Helicopter Association International (HAI) commends Senate Commerce Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) for holding a hearing to examine the US air traffic control (ATC) system.

“As the FAA continues to modernize the ATC system, it is imperative that all users of the National Air Space (NAS) have a voice through the regulatory process of the FAA, as well as congressional oversight,” says Matthew Zuccaro, president, and CEO of HAI. “The current structure of the ATC system has been demonstrated to provide an appropriate level of safety for all users, including the helicopter industry, in an airspace system that is the busiest, most complex, and safest in the world.

“Throughout my career, I have not experienced a more exciting watershed moment than now, as we employ new technology and integrate new aircraft into the NAS,” Zuccaro added. “Despite the challenges posed by this transformative change, our airspace remains safer than ever. On average more than 44,000 aircraft are efficiently guided to a safe landing each day. This remarkable level of safety is accomplished in part through the US ATC system.”

Zuccaro provided written testimony for the hearing, noting three essential topics relating to modernization of the US ATC system:
Providing equal access to ATC services is a critical component to the safety and success of our NAS
All users pay for ATC services through an aviation fuel tax
Continued, uninterrupted federal investment in the FAA’s NextGen Program is designed to provide important safety advances and efficiencies to the ATC system that will benefit all segments of the aviation community

“HAI thanks the committee for holding this important hearing,” finished Zuccaro. “On behalf of the helicopter industry, we are committed to working with Congress and the administration in crafting common-sense policies aimed at implementing NextGen technology in an efficient, cost-effective manner.”