Originally Posted by
cestmoi123
Don't be silly, and don't put words in my mouth. There have been a total of 14 deaths from mid-air collisions in the US in the last thirty years, none on board a commercial airplane. Unless you can show that we've just been colossally lucky, then the argument that we need to improve ATC for safety reasons doesn't hold water. That doesn't mean we shouldn't improve ATC, but for reasons of efficiency and allowing for increased air traffic, not because there's any evidence the current system is unsafe.
Aircraft near misses are a growing problem and some would say a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Most, but not all, are in proximity of airports. Not putting words in anyone's mouth but do you wait until a system fails before addressing upgrades? ATC is using very antiquated equipment. Airplanes are now able to fly point to point but ATC isn't fully capable of integrating modern navigation techniques into their current systems. There is a safety quotient, a cost savings quotient, and just a better way of doing things. Taxpayers are funding TSA with $8 Billion each year and for what? The Security fee charged to travelers doesn't go to security matters, it goes to the general fund to be sucked away by congress for who knows what. Lets spend some of that in places that benefits transportation.
Like I said up thread, do some independent reading and honestly take a look at where ATC is and what issues they face. It's not pretty!