Stop the FAA's Ill-advised Realignment Plan

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been making unilateral decisions to realign air traffic facilities and services without a comprehensive, transparent plan. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) needs your help to stop the FAA's ill-advised realignment efforts. The FAA needs to halt all realignment projects until a thorough review of each project can be conducted. This review needs to ensure that all stakeholders are a part of the process, that the project is fiscally responsible, that workers rights are protected, and we have ensured that any realignment effort does not jeopardize safety. Tell Administrator Babbitt that you agree with 277 members of Congress that passed legislation to postpone realignments of facilities and services until the aforementioned review can be accomplished and the stated goals have been met.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Stop Air Traffic Facility and Service Realignments

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to you today because I am concerned that the FAA has failed to take the necessary safety measures when considering realigning air traffic control services.

I am very concerned that the FAA has repeatedly failed to release a comprehensive plan for the realignments being sought and that the stakeholders are being excluded from these critical changes to the National Airspace System.

We can all agree that increased transparency and stakeholder involvement will ensure that taxpayer monies are not wasted and that the safety of the flying public is not jeopardized.

I agree with the 277 members of the United States House of Representatives that passed H.R. 915 and the 159 members of the Congress that have signed letters urging the FAA to postpone its realignment plans (including efforts to separate radar and tower air traffic services at several major airports) until Congress and the administration can enact a comprehensive reauthorization of the FAA. This reauthorization would include a review process to help realignments better serve their stated purpose: to provide operational benefits to users, enhance system modernization, increase safety and provide cost savings.

I ask that you immediately postpone the proposed June 7th, 2009 realignment of Memphis Air Traffic Control Tower and TRACON, the proposed move of West Palm Beach TRACON to Miami International Airport and commit to develop a comprehensive plan in collaboration with NATCA controllers to reverse the splitting of air traffic services at Orlando International Airport.

As an Administrator that values employee input, I am asking that you postpone the split of Memphis and the other above-mentioned realignments until you have had time to properly consult the workforce to ensure that this move is truly in the best interest of the flying public.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 02, 2009


Background Information

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been making unilateral decisions to realign air traffic facilities and services without a comprehensive, transparent plan. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) needs your help to stop the FAA's ill-advised realignment efforts.

The FAA needs to halt all realignment projects until a thorough review of each project can be conducted. This review needs to ensure that all stakeholders are a part of the process, that the project is fiscally responsible, that workers rights are protected, and we have ensured that any realignment effort does not jeopardize safety.

Until a consistent, transparent realignment review process is in place, the FAA will continue to push forward with their realignment plans. The FAA's current method does not ensure cost savings, safety of the system, or take into consideration the impact to the user or on the affected community.