Former Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Oppose ATC Privatization

September 14, 2017 - As the threat of ATC privatization continues, six former team commanders of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels have declared their strong opposition to the proposed legislation.

“It will add billions to our nation’s budget deficit, negatively impact our national security, and needlessly complicate border protection,” said retired Navy Capt. Greg McWherter in a video produced by the International Council of Air Shows.

These concerns are in addition to the threat privatization poses to the general aviation community, which would have little voice in the privatized system proposed by the House of Representatives in H.R. 2997.

“This is a deeply flawed piece of legislation that is opposed by the vast majority of people who understand the negative implications of this naked power grab by the airlines and their allies,” said ICAS President John Cudahy. “These former military officers are speaking out because they are genuinely concerned that the legislation could permanently damage our country.”

The officers urged the general public to voice their opposition to their elected representatives at www.ATCnotforsale.com.

Along with the ICAS video, there were several more notable pieces opposing ATC privatization this week:

• EAA CEO/Chairman Jack J. Pelton appeared on the nationally syndicated Lars Larson Show
• Rep. Steve Russell (R-Oklahoma) penned an editorial for the Washington Times website titled “Our national airspace is national, not private”
• Real Clear Politics posted an editorial based on last week’s video from four former astronauts opposing ATC privatization