And The Winner Is! ATCA Award Winners to be Revealed in New-Look Ceremony, Reception Nov. 6 at ATCA Connect

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two weeks from tonight, ATCA will announce the winners of its annual award program, which recognizes those who have made exceptional efforts to our worldwide air traffic control and airspace system. The ceremony has been infused with some exciting enhancements including its new agenda placement: A special 5 p.m. EST ceremony and reception at the end of the first day of ATCA Connect on Nov. 6 at the Booz Allen Keynote Arena inside the Washington Convention Center.

“This year, we’ve added a new twist – we're not announcing the winners until the event. We want this to be a special occasion for a group of truly extraordinary professionals who are most deserving of recognition,” ATCA President & CEO Carey Fagan said. “From heroic air traffic control saves to industry and small business contributions, military recognition, and the safety of the National Airspace System, we plan to salute the achievements that have advanced our industry and professions.”

Here are the awards to be presented:

ATCA Award for Exceptional Service - Presented to an individual or team who delivered air traffic control or related services under extraordinary circumstances and/or conditions, this award recognizes an individual or team’s exceptional commitment to ensuring the provision of ATC services and public safety during an adverse event, without regard to personal safety.

The David J. Hurley Memorial Award for Aviation Traffic Management: This is award is presented to an individual working in the field of Aviation Traffic Management for outstanding achievement or contribution in the area of ATC collaborative decision-making, balancing air traffic demand and capacity, or maximizing airspace and airport use, which has added to the quality, efficiency and/or safety of the Global Airspace Systems. In Warrenton, Virginia, the Air Traffic Control Systems Command Center stands as a legacy to the vision of David J. Hurley.

The Andy Pitas Aircraft Save Award: This award is presented to an individual or group who provided flight assistance in the previous year that resulted in the safe recovery of an emergency aircraft through the application of exceptional air traffic service.

The General E. R. Quesada Memorial Award for Outstanding Civilian ATC Manager of the Year Award: This award is presented to an individual for an outstanding achievement or contribution during the previous year as an ATC Manager.

General E.R. Quesada Memorial Award for Outstanding Military ATC Manager of the Year: This award is presented to an individual for an outstanding achievement or contribution during the previous year as an ATC Manager.

The Charles E. Varnell Memorial Annual Outstanding Achievement Award for Small Business: This award is presented to a small business concern for outstanding achievement or contribution, which has added to the quality, safety, or efficiency of air traffic control.

The ATCA Industry Award: This award is presented to an industry or a group of industries for outstanding achievement or contribution, which has added to the quality safety, or efficiency of air traffic control.

Lingiam “Linn” Odems Memorial Award for Military ATC of the Year: This award is for air traffic control specialists of the military. This is an award presented to an individual military or civilian air traffic control specialist who has during the previous year performed in an exemplary or extraordinary manner in support of military air traffic control facilities. This will be awarded for each branch of service.

Additionally, Fagan will present the President’s Award – and the Chair of ATCA’s Board of Directors, Rachel Jackson, will present the Board Chair awards which recognize an individual or organization for their outstanding contributions to ATCA and the work they have done in shaping aviation’s future.

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Learn more about the members of our industry for which many of the awards are named after.

 ATCA thanks the members of the 2024 awards selection committee for their time and efforts.