BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Some North Dakota pilots are speaking out against a U.S. House bill that would privatize air traffic control.
Aviators fear that turning air traffic control operations over to a private company could mean major airlines would dominate the air travel industry and the smaller airports would become less of a priority.
Jon Simmers of the North Dakota Aviation tells KXMB-TV (http://bit.ly/2tvPLa8 ) the 89 airports in the state are vital to rural lifestyle. Pilot Marc Taylor says the move would turn a public interest entity into a monopoly.
The concept of splitting off air traffic control from the Federal Aviation Administration faces longer odds in the Senate. But supporters are counting on backing from President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan to move the legislation forward and keep prospects for privatization alive.