The National Air Traffic Controllers Association held its annual legislative conference with a dual focus. It emphasized the role it wants to play in shaping the future of air traffic control and informed lawmakers of the numerous ways the National Air Traffic Controllers Association is working to help improve and modernize the system.

Senator Stevens talked about the necessity of flight in his home state of Alaska, where 70% of all towns can only be reached by air and the large number of accidents that result from so much flying and so little aviation technology, such as radar and traffic control. He also responded to questions from members of the audience.