As aviators gather in Oshkosh for one of the industry’s most iconic events, another important moment will take place miles away, in Washington, D.C.
Specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration will begin reviewing offers for long-sought modernization of the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) system on an accelerated timeline.
More than just another date on the calendar, this milestone represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the nation’s vital aviation infrastructure.
The need for a redoubled focus on ATC transformation is clear. A series of tragic accidents and troubling incidents this year have prompted a call to action to upgrade outdated technologies, address controller workforce shortages, repair or build facilities, and provide the safe, redundant and resilient ATC system the American public deserves.
The unity and sense of shared purpose around this national priority are unprecedented. The aviation industry has not been this unified on the need for ATC modernization since 1970, when Congress created the Airport & Airways Trust Fund to manage investments in air transportation.
More than 50 aviation organizations have banded together in a coalition called Modern Skies in pursuit of our mission to modernize. Congress, government agency leaders and American citizens agree that the time is now to move forward.
A landmark bill just passed into law provides the roadmap for accomplishing this mission. The legislation provides a $12.5 billion down payment toward expanded staffing and training, facility and equipment investments.
The U.S. aviation community, including the National Business Aviation Association, is convinced that this welcome leadership from Washington could not have come at a better time. Air travel is surging. New types of entrants are being certified for flight. New technologies are changing the way the system operates on the ground and in the air.
America has the safest, largest, most diverse and most efficient aviation system in the world. Yet, our system is under stress, so we cannot rest on our laurels.
We can seize this unique moment in time — one that calls us to honor the legacy of those we’ve lost, celebrate our aviation heritage, and meet the challenges with American innovation, ingenuity and decisive action.
In America, the biggest accomplishments are achieved when we are all together, all in, on shared priorities. ATC modernization is a national imperative — let’s get to work.
Ed Bolen is president and chief executive officer of the National Business Aviation Association.