The 71 National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) members who staff Memphis International Airport’s tower and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) have been honored for their outstanding work at the uniquely busy, 24/7 facility that along with normal commercial traffic, serves as the hub for the worldwide cargo operation of FedEx.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator Randy Babbitt recently presented the NATCA members with the Dorothy Tharnish Customer Service Award for their outstanding commitment, innovation and excellent work.

Last year, a seven-month runway rebuilding project reduced the airport’s capacity by 30 percent and forced controllers to work up alternative routings and utilize ingenuity and creativity in keeping up a high level of efficiency.

Says Bruce Gustafson, Memphis Tower NATCA representative:

We challenge each other to perform at our highest possible level at all times. We have been through three major events during the past couple of years that were successfully completed without loss of efficiency and with a commitment to safety.

Chris Piercy, the TRACON NATCA representative, says, ”With the massive cargo operation of FedEx here, efficiency is key.”

The controllers here in Memphis do what all controllers do and that’s get ‘em from Point A to Point B as safely and as quickly as possible.