You’ve probably seen many emails and articles urging you to write and call your elected representatives about the national proposals to enact so-called “privatization” of our air traffic control (ATC) system and take it away from Congressional oversight and FAA supervision. As a nonprofit organization that relies on general aviation pilots to save the lives of rescue animals, we feel it’s imperative that we also weigh in on this situation as the current ATC proposal could threaten our ability to function in the future.

Along with the Air Care Alliance, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, National Business Aviation Association, and several other aviation groups, Pilots N Paws has determined that the ATC proposals are for the worse – by a long shot! 

You may have already decided you needed to do something about it and have written or called your representatives.  If so – thank you – and consider learning more by reading on and following the links so you have more information to share with others.  You must persevere for your voice to be heard.

And if you haven’t studied the matter and decided how you should act, as an individual or on behalf of your charitable aviation group, then please do so now, and when you decide your course of action – act quickly!  This issue will not go away easily and can pop back up at any time.

First – let’s be clear:  the proposals aren’t about privatization!

We’ll provide all the reasons why the myths and justifications provided to Congress and the American public are not true.

Privatization involves a process whereby certain products, programs, or services provided by government are contracted or assigned to industry to provide.  It works best when all affected parties are involved and competitive processes are employed.

Privatization is quite appropriate for many things.  But ATC as a whole is a natural monopoly, and by basic economic principles should NOT be turned over lock, stock, and barrel to private interests.

This argument is not about privatization.  It is about the fact that this proposal is not appropriate privatization and it is detrimental to the interests of the general aviation community and the nation.

It is the nature of natural monopolies such as the armed forces and many other major governmental activities that in general they should not be given over in whole to private interests, but should remain under appropriate government control and supervision.  Elements can and should be contracted out or privatized – and many are now – but such systems as a whole should remain under the control of Congress.  The ATC proposal removes that oversight.

Do we really want one user group – in this case the airlines – telling everyone else in aviation what to do and how much they will be charged?

So don’t be misled by the myth that this is useful privatization.  It is a shallow deception intended to appeal to those who in general agree that elements of governmental activity can be contracted out.

Regarding the other myths being bandied about, and to keep this short, here is an essential link to the myths and justifications and the reasons they are not true and why the ATC proposal will cost you, interfere with your work, and be detrimental to the entire general aviation community.  Use this information to form your own opinion and to be able to share the real truth with others and your group’s members, then continue to read on below to find out how you can take action now.  Be sure to read this document!

ATC “Privatization” Myths PDF:

When Should You Act?

This issue is hot right now. So-called ATC Privatization is claimed to be a “big, beautiful idea” promulgated by the Administration now and being pushed in Congress.  And even though there may be delays in getting it implemented, you can be sure the proponents will not let it go away easily.  It is liable to pop up again at any time.

Whether you are for or against it, based on the facts you have received and information from aviation organizations, you should take advantage of the information and the contact tools provided by AOPA, NBAA, EAA, GAMA, NATA, and the other organizations to refine your stance and contact your elected representatives.

How to Act

Visit any or all of the following organizations  and their pages to learn more and to be shown how to contact your representatives:

NBAA – National Business Aviation Association
 

Thank you!

We know you are all doing great things by flying animals in need from shelters to new homes. You are engaging in truly life saving work for not only the animals you rescue, but also the people you fly them to.  Thank you for taking the time to learn about this issue and to act as appropriate.