The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) recently marked the 56th founding anniversary of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) by celebrating the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller on Oct. 20.
Specifically, the International Day of the Air traffic Controller celebrates air traffic control personnel who work to promote IFATCA’s goals of safety, efficiency and regularity in international air navigation on a daily basis.
“October 20 is a day to celebrate your profession and dedication to safety with your brothers and sisters at home and overseas,” NATCA said in a statement. “…NATCA and IFATCA work with aviation labor organizations, national and international aviation authorities, and institutions concerned with air navigation around the world.”
The first working group met on Oct. 19-20, 1961, to formally prepare the foundations of what would eventually become the IFATCA. After a number of national organizations expressed interest in joining shortly thereafter, the working group grew from a 12-member representative body to a worldwide federation of aviation professionals from more than 130 countries.
“Collectively, these aviation voices sponsor and support the passage of legislation and regulations, which will increase and protect the working conditions of all air traffic controllers and other aviation safety-related employees,” NATCA said. “Our members are some of the hardest working professionals in the world who work to display honesty, tenacity, leadership by example, hard work, integrity, loyalty to the profession, open communication, and the collective spirit of our union.”