Blaming the escalating risks of air travel on “recurring gridlock” and politically motivated government shutdowns, an independent panel has conducted a review of the internal structure of the Air Traffic Organization. The panel’s recommendations aim to enhance the safety approach of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) following investigations revealing an uptick in serious runway incursions earlier this year.
In its report, the National Airspace System Safety Review Team identified various issues, including process integrity, staffing, facilities, equipment, and technology, all traced back to “inadequate or inconsistent funding.” The report squarely points the finger at Congress, citing government shutdowns and funding instability as factors that hinder the FAA’s ability to fulfill its mission, consequently contributing to heightened safety risks.
The report highlights the impact of “recurring gridlock” in recent Congresses, undermining the FAA’s effectiveness. It outlines how government shutdowns disrupt critical activities, such as the hiring and training of air traffic controllers, slowing down key technology modernization programs, causing flight delays, and impeding airport infrastructure investments.
While acknowledging recent increases in the agency’s funding, the report notes that a significant portion has been directed towards airport improvements rather than flight safety. Although aviation safety remains intact, the panel emphasizes a decline in efficiency, leading to increased risks and an “unsustainable” system in the long term.
To address these challenges, the panel recommends that Congress eliminate budget caps for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), update funding sources for AATF to accommodate necessary changes, and exempt the FAA from the operational impacts of federal government shutdowns. The experts argue that these measures are crucial to achieving required funding levels and preventing disruptions to FAA operations.
