The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides important investment in aviation safety and modernization. As a pilot with diverse aviation experience, I support the law’s $12.5 billion investment in air traffic control (ATC).
However, I’m concerned about discussions around privatizing ATC. Having witnessed the importance of consistent federal oversight, I believe privatization could undermine safety standards and public accountability, which make our aviation system work. Privatizing ATC could shift resources toward major metropolitan hubs while degrading service for smaller airports serving rural communities.
We should focus on implementing the improvements President Donald Trump signed into law: better staffing, modernized infrastructure, enhanced safety systems. This investment provides resources to strengthen our aviation system while maintaining the federal oversight that ensures safety and equitable access.