Shutdown Shows Need to Revamp Air Traffic Control: Thomas Black

The government shutdown is already beginning to impact air travel. Alarm bells are ringing about the air traffic controllers who are not being paid yet are expected to continue working. While members of Congress bicker, the snarls at airports and potential safety issues are coming like a downhill train that’s lost its brakes.

This shutdown raises questions — again — about whether the Air Traffic Organization should be run by the Federal Aviation Administration, which makes the system work but always seems to be on the edge of disaster with antiquated technology and overworked controllers. The shoddy management can be blamed in part ...