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United States Pilots Association |
USPA has received a number of letters complaining about issues discussed in the President's monthly column. While there have been far more complimentary kudos than harsh criticism received, I feel it is necessary to bring my position to all that read this. I have been elected to represent USPA and it's membership in the neverending battle against over regulation and under performance by our government entities. I choose to do this by telling it just like it is. When you read about an issue in this column, you may be sure someone has brought it to USPA to get the subject out to our members. Here is one such issue.
We were recently contacted by several pilots from the Albuquerque area, complaining about the fact that there was no preflight briefing service available from ABQ FSS at different times. The reason given was "lack of staffing.” This is unconscionable and a direct contradiction to what we were all told when the FAA let the contract to Lockheed-Martin. This is a classic example of promised savings to the FAA by "outsourcing.” Think user fees! Here are the unredacted/unedited comments we received.
"Actually we received complaints from several pilots. They stated that when calling the ABQ FSS and attempting to access the TIBS menu, they received a recording stating the service was not available due to lack of staffing. Yet another source we contacted advised that many change orders are being implemented that will greatly increase the cost of the Lockheed/Martin contract. Our source further stated that ultimately there may be no cost savings by using L/M over the old FSS system. "
What is happening here is the L/M contract is handling all of the former FSS briefings around the country. Albuquerque is trying to service AZ, NM, and West Texas. If you dial the 800 number you are just as likely to reach the former San Angelo FSS, Fort Worth FSS, or Albuquerque if you live in any of the three states mentioned.
I have no quarrel with Lockheed Martin. They will do whatever they have to in order to show a profit. The problem here is at the highest level in the FAA. Increased costs and reduction in services is not what we were told would happen as a result of the outsourcing of these services. You may be sure that whenever we receive reports of diminution of services from anywhere around the country, we will let you know.
Now, lets jump ahead to the Chicago, IL, situation involving O'Hare International Airport. Last month I reported that the FAA was letting a $15 billion contract to the City of Chicago to modernize and improve O'Hare. That money will go in the form of a $300 million down payment to the City administration to be doled out by them to contractors, etc. chosen by them. Reading the news reports of the rampant and ongoing corruption in the Daley administration, and considering the fact that this same mayor plowed up a reliever airport in the middle of the night, would you want to reward him with this contract? This is your FAA at work.
I suggest we all write to our elected officials in the federal government and protest this pork barrel give away.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association