ATCA

Advocacy

 

The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) focuses on fostering impactful outreach to key aviation stakeholders, highlighting the critical role of air traffic management (ATM) in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace system.

ATCA is stepping forward as the definitive voice advocating for the rapid deployment of technologies that enhance safety, improve efficiency, and prepare our airspace for tomorrow's increasingly complex demands. 

ATCA Leadership Council Legislative Accomplishments

ATCA Congressional Leave Behind

The ATCA Leadership Council

The ATCA Leadership Council brings together senior industry executives to advise ATCA's President & CEO and Board of Directors on strategic industry priorities. This influential group develops consensus positions, creates unified messaging, and represents ATM interests with policymakers and stakeholders.

The Council partners with organizations like A4A, GAMA, and NATCA to amplify the industry's voice through collaborative initiatives and advocacy efforts.

The Leadership Council's Strategic Focus is divided into two complementary tracks:

Strategic Outreach

  • Capitol Hill engagement and industry coalition building
  • Development of positions on critical ATM issues

Government Engagement

  • Collaboration with the FAA, DOD, and NASA on modernization efforts
  • Industry expertise to support effective technology adoption

ATCA corporate members are welcome to request to join the ATCA Leadership Council. Involvement is based on your ability to commit time and resources to these important initiatives. To speak with a member of the ATCA Leadership Council and learn more about getting involved, please click on the button below.

Request to Join

Recent Legislative Accomplishments

Testimony

On March 4, 2025, ATCA President and CEO Carey Fagan provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation regarding "America Builds: Air Traffic Control System Infrastructure and Staffing."

The testimony highlighted three critical challenges facing America's air traffic management system and proposed actionable solutions:

Continual Modernization is Essential ATCA called for a five-year modernization plan to bring the aging infrastructure below its design life by FY2031. U.S. industry stands uniquely qualified to support this effort, having already deployed advanced technologies to foreign ANSPs worldwide.

Obstacles Must Be Removed Despite having flexible acquisition authorities since the 1990s, the FAA has not fully utilized these powers due to procedural barriers. ATCA recommended the FAA work with industry experts to develop a plan within 90 days to rapidly deploy the latest commercial ATM technologies.

Consistent Funding is Critical ATCA proposed Congress provide surge funding of at least $5 billion annually for five years to support modernization efforts, with clear performance metrics and accountability measures.

Read ATCA's Testimony 

 

Advocacy in Action

On September 18, 2025 members of the ATCA Leadership Council had productive meetings on Capitol Hill with key aviation leaders in both the House and Senate, advocating for critical investments in air traffic control infrastructure and the rapid modernization of our National Airspace System.

Discussions focused on:

✈️ ATCA members' support for the BNATCS plan

✈️ The critical need for significant additional funding to successfully implement the modernized U.S. Air Traffic Control system beyond regular appropriations

✈️ Establishing clear measures across three key areas: Program Portfolio Metrics, Modernization Metrics, and Transformational metrics

We emphasized that successful implementation of the modernized system requires sustained investment and comprehensive measurement frameworks to ensure accountability and track progress effectively.

As the voice of the ATM industry, ATCA's 100+ member companies are ready to support the FAA and Congress in delivering the world-class air traffic management system our nation deserves. Thank you to our Leadership Council members and the Congressional aviation leaders who took time to meet with us. Together, we can ensure safe, efficient skies for the future!