Should We Privatize the Nation's Air Traffic Control System?

Supporters of a longtime proposal to privatize the U.S. Air Traffic Control system have failed again. But the issue is far from dead. The latest measure to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration included a proposal to remove the ATC from direct agency control. In its place would be a private, non-profit corporation, funded by fees placed on airlines and owners of private aircraft. Supporters argued that the new body is the only way to rescue a dysfunctional FAA, ensure efficient operations, cut costs, streamline procurement and promote safety of the nation's air routes. But opponents countered successfully that a privately run ATC would raise questions of financial stability, accountability and continuity of service to smaller communities. In short, they said, the public would lose. So the idea was kicked out of the latest funding-extension bill. Laying out the arguments against privatization, and guesting on this episode, is Selena Shilad, executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. She explains why the ATC should remain in FAA's hands – as well as what should be done to fix the agency's chronic problems of funding and bureaucratic inefficiency.