MAG ALPA Collaborates with Local NATCA MAG ALPA teamed up with the
local National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) this week for
aviation collaboration and safety as part of an Association-wide effort
educating airline pilots about the ATC system and facilities. The pilot leaders
met with Jerry Johnson, who serves as the president for the local NATCA unit in
Phoenix, during their spring MEC meeting.
Meeting participants talked about issues affecting pilots flying in and out
of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), as well as events happening
around the system. Topics included the clearances and procedures from air
traffic controllers, the automated terminal information system, runway lights,
and the effects sequestration will have on air travel in Arizona and elsewhere.
This segued into a lighter discussion on how takeoffs and landings at PHX always
seem to be into the sun.
“This was a collaborative session where union brothers and
sisters worked together for the aviation system,” said F/O Marcin Kolodziejczyk,
Mesa MEC chairman. “We, as ALPA pilots, face many of the same challenges and
share similar goals as our NATCA counterparts.
“By meeting, we were able to talk about those issues, develop an
understanding of the ATC system, and put a face to the ‘voice’ on the other end
of the radio. As a result, we are actively seeking opportunities to team up and
look forward to furthering our rapport with NATCA in all of our domiciles,” said
Kolodziejczyk. |