Controllers warn of perils in shift to an ATC plan that they say focuses on profits instead of safety | Aviation International News

Controllers warn of perils in shift to an ATC plan that they say focuses on profits instead of safety

Privatization of the U.S.

By AIN Staff • AIN Staff

October 12, 2007

Privatization of the U.S. ATC system is a solution in search of a problem, according to a report commissioned by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
“When it comes to air traffic control, the market-based incentives of efficiency and economy that are supposed to motivate a private provider do not easily align with the abiding interests of government and passengers in safety and security,” said professor Elliott Sclar of Columbia University. “It would be unwise to create an ATC system that puts profits ahead of safety.”

Privatizing the existing system also raises security questions, Sclar noted, because “the air traffic control system must be under the firm control of the federal government and able to respond instantaneously and seamlessly.” He added that it took only one call from the Transportation Department on September 11 to ground the nation’s commercial and private aircraft.

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