1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

area where the FAA has failed in its scope, is the enormous number of delays at the country's airports - delays that are directly tied to safety. According to Aviation Consultant Michael Boyd of The Boyd Group, International, based in Colorado, the number of delays at airports is not that there are more airplanes in the skies, "it is that the air space is poorly managed with an outdated, overburdened, mismanaged, and understaffed air traffic control system." He says the FAA's air traffic control system has not been updated to meet the nation's needs, thereby constricting capacity.

The consultant claims that virtually every planned upgrade to the ATC system, neatly packaged as 'NextGen' is behind schedule, over cost estimates, and mismanaged." "Worse, the FAA is not above simply 're-benchmarking' an overdue program, setting a new date for completion, and telling the world the project is 'on time.'" Boyd calls that type of mismanagement simply dishonest.

He goes so far as to say that the air traffic control system is a national embarrassment.

Boyd says that millions of dollars have been squandered by past FAA administrators and past DOT secretaries, adding that Ray LaHood, the latest appointee under President Obama, is following along the same path.

"If leaders in aviation don't begin demanding better from elected and appointed officials, we can expect only to see the U.S. air transportation system continue decline in quality, quantity, and safety," Boyd said.

He concluded by saying the only way this can change is by installing professional, accountable management at the top of the FAA.

Learn more about this author, Carol Henrichs.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about An overview of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States?
We want to hear your view. Write now!