AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL Why an Air Traffic Control Corporation Makes Sense

Why an Air Traffic Control Corporation Makes Sense

First, I will define what air traffic control does, and after that, I will argue on whether ATC should be privatized or remain under the control of government. The function of ATC is to provide service to control air traffic. It is responsible for separating the aircraft to avoid accidents, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other support for pilots when able (Robert, 2011). In most countries, air traffic controlling function is performed by the government department that means ATC work under governments' domain. However, increasing air traffic and complexities in maintaining ATC department have led many nations to privatize ATC. The aim of this essay is to argue whether privatizing ATC would be a rational decision or it would increase security risk of the nation.

The first air traffic rules were very basic and were strictly used at airfields for arriving and departing aircraft. They included a flagman standing on the field waving signals. With advancements in radio communication airports and aircraft were equipped with radios by 1935. In the United States, around 20 air traffic control towers were in operation. The Federal Government took responsibility for enroute aircraft in 1936 while local government operated Air Traffic Control Towers. After the appropriation of funds from Congress, the Civil Aeronautics Administration began to construct and operate Air Traffic Control Towers. By 1944 ATC Towers at most airports became the sole responsibility of the Federal Government. Since the development of ATC tower, this fuction remained in the government domain as the function is crucial for the security of the nation but with the passage of time many nations has felt that this domain can be privatized for better efficiency.

However, ...