fweeeep:
Good points but there is a clear lesson to be learnt from the privatisation of the railways. In the first instance the railways were sold off at a time when major investment was needed. Had they sold it already refurbished I suspect that the present situation would be different.
I am sometimes shocked when I go to to ATC and see the equipment they have to work with. It is a testament to your professionalism that you manage so many movements with green screens set in chipboard and a spaggetti junction of cables sticking out of panels whose fastenings have long given up the fight to remain functional.
Had it not been for the government's lick-arse attitude towards the Americans, Swanwick would have been up and running long ago and the bill for the extra expense due to delays footted by Lockheed and co. Instead, they waived any penalty clause just to keep the Americans sweet. All of this is WRONG! What's more it's another example of Herr Prescott insisting on getting his way despite the protestations of those who know better.
The CAA will only be able to do what they do now, i.e. issue mandates on duty limitations, licences and opertaing proceedures and practices. They have very little say as far as investment goes in equipment.