On Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:08:50 -0600, "Jim Macklin"
wrote in
ImITf.118378$QW2.2559@dukeread08::


... That said, these systems are designed for airlines at
the major terminals and then forced on everybody.

Well, if Boeing and LockMart play it right, they'll be awarded the FAA
ATC contract, establish departure, en route and approach fees, and
then automate the entire operation with synthetic speech and airliner
data links without revising the fee schedule. They'll make a fortune,
unless there is a surge in mishaps or liability suits.

If computers and remote sensing work properly, all flights
outside of Class B could be self-monitored and cleared.

There's little doubt, that's the plan.

But that doesn't support the staff now working.

That's not an issue. ATC staffing will be subcontracted to India or
Dubai. It's the 21st century after all. :-)