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No Letup in Anti-Privatization Battle, Despite Summer Recess

The red signs and banners calling for the modernization, not privatization, of ATC were displayed prominently at EAA AirVenture 2017. Jon Whittle
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Advocacy groups are actively mobilizing for and against H.R. 2997, a bill proposing the privatization of the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, with efforts continuing through the Congressional recess.
  • A broad coalition of over 130 aviation organizations, including business aviation groups and figures like Sully Sullenberger, staunchly oppose the bill, calling it a "corporate takeover."
  • The debate remains highly contentious with little compromise, marked by intense lobbying, pro-privatization groups running ads with disputed claims, and anti-privatization groups actively mobilizing public and congressional outreach.
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The mobilization efforts by advocacy groups fighting to defeat H.R. 2997 (the ATC bill promoted by Rep. Bill Shuster R-PA) and the effort to privatize the ATC system show no signs of letting up, despite the August Congressional recess. While progress to pass H.R. 2997 appears to have slowed somewhat, or at least the publicity surrounding those efforts, anti-privatization proponents are not waiting until Congress reconvenes in September to decide their next moves (https://www.flyingmag.com/atc-privatization).

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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