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. Hosted by Bob Bowman, Managing Editor of SupplyChainBrain.

Look for a new episode of the podcast, which can be downloaded or streamed, every Friday on the SupplyChainBrain website and iTunes.

Show notes:

AAAA's statement against ATC privatization.

A National Air Traffic Controllers Association statement in support of ATC reform.

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