ATC Privatization

The privatization of the ATC system in the U.S. has been an increasingly discussed issue over the past few years. The airlines (according to Airlines for America) are now in support for the privatization of the ATC system. The airlines have realized that the promised upgrades in the ATC system (currently run by the Federal Aviation Administration) are not going smoothly and are not even close to implementation (Boyd 2015). The Federal Aviation Administration has created a long line of failed programs (including the most recent Advanced Automation System). The current program (the Next Generation Air Transportation System) has already been delayed and continues to have implementation problems.

The general aviation community is still against the privatization of the ATC system. They fear the privatization of the ATC system will create user fees (Tennyson 2015). The AOPA is currently fighting against the privatization of ATC.

The process to privatization would be long and time consuming. The idea is currently expected to be proposed as a bill. The bill would then go to voting in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill would then have to go through implementation and the regulatory process (if the bill passes). This would include a notice of proposed rulemaking that would allow comment from various representatives from the industry.

There are many countries who have already adopted a private ATC system. The system seems to reduce the costs to the airlines by removing excess fees imposed by non-direct routes and ATC delays (although these countries have significantly less air traffic than the U.S.).

I do feel that a privatized ATC system would be more effective. Advanced technology would be easier to implement and the upgrade process would go smoother.

Tennyson E (2015 June 15). Any Change to ATC System Must Protect GA. Retrieved December 6 2015.

Boyd M (2015 October 6). Time to Privatize U.S. Air TrafficControl. Retrieved December 6 2015.