ATC
Pelton Blasts ATC Privatization
Without the votes, proponents are engaging in strong arm tactics to get them, alleges the EAA chairman.
On Monday EAA chairman Jack Pelton decried strong-arm tactics being used to pass ATC privatization legislation as "probably illegal." (Photo: Mark Huber)
On Monday EAA chairman Jack Pelton decried strong-arm tactics being used to pass ATC privatization legislation as "probably illegal." (Photo: Mark Huber)

In remarks that were stunning in frankness and candor, EAA chairman Jack Pelton blasted House Transportation Committee chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and the Trump Administration for their tactics in attempting to hijack the General Aviation Caucus and "ramrodding" air traffic control privatization legislation to congressional approval. "There's been more dirty politics on this than I've ever seen," said Pelton on Monday at AirVenture. This includes scheduling meetings for general aviation input when Congress was not in session and pro-privatization congressional leaders threatening colleagues who oppose the legislation with retaliation, including withholding natural disaster insurance relief.