ATC Privatization

1) Describe the fundamentals of our current ATC system vs. the proposed NextGen system. Include details. i.e. "Next Gen is satellite-based." is not enough detail.

That current ATC is a series of fixed, ground based stations that guide and direct aircraft in controlled airspaces. They can also offer guidance to aircraft in uncontrolled airspaces. Most ATC bases are equipped with primary and secondary radar to enhance the controller’s situational awareness within their airspace. Most of the aircraft are equipped with transponder equipment that automatically communicates with the towers RADAR, sending info such as speed, altitude, and call sign. 

NextGen is a system that was proposed in 2003. The thing about NextGen is that it isn’t just one thing, it’s a series of different radar, communication, and weather monitoring technology that would enhance the safety and operator’s experience in the NAS greatly. There are at least a dozen different types of technologies that would all be necessary to complete the ‘update’ that is referred to as NextGen. That is why it is being implemented so slowly (Houston 2017).

2) Why has GA traditionally spoken against the privatization of ATC? What is the stance of US airlines on ATC privatization and why? Find two aviation organizations/lobby groups/think tanks (not individual companies) etc. and report their response to privatization.

GA, and many of the people involved with a lot of the supporting organizations have a very strong, and public stance against the privatization of ATC. Surprisingly to me, there are a number of Thunderbird and Blue Angle pilots that are openly condemning this change. US airlines are more for the act. If this goes through, the airlines would be the ones to control the ATC; or be able to buy their way into having some say in the practices they encompass. 

AOPA leaders has opening and strongly fought this act and has tried to get as many people on board to call their congress representative to fight the passing of this act. The Reason Foundation, which is a widely accepted think tank, thinks that the shift from the FAA would benefit the FAA, airlines, and GA users. 

3) Is ATC privatized in any other countries? If so, where? Write about the details of how this system works. How is it funded? Who are the private operators? Etc..Does the privatized ATC system run more or less efficiently than our current system?

Yes. Canada, UK, France, and Germany have private, or semi-private ATC operations. In Canada, their ATC is self-sufficient due to the fact that it is privately owned and operated by Nav Canada. People that regularly use the services pay a small few to keep the system up and running. This privatization didn’t hurt the Canadian air travel industry

In Germany, the company that owns the ATC is called DFS and is own by the Federal Republic of Germany; which prevents it from being sold unless the government approves it. This company is self-sustaining because the airlines pay a user fee. They are responsibly for a GA, and some of the military operations. 

Both systems mentioned above had a large startup cost, but have proven to be more affordable for the companies, and the governments. Taking into account that these two countries both have a significantly smaller amount of air traffic than the United States. 

4) What would be the process for converting our current system into a privatized system? i.e. would it have to go through Congress, the FAA, etc.. Where is the discussion at? i.e. is there a passed bill or law allowing ATC privatization? Does it have to be an act of Congress or can the FAA make this decision on its own. How do expect the current administration to impact ATC privatization if at all?

The current administration would like to see ATC become private, although congress and the House have been fairly back and forth. Anything is possible but it would take more than just one speech and a dozen conversations about it to make it happen. After they approve it they would have to find a buyer, select a committee, and then lay out the guidelines and restrictions.

5) Finally, do you feel that the current ATC system would be more efficient if it were privatized. Why or why not?

I think it if was to become privatized it would be a large startup cost and cost the flying public more but after a few years it would start to level out and pay for itself. I do believe that if it were privatized they would be able to install the NextGen requirements sooner than the FAA. 

Citations

Houston, W. (2017). NexGen in a Nutshell. The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/nextgen-in-a-nutshell-282561

Poole, Robert. (2017). Time to Free ATC from the Federal Bureaucracy. Reason Foundation. https://reason.org/commentary/time-to-free-air-traffic-control-from-the-federal-bureaucracy/