Dean Betz #🟦Jan 12, 2023

Memo to @nationalreview:

1. The NOTAM system is separate from air traffic control.
2. The NOTAM system is *already* privatized. It's run by Leidos.
3. A significant portion of air traffic control is not run by the FAA. I talk to non-FAA flight controllers from the airplane every week.

Suggestion: Learn about a topic before shitposting about it.

https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/01/the-u-s-should-privatize-air-traffic-control/

The U.S. Should Privatize Air-Traffic Control

Failures like today’s system meltdown argue for removing government from the aspects of air travel that could be better handled by the private sector.

National Review
Show threadfuzzfaceJan 12, 2023
@Deanbetz @nationalreview @dave I think there is a bit of an Apples and Oranges problem here. NOTAMs is a separate system but it is run by the FAA using equipment provided by contractors. EDS was the lead contractor on NOTAMs. Flight Service (leidos) and DUATS (CSC) provide valuable flight briefing information, including NOTAMs, to General Aviation. They are privately run services under contract to the FAA, but they aren’t directing air traffic. 🧵
Show threadfuzzfaceJan 12, 2023
@Deanbetz @nationalreview @dave Almost all controllers directing air traffic are Federal Employees in Federal owned and operated facilities. The primary exception are Federal Contract Towers, which are staffed by contractors. 🧵
Show threadfuzzface
@Deanbetz @nationalreview @dave As for privatization, several countries have had success with this. However, those countries while physically large do not have huge ATC needs. An example would be Canada, Navcanada is a fine organization and Canada has a lot of land mass, but their air traffic load is a lot less than the US. My point being is we can privatize, but “smaller” countries have demonstrated this is a complex transition. 🧵
Jan 12, 2023 at 5:43pmWeb
Show threadfuzzfaceJan 12, 2023
@Deanbetz @nationalreview @dave So, does it make sense? I honestly don’t know. But we have to assume that privatization of the NAS would be a very long and complex process. Finally, a disclaimer… I was a contractor for the FAA for about a decade (NAS Information Security). Things change, and this isn’t an official statement. Great discussion! Thanks!