NAATS Press Release:

The FAA, under the direction of Administrator Marion Blakey, has chosen to eliminate many air traffic control services that are currently being provided on a daily basis by Air Traffic Control Specialists working in Automated Flight Service Stations across the nation.

Under guidance from President Bush�s Management Agenda of 2001, which encourages a reduction in the government workforce, the FAA has chosen to eliminate some services and contract out the remaining flight services. While other government agencies are studying the adverse consequences of their outsourced contract services the FAA continues to push forward their agenda of eliminating services it provides to the general aviation community. Under private sector contracts the aviation community in Canada is now subjected to a fee based service. An overwhelming number of pilots have complained of serious deficiencies in the service provided. This is a scenario that may soon come to the United States unless the FAA stops the proposal for outsourcing Flight Service Stations.

The FAA proposes to discontinue such services as emergency coordination, international/trans-border operations, and the distribution of law enforcement and stolen aircraft alert messages. These are just a few of the services to be discontinued. A list of realigned services has also been designated by the agency. Under the realignment process a general aviation pilot will have to contact several different sources to receive requested information that currently may be obtained through Flight Service Stations by calling a single toll free number. The FAA has compiled a list of these realigned services without providing an alternative system as to where or how these services will be available.

The FAA has stipulated that a contract will be awarded to the best �cost value� bid. However, there seems to be a discrepancy between the FAA and the general aviation community as to what is deemed a value. A degradation of service is inevitable under the current administration and their lack of interest in the flight service system. The FAA reduced funding which halted further distribution of modern technologies after completing installation at only 15 of the 58 stations. This has been devastating to the air traffic system and the aviation community which is in dire need of this modernized equipment. The FAA has publicly claimed that flight service technology is outdated and therefore should be outsourced to the private sector. With this lack of support and sidestep thinking where should the outsourcing really begin?

The National Association of Air Traffic Specialists opposes this derogation of service and is conducting several congressional meetings to educate legislator. We ask for your help. A complete list of services affected and the current status of the outsourcing process can be located through links at www.naats.org or contact :

Walter Pike, President

National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS)

11303 Amherst Avenue, Suite 4

Wheaton, MD 20902-3902
Phone (301) 933-6228
Fax (301) 933-3902