I wonder how many 'close-calls' they have had in the US system?
After all, this has to be the first salvo in yet another NAS onslaught right?
With AUSFIC being dismantled, one wonders if 'aviation campaigners' (as the Courier Mail awards Mr Smith) would be better off addressing what if any service is going to be left for GA?
It is all very well to say that the radar should be used more , but who is left to do it? Those radar controllers will soon have a FIS function to cover as AUSFIC finishes. The US system still has FSS remember.
So once again, this is no US System.
Add to that the plans for further culling of ATC, and the lack of suitable applicants whilst the experienced people look to 'cut and run' overseas..... an interesting recipe.
If you want to bet who is going to lose out on service, just look at where Airservices gets 95% of it's income - it's not difficult.