I’m often asked what it’s like to be an air traffic controller and what it means to do something high stressed. I summarize it in three thoughts: amazing, a privilege and a rush. Controllers work 365 days a year, seven days a week, 24 hours a day; late nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays. We have to be 100 percent, all the
time. In our world there is no acceptable mistake. The flying public demands perfection and we strive for it every day.
I grew up wanting to be a controller. Knowing I’m responsible for thousands of lives every day makes me feel honored to plug in and call myself an air traffic controller. Being part of a profession that’s the epitome of professionalism is truly special. NATCA is more than just a labor union—it’s my family. At work I know my union family is helping me do my job as a Union Air Traffic Controller!
