Now Is the Time to Modernize Our Skies

In this series, professionals debate the state – and future – of their industry. Read more here, then write your own #MyIndustry post.

As any traveler who has experienced an unnecessary flight delay can attest, our nation’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, while safe, is not as dependable and efficient as it should be. The fact is that while the U.S. ATC system is the world’s largest and safest, our air traffic infrastructure and technology are falling behind. 

The U.S. no longer has the most modern equipment, the most efficient airplane routings, or the best technology of any of the world’s ATC providers. In essence, we are using 1950s technology to power a robust, complex network in 2016. Not to mention, the U.S. government’s funding process and procurement rules prevent any proper long-term planning and investments in order to create a modern, satellite-based system.

The good news is there is hope. Congressional legislation was introduced last month that would reform how the ATC system is governed and funded. The legislation aims to create a new not-for-profit entity that would oversee the ATC operation and spearhead its modernization.

In essence, this entity would be free from partisan gridlock, government budget shutdowns, and bureaucratic red tape. Importantly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would continue to regulate Safety, as it does today, and Controllers will remain on the job and continue to manage day-to-day flight activities. This is huge!

The even better news is you can help us modernize our skies. You can learn more about the issues we are facing as an industry and the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act by visiting modernskies.org and lending your voice to the cause.    

The overwhelming majority of my peers in the industry stand with me in this all-important issue. While we compete vigorously for Customers, we all want the most efficient, safest, and reliable system to operate within. We can’t advance the state of our industry by standing still, and the time to take bold actions is now!