Control Tower Controversy brewing in the FAA

John Mazor wrote:
"Tom S." wrote in message
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"Tarver Engineering" wrote in message
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"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
thlink.net...

"Matthew S. Whiting" wrote in message
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Because most private companies that perform functions similar

to

governmental agencies are more efficient.

Sure, susccessful private companies are forced by competition to

be more

efficient or fail. But you can't have competition in ATC.

That's what the Bell System thought on Long Distance calling back in

the

70's and 80's regarding their industry.


If the phone company screws up, your call doesn't go through. If
Tony's ATC Service and Aluminum Siding Company gets the low bid and
then screws up, you die. If Big Jimbo's Fire Department and Auto
Repair screws up, you die. If Slick Sammy's Police and Pet Grooming
Station screws up, you die. There's a qualitative difference here,
which is why historically we have tended not to privatize these
functions, at least in the sense of auctioning it off to the lowest
bidder who wants to make a profit at it.

Within a few days, you'll be able to switch phone providers at will
and keep your old phone number. You can't do that with ATC, switching
contractors willy-nilly when one kills people or another comes along
with a better price.

Sorry, if the call is 911, somebody very well could die.


Matt