Hearing Report: Lawmakers Examine Air Traffic Control Modernization Needs
Lawmakers Examine Air Traffic Control Modernization Needs
December 13, 2024
Lawmakers, aviation stakeholders, and other witnesses yesterday discussed the need to update our “antiquated” air traffic control system during a hearing before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation.
Subcommittee Chair Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) pointed out that “safety of the flying public depends on well-equipped air traffic control systems.” But she highlighted an FAA report that indicated 51 of our nation's 138 air traffic control systems are unsustainable – or more than one-third.
Commerce Committee Raking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) was particularly critical of the FAA, and he highlighted the NOTAM outage that occurred in January 2023 to help make his case. Cruz, who will chair the full committee next year, called the incident a “a massive failure” that led to 10,000 flights being cancelled and days of flight delays.
Cruz also criticized the FAA’s NextGen efforts, which he said, “failed to deliver on promised benefits.” Cruz questioned whether we have the “right model for air traffic control” and appeared to lay down a maker for ATC privatization -- a highly controversial topic that temporarily derailed the previous FAA reauthorization bill that Congress ultimately passed in 2018.
“Broader conversations about how we modernize our air traffic system are desperately needed,” Cruz said. “The American people deserve an operation that uses its funding wisely, is innovative, while ensuring safety and is also world leading in reliability. As Chairman next year, I intend to focus heavily on the status of the airspace and what changes may be necessary to enhance its efficiency and reliability.”
Congress passed a five-year FAA reauthorization bill in May. So, there is no immediate legislative vehicle for anyone interested in pursuing the thorny topic of ATC privatization. However, the hearing yesterday is another indication that Senator Cruz is expected to focus on this topic next year.
We will use any opportunity that becomes available to push for new and innovative ways to help airports fund and finance critical infrastructure and to reduce the regulatory burden on airports.
Whitaker to Step Down
During the Senate Commerce Committee hearing yesterday, Senators Duckworth and Cruz and others praised FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker. Earlier in the morning, Whitaker announced his intention to resign on Inauguration Day, which is January 20, 2025. More information on his announcement may be viewed here.
December 13, 2024
Lawmakers, aviation stakeholders, and other witnesses yesterday discussed the need to update our “antiquated” air traffic control system during a hearing before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation.
Subcommittee Chair Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) pointed out that “safety of the flying public depends on well-equipped air traffic control systems.” But she highlighted an FAA report that indicated 51 of our nation's 138 air traffic control systems are unsustainable – or more than one-third.
Commerce Committee Raking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) was particularly critical of the FAA, and he highlighted the NOTAM outage that occurred in January 2023 to help make his case. Cruz, who will chair the full committee next year, called the incident a “a massive failure” that led to 10,000 flights being cancelled and days of flight delays.
Cruz also criticized the FAA’s NextGen efforts, which he said, “failed to deliver on promised benefits.” Cruz questioned whether we have the “right model for air traffic control” and appeared to lay down a maker for ATC privatization -- a highly controversial topic that temporarily derailed the previous FAA reauthorization bill that Congress ultimately passed in 2018.
“Broader conversations about how we modernize our air traffic system are desperately needed,” Cruz said. “The American people deserve an operation that uses its funding wisely, is innovative, while ensuring safety and is also world leading in reliability. As Chairman next year, I intend to focus heavily on the status of the airspace and what changes may be necessary to enhance its efficiency and reliability.”
Congress passed a five-year FAA reauthorization bill in May. So, there is no immediate legislative vehicle for anyone interested in pursuing the thorny topic of ATC privatization. However, the hearing yesterday is another indication that Senator Cruz is expected to focus on this topic next year.
We will use any opportunity that becomes available to push for new and innovative ways to help airports fund and finance critical infrastructure and to reduce the regulatory burden on airports.
Whitaker to Step Down
During the Senate Commerce Committee hearing yesterday, Senators Duckworth and Cruz and others praised FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker. Earlier in the morning, Whitaker announced his intention to resign on Inauguration Day, which is January 20, 2025. More information on his announcement may be viewed here.
