often diluted, adherence to safety must remain uncorrupted and unconditional. Members of the American flying public believe that truism each and every time they board an airplane. They trust that as far as safety is concerned, there will be no compromises and no second measures.
Many controllers voted for NATCA representation because they were convinced that "one voice" in Washington, D.C., was the best way to convey concerns about aviation safety to the public and was also the best way to effect prompt and positive action on those concerns. The National Safety Committee does not intend to let those air traffic controllers, or the American flying public, down. That is the impetus behind the existence of this Committee.
The NATCA 1988 National Convention in Atlanta mandated that the Safety Committee be established as a standing committee to provide continuity and expertise to the NATCA safety infrastructure. NATCA’s Safety Committee meets regularly to assess the air traffic control system’s safety and performance and will respond to the vital issues facing controllers and the flying public.
The Safety Committee is made up of one representative from each of the
nine NATCA regions. It examines the problems that have both a direct and indirect impact
on the safety of the air traffic control system and, additionally, develops and evaluates
solutions in response to these problems. NATCA is also represented on various other
aviation safety groups.
NATCA Safety Committee Charter
The NATCA National Safety Committee shall be a National Standing Committee as mandated by NATCA’s National Constitution. Its purpose is to be the focal point for NATCA on all air traffic control procedural- and equipment-related safety issues, which include:
Current and proposed air traffic control handbook proposals.
Changes affecting existing equipment and technology.
Recommendations on future equipment and technology requirements.
Issues related to matters covered under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act are NOT the responsibility of the National Safety Committee.
The National Safety Committee shall, through the Department of Safety and Technology:
Advise the President on safety issues that may affect NATCA’s bargaining unit members.
Make recommendations to the President on safety issues.
Coordinate and provide input to NATCA’s safety work group members.
The National Safety Committee will meet at least twice a year, or as deemed necessary by the President.
Position Description: Regional Safety Committee Chairperson
The Regional Safety Committee Chairperson:
-Is the liaison for safety matters between the region’s bargaining unit members and the National Office.
-Works on behalf of the membership, with guidance from the Safety Committee Chairperson, Regional Vice President, and President, through the Department of Safety and Technology.
-Is responsible for maintaining awareness of all safety issues as they may affect the region’s bargaining unit members.
-Shall ensure that safety related information is communicated to the Regional Vice President and the Safety Committee Chairperson.
-Will solicit input on various safety related issues from the region’s membership and relay such information to the Safety Committee Chairperson or the Department of Safety and Technology.
-Is expected to attend all National Safety Committee meetings.
-Should assist the Regional Vice President with the presentation of NATCA policy and aviation safety related issues, when appropriate.
-May assist in the development of proposed NATCA policy to be submitted to the President for approval by the National Executive Board.
Position Description: Local Safety Representative
- Promotes air traffic safety and distributes safety information within the facility and the local aviation community.
- Promotes, within the facility, the use of the Unsatisfactory Condition Report (UCR) and Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) forms. Assists BUEs with the completion of these forms and provides information/documentation to aid in their completion. Forwards copies of all filed UCRs to the regional safety representative.
- Communicates with regional safety chairperson at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when warranted.
- Maintains the facility’s equipment list. Updates the list to ensure that the contents are always current, reflecting equipment acquisitions and removals at the facility. Forwards a copy of each update to the regional safety chairperson.
- Maintains the facility’s copy of the National Safety Manual. Updates the manual with periodic revisions received from the NATCA National Office or other sources.
- Is expected to attend the annual Communicating for Safety (CFS) Conference. Provides information to fellow employees concerning CFS. Solicits others’ attendance at the conference.
- Should serve as the safety liaison with local users and other local aviation-related groups, including the airport operations offices.
Orlando, Florida (January, 2001)
Washington, DC (November, 2001)
Orlando, Florida (January, 2002)
Kansas City, Missouri (April, 2002)
Cleveland, Ohio (September, 2002)
Washington, DC (November, 2002)
Orlando, Florida (January, 2003)
Washington, DC (October, 2003)
Las Vegas, Nevada (January, 2004)