ATCA

Advocacy

 

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 actively partners with several organizations such as A4A, GAMA, and NATCA to advocate for shared industry priorities through joint initiatives and support letters.

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. 

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