Today we will be discussing the privatization of ATC.

First though,we will look at the current system compared to next gen. Now, ATC uses a ground based radar system. Using radar to track aircraft, the air traffic controller can then direct aircraft in order to keep them separated.

Next ten uses a satellite system with the aid of ADSB in order to get information about the aircraft such as altitude, airspeed, and heading. This information is shared and compared with other aircraft directly in order to keep aircraft separated.

The GPS and ADSB system are more accurate, that the separation minimums will be less. This means that aircraft can fly closer together to get more aircraft into an airport. (Houston 2016)

Pilots and controllers can also exchange information such as clearances via a texting service. This is done digitally, so this can be shared quickly and shared between the parties. (Houston 2016)

Generally speaking, general aviation is against privatization of ATC because general aviation could lose ATC services. This can be down to private companies will get most of their money from the airlines. With this, most ATC services will be at the larger airports where the airlines fly. (ATC Privatization Brings Few Savings, Threatens General Aviation Services, 2016)

The airlines however, would like to have ATC privatized. This would let ATC progress at a faster pace by removing government funding restrictions and red tape. Right now, ATC being funded by the FAA and run by the FAA. Since it is run through the government, things need to get passed through congress in order to get the funding it needs, but this takes a very long time. Being privatized, the ATC system could get money and new technology approved faster than it is now. (Meyer 2016)

One country that has Privatized ATC is Canada. It uses a company called NAV Canada. It was founded in 1996 and was the first Privatized ATC system. It us run as a not-for profit organization, which the revenues come from their customers and put into upgrading the system. It has a board of directors that has representatives from commercial sectors of aviation, Canadian government, and independent directors. Since it’s start, NAV Canada has proven to be very successful and is on a faster track to use Next Gen then the United States. (Meet NAV Canada, n.d)

In order for the United States to update its ATC system, it would have to go through congress. The bill for this, has already gone up to congress and been shot down. The FAA keeps trying to re-introduce it though.

Personally, I feel the current ATC system could work better if it were Privatized. If it was like Canada’s, it would be better. That way it could act independently of the government (not have to wait for funds) and it could actually get the funds it needs. If however, it doesn’t receive enough money and cuts services to more airports, I feel we wouldn’t be any better than we are now. We may have it updated, but at the cost of losing coverage, we may see a slight drop in safety at smaller airports.

Sources:

ATC Privatization Brings Few Savings, Threatens General Aviation Services | EAA. (2016, February 18). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/news/02-18-2016-atc-privatization-brings-few-savings-threatens-general-aviation-services

Houston, S. (2016, August 14). NextGen in a Nutshell: The Next Generation Air Traffic System. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from https://www.thebalance.com/nextgen-in-a-nutshell-282561

Meet NAV Canada. (n.d). Retrieved September 23, 2016, from http://www.navcanada.ca/EN/about-us/Pages/who-we-are.aspx

Meyer, J. (2016, February 16). Free The Skies: Privatizing Air Traffic Control. Retrieved September 23, 2016, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredmeyer/2016/02/16/free-the-skies-privatizing-air-traffic-control/#45ac5c5f46ac