Flight Service Sigmet

Some time next week, or the week after, the Senate will consider the Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill (TTHUD) on the floor. Amendments will be offered, hopefully one that will delay the Lockheed Martin AFSS contract for a year. This will allow Congress to get a first look at the plan before it actually goes into effect. Remember, no one has seen this contract aside from a select few in Lockheed Martin and the FAA, both of whom have a large vested interest in this contract.

However, there’s little chance that the bill will be voted on, sent to conference committee, re-voted, and signed by the President before the October 4th change-over just 10 days away. By that time, it will be a moot issue; the FAA will have beaten Flight Services (caveat: the judge who heard the controller’s request for an injunction to halt the transition based on an age discrimination complaint has yet to rule. See our post ‘Injunction Function’ dated 9/8).

Despite the steep odds, action is still possible. We know that there are pilots out there who are as uncomfortable with the Lockheed contract as the controllers are, and we ask for their help. The amendment mentioned above is authored by Senator Tim Johnson (R-SD) and is identical to a successful amendment passed earlier this year in the house (see our post of July 20th, ‘A Surprise in the House’). Fax, e-mail or call your Senator and ask him to contact Mr. Johnson’s office and offer support for the amendment. Jamie Uken is his aide who is working this issue. If you can, include a personal story of how Flight Service has enhanced the safety of your flying experience.

You can find contact information for the Senators from your state here.