Greetings,

The FAA is prepared to split MEM tower/TRACON in a few short days. We need you to take action to stop this ill-advised plan! The FAA has neither consulted or collaborated with NATCA or any stakeholders on any realignment projects. The FAA's process for moving ahead with these projects, or determining their viability, is random and secretive. NATCA's response to these and all realignment efforts is to get the FAA to stop work on these projects until all realignments can be run through a consistent, transparent process that includes all stakeholders, ensures safety and integrity of the system, and actually provides any claimed cost savings. Realignment will eventually affect nearly every facility around the country. If you work in a smaller combined tower/TRACON, your facility will eventually be looked at for realignment. If you work in a combined TRACON, the FAA will most likely look to pay you by specialty rather than by facility traffic count. If you work in a center, the FAA has already discussed pay-by-area where, again, you will be payed by your area traffic count rather than facility traffic count. Please take action to get the FAA to stop the split of MEM!

Subject: Stop Air Traffic Facility and Service Realignments

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

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,

[Your Name]