ATC Privatization

Currently, control of the massive amount of aircraft using the National Airspace System (NAS) daily, is facilitated using a decades old system of radar, both primary and secondary. Controllers in locations all over the United States control and monitor the aircraft in their "sector" until they fly into another controller's "sector" whereupon they are "handed off" to the next controller. Once the aircraft is out of range of their radar facility, the controllers can no longer see the aircraft. The current system also uses a collection of routes that are from navigational aid to navigational aid. This results in an incredibly inefficient system, akin to the highway system on the ground. Routes are not flown direct, therefor more fuel is burned, more pollution is released, etc. All due to the need to allow for control, separation and deconfliction of airspace. Next-Gen, a system that is already 5 years and way over budget, is the FAA's answer to the currently obsolete and inefficient system that is used today. Technology such as satellite based navigation and ADS-B will allow aircraft to "save precious minutes and fuel, as well as reducing aircraft exhaust emissions by taking advantage of more precise routing." (USDOT 2016) This will be possible through the use of Performance Based Navigation (PBN). PBN will allow aircraft to navigate without the use of current ground based navigation systems, allowing aircraft to be efficiently routed to their destination or even around weather.In regards to the privatization of ATC services, general aviation (GA) has been opposed to this possibility. Several reason exist for the GA community's opposition. One of the chief concerns will be the likely rise in cost for use of the system. A private company will be open to liability which will result in insurance and other costs to the company which they will then pass on to the customer. Also, the big money maker for ATC is not GA, but commercial operations. "With few cost savings and continual pressure for airlines to increase profits, the place to reduce costs is to cut services that do not contribute to airline profits. Thus, GA loses airspace access, ATC services, and funding for rural airports, charting, and flight services, among others" (EAA, 2016)The UK currently runs a public-privatized ATC system, with a company running the ATC system that is partially propped up by the government when there are budget shortfalls. Canada has a privatized system that is funded by user fees and is designed to break even at the end of every year. In essence, ATC is a massive IT system, and the argument is that government is not efficient at running an IT system. The difference between the US and countries with a privatized system is that the US manages 2.5 times the airspace and 10 times the traffic as the UK. While these systems in their respective countries may run more efficiently, it like comparing apples to oranges. Earlier this year, the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Re authorization Bill was introduced, however, opposition to ATC privatization caused it not to pass. This forced the Senate to draft and pass it's own re authorization bill, leaving out privatization and leaving ATC in the hands of the FAA until at least 2017. To be honest, I believe that effort needs to be made by someone, either in the government or a private company to implement a new, more efficient system. If the system could be set up to be non-profit, with fair access to it by all aviation, GA and commercial alike, we would be heading in the right direction. Unfortunately when private firms are brought in to manage what was previously a government function, all does not always go well. I think a system where the company is responsible for implementing all the new technology and capabilities that NextGen brings to the table, yet is controlled by VERY careful oversight by the government and possible representatives from different sectors of aviation would be the ideal answer. (n.d.). The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.transportation.gov/mission/sustainability/next-generation-air-transportation-system-nextgen
ATC Privatization Brings Few Savings, Threatens General Aviation Services | EAA. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/news/02-18-2016-atc-privatization-brings-few-savings-threatens-general-aviation-services