Originally Posted by
Big Pistons Forever
A fully functioning ATC system is critical infrastructure for any developed nation. Don't believe all the privatization cool-aid, losing control of ATC is never going to end well.
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Wait !
The simple fact US ATC as a service should be separated from the organization, responsible for its rule-setting, does not imply, the ATC needs to be privatized !
It's far better to have these public serving tasks under the direct government responsibility, than having a commercial organization run a monopoly on something that in base belongs to the state (or its people, depending on how far you want to trace down ownership). Government run public services might be financially less efficient from its nature, though they don't go on strike, don't capitalize on the monopoly position and can be hold accountable through political responsibility (and at least replace the head of the bureau). For consumers/customers, there are no options to "vote with your feet", when an ATC is abusing its monopoly position.