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Trump's plan is to privatize air traffic control. I don't know if I'd call that "huge improvements".
"Trump wants to turn the air traffic control system into a modernized non-profit organization that operates on fees paid by airlines and others that use U.S. airspace, instead of taxes."- FOX News
I don't see how this is an improvement or leads to improvement.
Currently 92% of ATC is funded by aviation-related excise taxes on passengers, cargo, and fuel. The remaining 8% from general taxes. How does swapping out taxes for fees help? They both fall on the passenger.
I don't see how "huge improvements" will come without ticket price hikes.
I have not seen the details of what is proposed but I do not see privatizing ATC working over the long run. While the ATC system will be non-profit I doubt if the company hired to staff it will be non-profit. Wages and benefits will be lower and employee turn over higher. Every time there is a downturn in the economy staffing levels will be cut back. Fewer controllers will be expected to carry the load.
I do believe the ATC system does need updating. Unfortunately just like the interstate highway system, the demands of the ATC system far exceed what it was designed for and does not have the room needed for the expansion needed just to handle today's needs
I have not seen the details of what is proposed but I do not see privatizing ATC working over the long run. While the ATC system will be non-profit I doubt if the company hired to staff it will be non-profit. Wages and benefits will be lower and employee turn over higher. Every time there is a downturn in the economy staffing levels will be cut back. Fewer controllers will be expected to carry the load.
I do believe the ATC system does need updating. Unfortunately just like the interstate highway system, the demands of the ATC system far exceed what it was designed for and does not have the room needed for the expansion needed just to handle today's needs
Agreed. We are already having airspace issues today due to lack of staffing.
This path has been walked before. Only difference this time, is the President held a press conference broadcast across the spectrum of news channels. No reason to believe this will come to fruition anymore than any other privatization plans of the past.
I never underestimate the NATCA propaganda machine.
What do you mean?
The FAA has severely limited traffic into major hubs due to staffing issues on weekends and holidays in the past. I don't believe the FAA is in on the fix with NATCA.
He's conflating two entirely separate issues. Everyone seems to agree that the air traffic control systems are outdated and need to be modernized or, more likely, replaced. That would be needed regardless of whether it's the government or some other entity owning and operating the system.
He hasn't made the case for why the public system can't do the job. It's just the old Republican religion that private entities are always better.
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