IFATCA Task Forces
The worldwide body of air traffic controllers consists of professionals of different gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation and age. Equity recognizes that each person or in IFATCA’s case, Member Associations, has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. IFATCA recognises the diversity of our regions and the MAs within those regions. ATCOs often have more in common than they have differences. However the environments in which we operate are very different: culturally, politically and the resources available to us varies widely from MA to MA.
Research shows that organizations that respect and value diversity are better able to attract and retain high performers. Such organizations improve operational performance by enlarging the skill range, and thus benefit from diversity.
Diversity is not limited to gender, but also applies to race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and where it is possible, disability.
Inclusion is the ingredient that makes the Equity and Diversity work. Inclusion is defined as the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized. Inclusion in practice is taking into account the context of the others, give voice to minority and coming to solutions that take them into account. It is definitely an area IFATCA and this task force would like to focus on.
For IFATCA to succeed with their focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion we need purpose and strong leadership all the way from the IFATCA Executive Board, down through the Directors and the MA’s. Deliberations within the IFATCA community will bring a deeper level of understanding of core values and needs, leading ultimately to greater inclusion, creating a better functioning IFATCA amid a changing culture.
Chair: Sverre Ivar Elsbak (Norway)
Members: Rossana Croci Reyes (Uruguay), Gale Williams-Dalsou (St.Kitts), Asuka Nii (Japan), Greg Okeroa (New Zealand), Katarina Anzel-Kruh (Slovenia), Natasha Mijat Krstevska (North Macedonia), Lumbiwe Hara (Zambia)
Responsible EB member: Jean-François Lepage (Canada), Deputy President
IFATCA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force – Terms of Reference
The advent of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) introduces a radical change in aviation as we know it. Many questions arise but few answers are clear. Despite industry pushes for quick integration of what are usually called ‘drones’, the current categories of airspace and flight rules are not adequate to accommodate the newcomers and new procedures and regulations are required.
The RPATF was first established after the Conference of Ghana 2018 as a specialized team on UAS operations. The scope is to make the knowledge continuously gathered from the relevant stakeholders available to the Federation and to develop Guidance Materials and Policy Statements also in collaboration with the Standing Committees.
Chair: Eugenio Diotalevi (ANACNA)
Members: Jens Lehmann (GdF), Andreas Charalambides (Cyprus), David Guerin (UK), Kolja Bollhorst (IFALPA).
Corresponding Members: Al Shaw (NZALPA), Halvar Myrseth (NATCA Norway), Anders Liebl (Denmark), Chris Sailes (CATCA), George Mbugua (KATCA), Lidia Ruseva (BULATCA), Samson Akpore (Nigeria), Niels Verhoeven (IFALPA)
Responsible EB member: Benjamin van der Sanden, Executive Vice-President Technical
IFATCA Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Task Force – Terms of Reference
The IFATCA Executive Board established the Remote Tower Task Force in 2018. The task force is expected to:
• Provide an overview of existing operations with digital and remote tower
• Create a definition table of the different form of digital tower
• Discuss issues and create guidance material
• Coordinate with TOC and PLC possible amendment to existing policy
• Provide motivated and articulated support for the IFATCA representatives in the various international fora (ICAO, EU, SESAR, EASA, Eurocae etc.)
• Provide a pro-active involvement of IFATCA in the research and operational debate around the topic
Chair: Katariina Syväys (Finland)
Members: Antonio Anzelotti (ANACNA), Thomas Kolbeinsen (NATCA Norway), Thomas Harrison (UK), Adam Rhodes (NATCA USA), Peter Szalóky (Hungary), Marc Baumgartner (SESAR/EASA coordinator)
TOC Liaisons: Jaymi Steinberg (NATCA USA)
Responsible EB Member: Benjamin van der Sanden, Executive Vice-President Technical
The IFATCA 2030+ Task Force was been created to address the future proofing of the Federation. The task force comprises of two representatives from each region and meets regularly to discuss and eventually propose sweeping changes to how we function as a Federation and what we would like to achieve as a forward thinking, reactive and professional association.
Chair: Jules Ogilvie (Helvetica)
Members:
AFM: Kahina ISSAD AIT AOUDIA (Algeria)
AMA: Jaymi STEINBERG (USA), Kendell PETER (St. Lucia)
ASP: Nyamgerel (Nainaa) DASHDOLGOR (Mongolia), De Wei LIM (Singapore)
EUR: Renee Pauptit (The Netherlands), Jules OGILVIE (Switzerland)
Responsible EB Member: Helena Sjöström, Deputy President
The IFATCA Training Task Force (TTF) is responsible for analysing the need for, designing, developing, implementing/delivering and reviewing educational material and courses that meet the needs of our Member Associations (MAs) and partners. The TTF produces, delivers, administers and maintains courses, both for in-person delivery, e-learning platforms and hybrid formats.
Chair: Jean-François Lepage (Liaison Officer to ICAO ANC, CATCA)
Rapporteurs: Alfred Vlasek (Austria), Ben Kings (Netherlands), Jaco van der Westhuizen & Francois Barwise (South Africa)
Members: Marc Baumgartner (Helvetica), Mehdi Debbari, Nabil Touazi & Fateh Bekhti (Algeria), Patricia Gilbert (NATCA USA), Silvia Caragui & Iulia Iordan (Romania), Maria van Rooyen (Latvia), Chandraban Amit Rajnarine (Guyana), Paul J Mendy & Pierre Camara (Gambia), Syesyer Eric Yerkhanat & Khashtsolmon Batjargal (Mongolia), Muhammad Waseem Abbasi & Asif Rasool (Pakistan), Richard Coffie (Ghana), Ramon Armora (Dominican Republic), Renz Marione Bulseco (Philippines), Ben Kings (Netherlands), Lorraine Ramjattan & Ameera Hosein (Trinidad & Tobago)
Responsible EB Member: Peter van Rooyen, Executive Vice-President Professional
The Mental Wellbeing Task Force (MWTF) is responsible for promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives. They aim to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. Additionally, the group may provide educational sessions, workshops, and activities aimed at enhancing coping skills, building resilience, and improving overall mental health and wellbeing. Ultimately, it is to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards self-care, seek help when needed, and advocate for mental health awareness and support within their community.
Chair: Jaco van der Westhuizen (GATCSA)
Members: Bron Sanderson (Civil Air), Marc Baumgartner (Helvetica), Andrew LeBovidge (NATCA)
Responsible EB Member: Peter van Rooyen, Executive Vice-President Professional