Air Traffic Control privatization is a very hot topic right now in modern day aviation. Many people say yes it should be privatized, while others say no it should not be privatized. There are many benefits to either side. Personally however, I feel that is should be privatized. Privatizing ATC would mean a fast forward in technology and would introduce new technology into aviation. NextGen is the future of air traffic control and would be a perfect time to be introduced when/if ATC were to be privatized. NextGen is a great piece of technology that adds many benefits to the Air Traffic Control world. According to an online article, "In 2003, Congress created NextGen, a $40 billion program slated to be completed by 2025, to transition the nation's airspace from 1950s ground radar to satellite technology that would allow aircraft to fly more direct routes and navigate around inclement weather, reducing delays. As envisioned, the technology would allow every controller to see the exact position of every plane, no matter where the controller worked." Not to say that what we have now as far as ATC goes is bad, its just that we need to keep up with the times and modern day technology, and the new system would really bring us up to speed on that.
On top of the modern day technology benefit, privatizing ATC has already proven that it works in other countries. "In countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany and the U.K., Mr. Engler said, privatized air traffic control systems effectively provide “a high-tech service that can be funded directly” by users. Privatization plans typically require operators of commercial, business and private aircraft to pay for services." So privatizing ATC has been proven that it works in other countries so why not try it in the USA? It makes sense to switch to the private sector as it is and there's nothing saying that it doesn't work anywhere else.
Now of course there are negatives with anything and this is no different with ATC being privatized. With all of this new technology, someone is going to have to pay for it. This is where it is going to hurt a lot of the GA population. " The proposal to privatize ATC will likely lead to user fees for general aviation, a measure that EAA continues to vigorously oppose." All of the fees that the General Aviation population already pays, to add another one for ATC doesn't really make sense. But in all honesty, if it is going to make the skies safer for everyone than maybe people will consider it. Yes the skies are safe now, but there's no such thing as being too safe, especially when it comes to aviation.
All in all, I believe that ATC should be privatized. There are too many factors that play into the decision that show that it works and it is beneficial for it not to be considered. It will introduce new technologies that bring Air traffic into the modern day society. And it has proven to work in other countries which shows that this system does in fact work. It will be interesting to see what happens and if ATC privatization does in fact happen.
References
1. Should air traffic controllers be privatized? (2015, September 28). Retrieved December 17, 2015, from http://articles.philly.com/2015-09-28/business/66932623_1_air-traffic-organization-national-airspace-system-the-faa
2. Keeping a Close Eye on ATC Privatization | AviationPros.com. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2015, from http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12085497/keeping-a-close-eye-on-atc-privatization
3. House Panel Considers Privatizing FAA's Air Traffic Control System. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2015, from http://www.wsj.com/articles/house-panel-signals-air-traffic-control-privatization-firmly-on-agenda-1416331332
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