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Web ChangesThis is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first.
Volunteer Air Safety Investigators (ASI's)NATCA members in good standing have been chosen to represent NATCA during aircraft accident investigations. Currently we have 33 ASI's employed as air traffic controllers with a minimum of two representing each of the 9 NATCA regions. In addition, two other ASI's represent entities such as engineers, technicians and airport representatives. Each of the ASI's is required to attend annual aircraft accident investigation training courses. Most of the volunteers also have experience in various aviation safety and accident prevention committees and participate in local accident prevention programs.
The National Transportation Safety BoardThe National Transportation Safety Board is the primary federal agency responsible for investigation transportation accidents. It's principal mission is to determine the facts, circumstances and probable cause of transportation accidents, formulate recommendations for improving safety and preventing accidents, and conduct special investigations into safety issues. To learn more about the NTSB check out their web page at http://www.ntsb.gov It is impractical for the NTSB to maintain in-depth expertise on all aircraft systems and areas of specialization (such as air traffic control), so Federal law allows for other "parties" to participate in NTSB investigations. The FAA is always a "party" to an aircraft accident investigation. Other parties must be agencies, businesses or organizations which have a direct stake in the accident, and can provide specialized technical expertise necessary to assist NTSB in thoroughly investigating the accident. Other parties may include the aircraft and engine manufacturers, airport representatives and Unions.
The Role of the NATCA ASIThe contract between the Federal Aviation Administration and NATCA establishes the right of specially trained Union representatives to participate in NTSB investigations at the discretion of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Click on Article 63 to read the NATCA/FAA contract. The FAA regional office is required to notify the Union of accidents in which FAA ATC services were provided. When ATC actions may have been a factor, NATCA requests "party" status to the subsequent investigation. There are several reasons why it is important for NATCA to participate in NTSB investigations. Most NTSB Field investigators have professional pilot backgrounds with no comprehensive working knowledge of the ATC system. NTSB ATC Specialists from Washington D.C. have ATC experience, but aren't "current" or familiar with specific airspace and procedural issues as they may relate to the accident aircraft. For example, during NTSB interviews with ATC specialists following an accident, the NATCA ASI is afforded the opportunity to ask follow-up questions to clarify previous statements and bring out important facts. In addition, when the NTSB acquires data through the regional quality assurance offices, often the information is interpreted or explained by a specialist who may or may not be familiar with the daily operations of the facility involved. The ASI can provide information regarding the actual circumstances or setting of the accident highlighting procedural or training inadequacies if they exist. The role of the NATCA Air Safety investigator in the aircraft accident investigation process is two fold. First, the ASI provides an objective controller based perspective to an NTSB investigation. Second, the ASI works with the investigative team to formulate safety recommendations to prevent future accidents. "Every accident investigation is different and challenging. The ASI program provides an opportunity to share safety related information within the organization and bargaining unit", states Darren Gaines, Chairman of the ASI Committee.
Critical Incident Stress ManagementThe Federal Aviation Administration funds a program for Air Traffic Controllers called the Critical Incident Stress Management Program. The National Air Traffic Controller's Association staffs this program with fifteen volunteer Peer Debriefers around the country, four of whom are also National Coordinators. For more information about all aspects of the NATCA CISM program click on the following link: http://cism.natca.org
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