Van Nuys Conference Addresses Air Traffic Privatization

Privatization of the nation’s air traffic control system was a main topic of discussion among representatives of aviation trade organizations at a conference Monday in Van Nuys. The panel was a part of the American Association of Airport Executives’ General Aviation Issues and Security Conference at the Airtel Plaza Hotel adjacent to the airport. The House of Representatives has passed a bill to privatize the air traffic control system, but a Senate committee has rejected it. The system is currently operated by the Federal Aviation Administration. The AAAE board has not yet taken a position on the issue, said Melissa Sabatine, senior vice president of international and regulatory affairs with the association. But the organization is looking for several things from any bill that is passed, including adequate airport representation on the governing board that will oversee the implementation. “We currently have one seat on the board,” Sabatine said. “We are not quite sure how it will work or if that is enough.” The representatives of the other four groups were more straightforward in their opposition to privatizing air traffic control. “I don’t believe anybody in this room shares the belief this will be a benefit,” said Richard Doubrava, vice president of government affairs with the National Business Aviation Association. James Coon, senior vice president of government affairs with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, predicted that with a heavy commercial airline presence on the proposed governing board, those interests would end up controlling the air traffic control system. “You will see smaller airports put on the backburner,” Coon said. “That will be bad for general aviation.” Bill Deere, senior vice president of government and external affairs with the National Air Transportation Association, stressed the importance of general aviation aircraft and business owners contacting their legislators to urge them to vote against a bill. “You are the folks they want to hear from,” Deere said. “They (members of Congress) want to hear about the potential impacts in their district.”