Should YOU Support NAATS? The American flying public enjoys the largest and safest National Airspace System in the World. A system designed to prevent horrendous tragedies like the recent one in Switzerland - a mid-air collision between two airliners. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the "safe expeditious flow of air traffic". Given the amount of aviation activity in the United States, this is a monumental task. The National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS) monitors the FAA's policies as they relate to Flight Service and aviation weather products. When the Agency proposes changes, NAATS studies those proposals, determines how they will effect our customers, aviation safety, and NAATS' membership, and responds accordingly.   At times the agency proposes changes or cuts NAATS believes will have a negative impact on aviation safety and security and NAATS tries to get this information out to everyone (pilots, congress, members, etc) so they can exert pressure on the FAA to reconsider. Early in 2002, the FAA announced, to its employees, that it intends to sell off more of its safety related functions to the lowest bidder through the A-76, contracting-out process. NAATS immediately raised concerns that this move - putting the responsibility for aviation safety and security in the hands of a for-profit company - was not in the best interests of the nation. Of particular concern is the fact that the FAA is attempting to push the process through without any oversight by congress. This deception, especially in light of the fact that congress is currently in the process of addressing the whole contracting issue, raises the level of concern to alarming heights Trying to galvanize the flying public to protect, what we have become so accustomed to, is a difficult task. Our pilots are some of the most fiercely independent individuals that make up this Great Nation. It is this same independence that keeps them from active involvement in the political process. NAATS is 100% committed to keeping our lives, skies and property safe from aviation accidents. This is at times an expensive process and takes a lot of our limited resources. Your support of NAATS will directly influence what NAATS is able to do for you, whether you are a Flight Service Controller, a pilot, a passenger, or even someone who only wonders at planes flying overhead. If you are a Flight Service Controller, you can support NAATS by joining (your FacRep will have forms for you) and becoming active at the local level. Others can become Associate Members. Contact our National Office for information. The address and phone number is above. Associate memberships cost $100 annually.