Which term best describes PATCO and NATCA?

• A. Controller unions
• B. Airline unions
• C. Airport authorities
• D. Regulatory agencies

Answer: (A)

PATCO and NATCA are controller unions. They represent air traffic controllers and work to negotiate pay, benefits, working conditions, and safety concerns with the agency that oversees air traffic control. This makes them labor organizations specific to the control profession. They are not airline unions, since they don’t represent airline employees in general; they are not airport authorities, which are organizations that operate and manage airports; and they are not regulatory agencies, which create and enforce rules.