Record Attendance, Key Discussions, and NATCA Leadership Shape 40th IFATCA Americas Regional Meeting

Nov 14, 2024

The 40th Annual IFATCA Americas Regional Meeting, hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Air Traffic Controllers' Association (TTATCA) from Oct. 15-17 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, brought together a record-breaking 18 IFATCA Member Associations and three additional associations. This significant attendance underscored the commitment to addressing key challenges in the air traffic management (ATM) sector, particularly regarding mental health, disaster preparedness, and technical advancements.

IFATCA Executive Vice President Americas Trish Gilbert praised the event's collaborative atmosphere. "It was incredible to see record attendance at the IFATCA Americas Regional Meeting," she said. "Attendees exchanged ideas, offered support as they navigated unique challenges, and learned from one another. The experience reinforced that we are so much stronger when we come together."

The meeting featured crucial presentations from NATCA leaders. IFATCA North America's Regional Vice President Andrew LeBovidge, representing the IFATCA Mental Wellbeing Task Force, led discussions on reducing mental health stigma. LeBovidge addressed the unique challenges air traffic controllers face, emphasizing the importance of peer support programs, including Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), as essential for promoting mental health. "Mental illness can affect controllers' medical qualifications, leading to concerns about reporting issues," LeBovidge said. "However, with initiatives like CISM, we are starting to see positive changes."

IFATCA Disaster Preparedness Committee member and NATCA's Disaster Response Committee Chair Tom Flanary (Miami Center, ZMA) spoke about the importance of disaster preparedness for aviation safety, stressing the need for proactive planning. Highlighting the rising frequency and costs of disasters, Flanary encouraged air traffic controllers to update their emergency contacts and keep critical documents in waterproof bags. "The quicker controllers can return to normal, the quicker the airport and the city can return to normal," he said.

Jaymi Steinberg (Washington Center, ZDC), Chair of IFATCA's Technical and Operations Committee (TOC) and a member of the IFATCA 2030+ Task Force, presented alongside Danahe Lopez from Mexico's Toluca Approach (MMTO), outlining the TOC's role within IFATCA and highlighting themes like environmental impacts, remote towers, and systems-based licensure. In recognition of her dedication, Steinberg received the Americas Region Volunteer of the Year award.

Other NATCA presentations included Michelle Trudeau (Ret., Indianapolis Center, ZID) of the Professional and Legal Committee (PLC) and Sarah Grampp (Kansas City Center, ZKC) on the CISM program's success in the Americas. The meeting reinforced the commitment to advancing air traffic management through collaboration and dedicated efforts.

Gilbert expressed gratitude to TTATCA for hosting the event, adding, "My heartfelt thanks to TTATCA for such an exceptional event."