Says President's Characterization Of Air Traffic Control as 'Broken And Horrible' Misrepresents The System

President Donald Trump's speech announcing his plan to privatize the country's air traffic control system left aviation consultant and former AOPA president and CEO Craig Fuller scratching his head.

"It was the most unusual message I have ever seen delivered by a President in the East Room of the White House. While there is merit in examining ways to improve our nation’s air transportation system, calling the air traffic control system “antiquated, broken,  and horrible” then suggesting it doesn’t work puts forth arguments uncoupled from reality," Fuller said in an email to Aero-News.
 
"Usually, a White House event to announce a new policy initiative is designed to make a strong case and broaden support. Today, the case made was filled with misrepresentations and dismissive of the extraordinary work members of the aviation community have engaged in around NextGen.
 
"While the White House suggests support from various groups, it is noteworthy that following the White House event, the air traffic controllers said they would study the proposal.
 
"It is unfortunate that a new administration which could have built upon the progress being made to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system instead wants to give it away to new entity along with the requirement of self-funding the system through user fees while the government continues to tax some segments of the aviation community to support airports.
 
"I doubt this plan will ever be “cleared for the approach” with so many other initiatives pending before Congress and bipartisan concerns about privatizing the air traffic control system," Fuller concluded.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.thefullercompany.com