Mark Baker, CEO of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), recently disagreed with President Donald Trump’s comments that the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system is outdated and broken.
Trump proposed modernizing the system by separating ATC from the Federal Aviation Administration and creating a non-profit entity funded by user fees.
“While AOPA is open to proposals aimed at making the air traffic control system more efficient and delivering technology in a timely and cost-effective manner, we have consistently said we will not support policies that impose user fees on general aviation,” Baker said. “As the air traffic debate continues, we are also concerned about the impact of these proposed reforms on general aviation based on what we have seen in other countries.”
The ATC system is safe and AOPA’s approximately 350,000 members have not complained, Baker said. AOPA is committed to working with the General Aviation Caucus to ensure its members’ needs are addressed.
The AOPA, along with 15 other aviation groups including the National Air Transportation Association and the Recreational Aviation Foundation, sent a letter to Trump explaining their views on ATC.
The nation’s ATC is the envy of the world, the letter said, moving aircraft safely and efficiently. The groups additionally asked Trump to allow time for proposals to be reviewed.