Washington, D.C. – Today, 14 leading Texas aviation groups joined with many others nationwide to oppose H.R. 2997, a bill that would privatize our air traffic control system, putting it in the hands of a private board dominated by commercial airline and private interests.
The Addison Business Aviation Association, Commemorative Air Force, Friends of Meacham International Airport Association, Greater Houston Business Aviation Alliance, Greater Waco Aviation Alliance, Houston Regional Aviation Professionals, International 180/185 Club, Love Field Pilots Association, North Texas Business Aviation Association, Partnership for Corporate Aviation Training, San Antonio Area Business Aviation Alliance, Texans for General Aviation, Texas Corporate Aviation Schedulers/Dispatchers Group, and Waco Chamber of Commerce represent a majority of the Lone Star State’s aviation community.
The letter states as follows:
“Recently, the three entities specifically created to provide Congress with non-partisan research and analysis have reviewed the air traffic control (ATC) ‘privatization’ proposal being pushed by the big airlines. The Congressional Research Service said H.R. 2997 was ‘likely unconstitutional.’ The Congressional Budget Office said the bill would raise the deficit by $100 billion. Finally, the Government Accountability Office said privatization would interfere with ATC programs that have delivered $2.7 billion in benefits to all users of the system and are on budget.
In addition, over 100 business leaders from 50 states, most of whom are pilots, have expressed their opposition to the ATC privatization proposal from the big airlines. These are successful business leaders who understand a profit and loss statement, as well as flight plans, and are responsible for a significant number of jobs and investment.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
http://www.gilmermirror.com/view/full_story/27488503/article-14-Texas-Aviation-Organizations-Speak-Out-Against-Air-Traffic-Control-Privatization?instance=home_news_bullets