Key Lawmaker Introduces ATC Privatization Bill

Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), the former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has introduced a bill to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system. The bill, H.R.1835, would transfer the air traffic control services and functions to a newly established private corporation. ATC employees would have stock in the corporation, which would be established through the consultation with representatives from the controllers, airlines, passengers and pilots' groups. Except to reference the issuance of securities, the bill does not directly address the funding of the organization. But it does stipulate the corporation would not be “a department, agency or establishment of the U.S.”

“We’ve tried reform and reorganization, and we’ve created positions like the COO within the Air Traffic Organization, but unfortunately our ATC technology and working conditions for air traffic controllers continue to fall further behind the rest of the world,” Mica said. He added the U.S. is losing billions annually as NextGen falls behind schedule. The private corporation model, Mica said, “has worked successfully in countries around the world.”

Mica introduced the bill as FAA reauthorization talks have begun to focus on the structure of the air traffic organization. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told lawmakers this month that the Obama Administration could be open to discussing new models if it ensures a strong linkage between the regulation and operation of the system and establishes a stable funding flow.