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Thank you for your concern and inquiries into the splitting of Memphis Tower and TRACON.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently advised NATCA that they will delay the separaton of radar services at Memphis Tower and TRACON for six months. A long-term process must be addressed in the FAA Reauthorization bill next year in order to ensure that realignments serve their stated purpose: to provide operational benefit to users, increase safety, provide cost savings, and enhance modernization of the system. In order for that process to meet that purpose, it is imperative that the FAA include NATCA when realigning FAA facilties and services.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Memphis Tower and TRACON
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently advised the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) that they will delay separation of the radar services at Memphis Tower and TRACON (MEM) for 6 months, pushing back the January 4th deadline to at least April.
In addition, any other action on anticipated splits for Memphis Tower and TRACON will be put off until after the new administration comes in and the stakeholders can work collaboratively to resolve the outstanding safety, efficiency, and personnel issues.
I wanted to thank you for all of your help on this matter. This turn of events is no doubt a result of the concerns raised by you and the local congressional delegation.
Next year Congress will need to address realignment of FAA facilities and services in a more comprehensive manner in the FAA Reauthorization bill. As the current authorization expires on March 31st, we hope that the 111th Congress will deal with this issue early on to avoid the stagnation that blocked it's passage in the 110th Congress.
Combined tower and terminal approach control (TRACON) facilities have served our communities well, providing first-rate services, efficiency and safety to passenger and cargo aircraft. Any efforts to decombine such facilities should be done so only after proper vetting and scrutiny and in consultation with all stakeholders. In such cases where viable options exist that would help maintain the integrity of the facility and improve safety those options should be given all due consideration. NATCA controllers can provide the expertise to realize these goals.
Thanks again for your help on this issue.
Sincerely,
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