'Sully' Sullenberger Raises Safety, Access Concerns If ATC Is Privatized | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-07.07.25

Airborne-NextGen-07.08.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.09.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-06.26.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.27.25

Sat, Jul 15, 2017

'Sully' Sullenberger Raises Safety, Access Concerns If ATC Is Privatized

Says It Is A Political Solution To What Is Essentially A Budget Problem

Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is not a fan of ATC privatization. And even if it does not pass this year, he says he's concerned about the direction the U.S. House is taking in proposing it for the second year in a row.

Sullenberger discussed the privatization issue and others in an interview with Yahoo Global Anchor Katie Couric this week. The two discussed that issue, as well as experience requirements for airline pilots and other aviation issues.

On the topic of privatization, Sullenberger told Couric that he is concerned about safety, equitability,  and access to the system if it is enacted. He said that privatizing ATC is a political solution to a budget problem, and that the current plan would allow the largest airlines to control access, fees and pricing for the entire industry.

On the issue of pilot experience rules, Sullenberger said that it is critical that "every pilot who sits in the pilot seat of an airliner must be the absolute master of the aircraft all its systems and the weather conditions you’re experiencing, the situation you’re facing at that moment continuously throughout the flight." He said that during the "Miracle on the Hudson" incident, the outcome could have been much different if First Officer Jeff Skiles had not been as well trained as Sullenberger. Skiles had been a Captain, but found himself in a First Officer position after a round of layoffs. The training of both pilots saved the lives of the passengers on board the aircraft, Sully said.

Finally, Sullenberger said that there is not a pilot shortage, but while airlines are currently able to attract qualified, experienced pilot applicants, it is important to be sure the industry as a whole continues to be healthy in that regard.

(Image from YouTube)

FMI: Original Story

Advertisement

More News

KidVenture Educational Activities Lineup At EAA AirVenture 2025

Youth Explore With Hands-On Builds, RC Airplanes, Flight Sims, Much More KidVenture is located just north of the EAA Aviation Museum, at Pioneer Airport, and has arranged a myriad >[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (07.07.25)

“About nine decades ago, Amelia Earhart was recruited to Purdue, and the university president later worked with her to prepare an aircraft for her historic flight around the >[...]

Airborne 07.07.25: Sully v Bedford, RAF Vandalism, Discovery Moving?

Also: New Amelia Search, B737 Flap Falls Off, SUN ‘n FUN Unveiling, F-16 Record Captain Sully Sullenberger, the pilot who saved 155 people by safely landing an A320 in the Hu>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (07.08.25)

"It is critically important for North American flight safety that Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violations are avoided. All pilots must familiarize themselves with updates to >[...]

Airborne-NextGen 07.08.25: Joby in Dubai, Army Electra, Archer iin Abu Dhabi

Also: Hackers v Aviation, Discovery Moving?, Gogo Galileo HDX, EVE to Costa Rica Joby Aviation announced its electric air taxi successfully completed a series of VTOL wingborne tri>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC