Brothers and Sisters,

National Engineers Week was founded in 1951 to highlight engineering and technology careers and encourage a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce. NATCA celebrates National Engineers Week to honor our Union's bargaining unit employees who help to maintain and advance the National Airspace System (NAS).

NATCA proudly represents approximately 2,000 engineers and architects in multiple bargaining units. These engineers and architects contribute to many essential projects, including the design of new ATC facilities, construction or remodeling of new or existing ATC facilities, and replacing aging NAS equipment. They evaluate systems and provide technical support to fix problems with equipment. In addition, they analyze radar and communications coverage, correct deficiencies in existing systems, propose changes and upgrades, and present those changes to the Agency to secure funding and support. These employees also determine whether facilities will be replaced or upgraded, develop plans for improvements, and implement upgrades and construction, installation projects, and much more.

Aircraft Certification aerospace engineers are also a crucial part of the NAS and approve new designs and modifications of aircraft, engines, propellers, and related components. Airports Division Engineers also keep the system safe and efficient by coordinating airport layout, design, improvements, and planning.

In addition, NATCA represents Automation Support engineers whose primary function is to provide operational computer software support and maintenance for en route centers and terminal environments.

Employees in the Engineers and Architects (E&A) bargaining unit are assigned to both Technical Operations (Tech Ops), Engineering Services, and the Service Centers (Mission Support) and are located in all nine FAA regional offices, three service centers, and many Tech Ops District Offices. Also part of this E&A unit are engineers in Oklahoma City and Atlantic City in the Flight Inspection Services and Operations Support organizations. Flight Inspection Services provides airborne flight inspection of navigational aids and procedures. Operations Support provides field support, maintains the configuration management of systems, and performs modifications of equipment.

"It fills me with pride to reflect on the incredible work of NATCA's Region X engineers," says Region X Vice President Mike MacDonald. "They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure NAS systems and infrastructure, including airports and aircraft, receive critical support and upgrades. Their work is crucial to pilots and air traffic controllers who operate within the NAS. National Engineers Week is a great opportunity to recognize their ceaseless efforts to support the flying public and maintain the safest most efficient airspace in the world."

Please join us in recognizing the incredible and tireless work of NATCA's engineers this week. Thank you to our engineering brothers and sisters who ensure we are all able to safeguard the safest, most efficient NAS in the world.

In proud solidarity,

Paul Rinaldi, NATCA President
Trish Gilbert, NATCA Executive Vice President
Mike MacDonald, NATCA Region X Vice President