ATC
DOT IG: Privatized ATC Systems Safe, but Lack R&D Efforts
The report found that separating air navigation and safety/regulatory functions has not affected safety.

"While several differences make comparisons between the U.S. [air traffic control] system and other countries’ systems difficult, such as the size and complexity of the U.S. system, there are several lessons that can be learned from examining other nations’ experiences in separating their aviation functions,” a U.S. DOT Inspector General audit released today concludes. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and aviation subcommittee chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) asked the DOT watchdog to assess the FAA’s air traffic organization (ATO) structure as the lawmakers push to privatize the ATO and implement users fees in the forthcoming FAA reauthorization bill.