Mon, Jul 21, 2003
Continues Fight Against Privatization And User Fees
AOPA is once again asking
Congress to knock down the possibility of privatizing the air
traffic control system. AOPA President Phil Boyer yesterday sent a
letter to members of a congressional conference committee, urging
them to return air traffic control (ATC) to an "inherently
governmental" function. The committee convenes soon to reconcile
the House and Senate versions of the FAA reauthorization bill.
Both versions have language that would reverse a decision by the
White House Office of Management and Budget to classify ATC as a
"commercial" function, although they differ in scope.
The letter is a follow-up to the virtually daily contact AOPA's
Legislative Affairs staff has maintained with congressional offices
over the ATC issue.
What's In A Name? In This Case, A Lot
"AOPA is extremely
concerned about the Administration's recent categorization of air
traffic services as 'commercial' rather than 'inherently
governmental,'" wrote Boyer. "This change makes air traffic control
services susceptible to wholesale outsourcing or privatization
— something AOPA is adamantly against."
"Our members have a longstanding concern that general
aviation will suffer under the weight of costly fees and that
services will be governed by and designed solely to meet the needs
of the airlines," Boyer continued. "You only need look at the
expense of flying in Europe under Eurocontrol and its impact on
general aviation to see the future if ATC is not kept as an
inherently governmental function."
Boyer told the conferees that privatization and user fees are of
paramount concern to AOPA members, and that they have told the
association time and again, ATC must remain a function of the
FAA.
He concluded, "As the House and Senate come to agreement on the
FAA Reauthorization, we ask you to ensure that language is included
that keeps ATC separation and control functions with the FAA. It is
essential that any final language not touch the 'core' air traffic
control functions."
The conferees hope to complete their work before the annual
August recess, which begins on August 4, 2003.
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All