Civil Air Australia

Civil Air stands with our colleagues from the United Firefighters Union Aviation Branch against Airservices proposed privatisation of safety critical ARFFS assets.

Airservices disputes claims of $135m taxpayer bill for ARFF proposal The United Firefighters Union of Australia Aviation Branch (UFUAV) has pointed to a new report from the Centre of Full Employment and Equity as evidence the plan would leave taxpayers “$135 million out of pocket for a worse service that undermines their safety”.

Civil Air is pleased to be able to provide our ongoing support to past President Tom McRobert, as he continues advocating for Air Traffic Management professionals across the globe.

IFATCA 2026 conference update

NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

Mr. Thomas McRobert, Australia, was re-elected as Executive Vice-President Finance of IFATCA for another term.

Congratulations Tom!

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✈️ CIVIL AIR TO HOST IFATCA'S 67TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ✈️

It is with incredible excitement that we announce that Civil Air has been successful in bidding for the 2028 IFATCA - International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations Annual Conference!

To be held in Sydney, 1-5 May 2028, the event will bring delegates from all over the world to the International Convention Centre Sydney to discuss current issues in Air Traffic Management, debate and adopt policy positions that will shape the profession, and provide opportunities for Civil Air members to network and engage with our international colleagues and friends.

Thank you to RATCA, the Romanian Air Traffic Controllers Association for hosting this week's IFATCA 65th Annual Conference in Bucharest, where Civil Air has presented our successful bid for 2028.

Civil Air is proud to continually work to shape the future of our profession, and to showcase our members dedication and professionalism. Representing over 1000 frontline ATCs and Supporting Staff, Civil Air never stops fighting for the professional and personal wellbeing of our members.

See you in Sydney! 🐨🐨

IFATCA Healthcare Avoidance Survey

The IFATCA Mental Wellbeing Task Force, in collaboration with the University of Washington, invites you to participate in a world-first study exploring how Air Traffic Controllers navigate health challenges—whether they seek support or rely on self-management. This brief, five-minute survey will provide valuable insights at both national and regional levels, shaping a deeper understanding of healthcare behaviours across the industry.

The survey can be accessed at the link below and will be open until the end of May. The survey is completely anonymous. Your participation will contribute to vital research aimed at breaking down barriers to healthcare access and strengthening aviation safety.

Your voice matters—help us drive meaningful change.

https://uwevans.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9SGSoC00zBGegN8

IFATCA Healthcare Avoidance Survey

The IFATCA Mental Wellbeing Task Force, in collaboration with the University of Washington, invites you to participate in a world-first study exploring how Air Traffic Controllers navigate health challenges—whether they seek support or rely on self-management. This brief, five-minute survey will provide valuable insights at both national and regional levels, shaping a deeper understanding of healthcare behaviours across the industry.

The survey can be accessed below and will be open until the end of May. The survey is completely anonymous. Your participation will contribute to vital research aimed at breaking down barriers to healthcare access and strengthening aviation safety.

Your voice matters—help us drive meaningful change.

Academic Study on Aviation Mental Health We’re conducting a brief, five-minute online survey to gather insights into mental health assistance behaviors within the aviation industry. Your input will contribute to important research aimed at enhancing aviation safety. Your participation is voluntary and valued—thank you for helping us ma...

IFATCA at ICAO

The fourteenth meeting of the Air Traffic Management Operations Panel (ATMOPSP-WG/14) took place in Langen, Germany, 21-25 October 2024

Probably the most relevant panel for ATCOs and therefore for IFATCA, ATMOPSP focuses on developing new ATM procedures in support of the GANP and addresses operational issues related to Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM). Rick Taylor (Australia) represented IFATCA.

The panel discussed the continued development of guidance material supporting upcoming changes to SARPs and PANS related to topics including air traffic flow management and digital air traffic services.



https://ifatca.org/icao-activities/icao-activities-2/

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Today once again marks International Day of the Air Traffic Controller where we celebrate and recognise the tireless efforts of Controllers and all other supporting staff across the globe. We hope that members in Australia can reflect today on the importance of their work and trust our international friends and colleagues will do the same when October 20 arises in their nation.

This year’s IFATCA - International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations Conference theme was “Invest in People: The Future of ATM”. Civil Air is incredibly proud of our members, that keep our airspace system running safely and efficiently 24/7/365. Whilst another year has passed, our collective efforts to improve the profession and our workplace will continue into the weeks, months, and years ahead.

ATS EA APPROVED

We are pleased to advise members that the Fair Work Commision has now approved the new Airservices Australia (Air Traffic Control and Supporting Air Traffic Services) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027.

New pay rates and conditions will take effect from Monday 7 October 2024. The agreement will run for a period of 3 years.

Civil Air has already commenced discussions with Airservices to ensure a timely and efficient implementation of new conditions.

Please see EA Update 33 for more details.

R U OK?

Today is R U OK? Day. Please take the opportunity to check in with your colleagues, or anyone important to you. A conversation truly can change a life.

It's ok not to be ok. Civil Air can help with support if you need it. Our trained peer supporters that form the incredibly important Peer Assistance Network, 'PANPriority', are ready and available to speak with you.

A conversation truly can change a life 💛

People who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected, cared about and better about themselves and their situation.

Our free Conversation Guide has practical tips for how to navigate an R U OK? conversation, today, tomorrow and any time someone needs your support.

Download it at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

Civil Air welcomes today's constructive findings from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau that relate to staffing and fatigue management at Airservices Australia.

"Likely due to an underlying lack of resources within Airservices Australia, there was an over-reliance on tactical changes to manage the roster. As a result, cumulative fatigue was not being effectively managed strategically and an over-reliance on tactical principles did not identify or manage fatigue risks arising from the work schedule."

Civil Air will continue to engage with Airservices on fatigue at Fatigue Safety Action Group and Professional and Technical Committee meetings between Airservices and the Association.

A Brisbane Centre air traffic controller who was found asleep at their workstation towards the end of their shift had worked multiple consecutive night shifts resulting in sleep debt, an ATSB investigation report details.

https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/news-items/2024/fatigue-management-improvements-underway-after-brisbane-centre-controller-found-asleep-end-their-night-shift