More Regional Groups Express Opposition to Privatized ATC

Feb. 22, 2016

Responding to NBAA’s Feb. 8 Call to Action, an increasing number of regional aviation groups are publicly expressing their opposition to pending legislation that would transfer control of the ATC system to a private entity outside of congressional oversight.

“The public airspace belongs to the public, and should be run for the public’s interest. Putting our nation’s ATC system beyond the reach of elected officials has the potential to not only harm general aviation, but also stifle innovation and new competition, and hurt consumers,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen in his Call to Action, which came on the heels of the introduction of House ATC-privatization legislation, H.R. 4441. Read Bolen’s full Call to Action.

In one letter that was indicative of several sent to congressional lawmakers, Georgia’s Business Aviation Association and Airports Association said that on behalf of the groups’ collective memberships, “We are sending this letter to request that you oppose any attempt by Congress to privatize our nation’s air traffic control system and fund it with user fees levied against any segment of general aviation.”

In Florida too, multiple aviation groups sent a joint letter. “We are reaching out to you on behalf of over 400 of your constituents, who are members of the South Florida Business Aviation Association, Florida Aviation Business Association and the Tampa Bay Aviation Association, which includes entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes in Florida that rely upon the flexibility and access provided through business aviation.”

In their email alerts, the groups often linked to NBAA podcasts and web pages on the subject of FAA reauthorization. Groups also suggested their members use NBAA’s online Contact Congress tool to send personalized emails and tweets to their federal representatives. View NBAA’s Contact Congress tool.

Read about more regional groups who have contacted Congress in opposition to H.R. 4441.