AOPA, coalition lay out ATC modernization policy priorities
Additional funding, oversight highlighted in letter
More than 50 aviation industry and labor organizations, including AOPA, are calling for additional funding, stronger oversight, and a detailed plan for modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system.
The Modern Skies Coalition, made up of more than 50 companies and organizations from across the aviation industry, including AOPA, sent the letter to leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on August 7.
- Require the Department of Transportation and the FAA to deliver plans detailing how the $12.5 billion allocated in July will be spent, the decommissioning of outdated systems, and performance targets and success metrics for the complete ATC overhaul.
- Establish strong congressional oversight and require monthly reports on schedule and budget, along with regular stakeholder engagement.
- Streamline the purchase of off-the-shelf technology to reduce delays and avoid costly custom development of new systems or extensive modifications to existing systems.
- Change how the FAA is funded to allow for multiyear budgeting and protection from government shutdowns “to meet the demands of this ambitious effort.”
In addition to the $12.5 billion “down payment” that was signed into law in July, the coalition points out Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said the modernization effort will require at least another $19 billion.
“The leadership of Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has been tremendous in helping move the modernization of our nation’s ATC system forward. It is appreciated by AOPA and the entire Modern Skies Coalition,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance. “With Congress, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, and the entire aviation industry stacking hands on this effort, we are in as good a spot as we’ve ever been to get this upgrade done and done right.”
The Modern Skies Coalition’s recommendations will now be reviewed and considered by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
