Transportation security

Privatizing air traffic control jeopardizes national security

There has been a lot of discussion lately about the push by some members of Congress to privatize the Air Traffic Control function in the Federal Aviation Administration. This concept on its face may seem innocuous enough and appears to support the mantra of many Americans that a smaller government is a better government. In this case, however, it presents a hidden and to this point unaddressed danger to the national security of the United States.

As our military has become smaller and less capable of projecting power globally, the need to defend our homeland has become more critical than ever before. Now, as an instrument pilot who frequently flies my company aircraft for business, I understand the need for robust infrastructure and much-needed budget stability required to keep our nation safe. One of those essential investments in that defense lies in our National Airspace System.

Most Americans remember where they were on that bright, sunny morning of September 11, 2001. Hijacked aircraft were used as weapons of mass destruction by members affiliated with al Qaeda. What most Americans did not appreciate was how quickly and effectively the National Airspace System was shut down to all aircraft flights.