Welcome Renton, Wash. (RNT) to the NATCA family!  Read more.

Read a report from NATCA ZDC member Jaymi Steinberg, who serves on the Technical Operations Committee (TOC), on the IFATCA Annual Conference held in Accra, Ghana, March 19-23. Read more.

Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert serves on the Committee alongside a wide array of aviation stakeholders, who work collaboratively, offering data and recommendations on safely integrating unmanned aircraft technology into the National Airspace System. Read more.

The St. Thomas ATCT temporary mobile tower, used since the island began operations after the hurricanes last September, ceased operations earlier this month and services were transitioned back to the permanent ATCT. Listen here.

Update from Puerto Rico

Last week San Juan ATCT (SJU) FacRep Kyrandgel Rios shared news about life and air traffic control work in Puerto Rico.

"Six months after Hurricane Maria, power is still unreliable. SJU Tower was on FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) generator power until last week, not because there was no power at the airport, but because of the risk involved in losing power for such a critical operation. We have recently moved to commercial power, but the FEMA generator will remain on site, because the tower's generator can only produce power for 1-2 days.

"Recurring blackouts are common, so there are flashlights scattered around my house at all times. To this day, there is one member that does not have power and is still relying on a generator to power his home for approximately nine hours a day.

"Morale among members in the tower is great. We are in good spirits and getting used to this new way of living."

There are less than two weeks left to register online for NATCA's 17th Biennial Convention in Philadelphia. Don't delay! After April 13, remaining registration will need to be done in person onsite. April 13 also is the deadline to purchase wristbands for the evening events before prices spike. Also, NATCA's lone remaining hotel block - at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown - is almost booked. Once full, you will be responsible for securing your own accommodations. Remember: registering for Convention does not automatically secure your hotel room. Modify your reservation or register today !

Registration is OPEN for NATCA in Washington, May 21-23, 2018! This year marks 25 Years of NATCA in Action, Educating and Advocating on Capitol Hill. Participants will be notified about their attendance status by their National Legislative Committee member the week of April 16th. Register now to be considered.

The NATCA CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) team attended annual training at Seattle Center this week. The NATCA CISM team provides confidential, non-judgmental, peer-to-peer support in the wake of stressful events to promote recovery following a difficult experience.

Pictured above are Holly Cron (Houston Center), Kristine Mooso (Boston Center), Travis Jensen (Anchorage Center), Kristen Laubach (Philadelphia ATCT), Matt Ellington (Chicago-O'Hare ATCT), Chris Schenk (Seattle Center), Joel Weiler (Long Beach ATCT), Mike Napolitano (Minneapolis Center), former Boston Center member and now team trainer Tom Morin, Carrie Uphus (St. Paul ATCT), Deb Stewart (Corpus Christi ATCT), Andrea Moore (Charlotte ATCT), Tom Hedeen (Denver ATCT), Sarah Grampp (Kansas City Center), and Krystal Causey (Miami Center). Not pictured but in attendance: Maliesa Nichols (San Diego Montgomery ATCT).

The NATCA Lunch to Go Bag is perfect for someone with a busy schedule wanting to pack a healthy lunch for the day. The bag is imprinted with the NATCA logo and insulated to keep food cool longer.

Price: $5.95
Dimensions: 4.5" x 9.5" x 6.75"
Union-made in the USA.

To order, click here. Select USPS or UPS as your shipping preference on your orders. To check on stock availability or for further assistance, call 800-266-0895 or email natcastore@natcadc.org.

Get up to 20% off the "Best Available Rate" at 7,500+ Wyndham hotel group locations worldwide. Get your special discount ID number to save when booking online or over the phone: https://natca.org/wyndham.

Mitigate stress and frustration in your personal relationships by taking control of your finances. Read more.

Great Lakes (NGL) Regional Vice President Bryan Zilonis led NATCA members at the NGL representative meeting in Rosemont, Ill., this week. The meeting prepared NATCA representatives from the Great Lakes Region for next month's Biennial Convention. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi and Executive Vice President Trish Gilbert also spoke, answering questions on convention procedures and NATCA news. National Safety Committee Chair Steve Hansen and NGL Alternate Regional Vice President Drew MacQueen were also in attendance.

Learn more about the controller and former firefighter/EMT in his own words. Read more.

Our hearts go out to NATCA member at Aguadilla ATCT Mike Vicens, who suffered a life-threatening injury earlier this month that required emergency brain surgery. Vicens, his wife, and two children recently moved from San Juan to Aguadilla. Friends of Vicens began a fundraiser to help through his recovery.

From Vicens: "Feeling incredibly grateful for every single person that has reached out to help me and my family. Because of you I can sit on my couch and watch my son and daughter run around and make mischief. I am able to rest in my own bed and eat healthy food. I am eternally grateful for this peaceful time I can spend with my family as I try to make a full recovery after this crazy accident. Forever thank you!!"