Air-21 is just a beginning
Funding only part of the equation
By Paul Bowers, Publisher
May 2000
All the years in the private sector have clouded my vision of what is truly important. Initial reports of the AIR-21 bill praised its bipartisan makeup, as well as its overall goal to fund the growth that airports and the rest of the industry (and the nation) desperately deserve.
During the months and months of agonizing negotiations that led to the passage of AIR-21, we heard of the need to invest in airport facilities, security, runways, ATC, access, etc. I don't recall hearing battle cries to "Win one for NATCA" or "Fund FAA operations first!"
Fortunately, AIR-21 dictates that AIP and other essential services will be fully funded before any spending on FAA operations will occur. This didn't come about by happenstance.
Should we really think that a general fund contribution would be made available for AIP funding? Of course not. FAA and Congress appropriation committees are already discussing substantial changes to AIR-21. We will only be able to make the gains necessary in AIR-21 if we hold Congress and FAA's feet to the fire.
I lack sympathy for those who say that FAA's operations budget is left out in the cold. Who gave away the house with the NATCA contract? Congress? Think again. Spending money for FAA employees to run Level 1 towers is a waste. The record of contract tower operators at Level 1 towers is exemplary and serves as evidence that the program should be expanded.
A recent DOT Inspector General's report says expanding the contract tower program to remaining Level 1 towers could result in savings of some $881,000 per tower. That money could come in handy for some non-PFC entitled GA airport.
Perhaps Congress should legislate, authorize, and appropriate; FAA should enforce and inspect. I've seen what AmTrak, the Post Office, and even my local county golf course can do when compared to the private sector. Due to inherent limitations, government cannot do what the private sector is capable of doing. I want more bang for my buck.
