A recent government report validates why Congress needs to remain cautious about making “massive structural changes” to the U.S. air traffic control system, NATA president and CEO Tom Hendricks said. The Department of Transportation Inspector General released a report last week that examines the differences between foreign air traffic control systems and the U.S. system. The investigation was conducted at the request of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders, who are contemplating the separation of the U.S. air traffic control system into a non-profit organization funded by user fees.
Hendricks said the report raises a number of concerns about adopting major changes that are modeled after foreign organizations. “This report clearly demonstrates these international air traffic control systems are much smaller and less complex than our own,” Hendricks said. The report also underscores that other ATC providers do not undertake large, comprehensive modernization efforts such as NextGen. Europe’s multi-national Sesar effort further is producing mixed results and limited progress, he added.
“Just as important, the report highlights the risks these models pose to continued American leadership in aviation,” Hendricks added, pointing to limited research and development efforts of the systems. “The IG’s report clearly highlights whether corporatizing air traffic control really addresses the future needs of the world’s safest air traffic control system.”
