Press Release · Powering America Podcast
US Air Traffic Control: An Outdated Model?
Published · Featuring Marc Scribner of Reason Foundation
Marc Scribner, Senior Transportation Policy Analyst at Reason Foundation, discusses the outdated U.S. air traffic control model and potential reforms in this po
Marc Scribner, Senior Transportation Policy Analyst at Reason Foundation, discusses the challenges facing the U.S. air traffic control system in the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast. Topics include the current regulatory environment, transportation policy, and the impact of technological innovation on air traffic management.
WASHINGTON — August 25, 2026 — In a recent episode of the Powering America Podcast, Marc Scribner from the Reason Foundation addressed the outdated U.S. air traffic control model. He highlighted deficiencies in the current system and compared it with international models, particularly Canada's approach to air traffic management.
Scribner explained that the U.S. air traffic control system, which was once a global model, is now struggling with inefficiencies and funding issues. He noted that the central purpose of air traffic control is to ensure safe separation between aircraft so they don't crash into one another. However, he emphasized that while the U.S. system is safe, it is falling behind in efficiency compared to other countries.
He pointed to Canada’s successful reforms in the 1990s, which involved separating air traffic control from safety regulation. "Nav Canada doesn't depend on annual appropriations from legislators. It charges cost-based user fees to the aircraft that use the system," Scribner said. This model has allowed Canada to maintain high safety standards while improving operational efficiency.
Scribner also remarked, "The current U.S. model that is breaking down, that was initially the global model." He urged for a reevaluation of the U.S. approach to air traffic control, citing that 96 countries have already adopted more efficient models.
Reason Foundation is a nonprofit think tank that promotes free markets and innovative solutions to public policy challenges. The organization focuses on transportation, infrastructure, and regulatory reform.
About the Powering America Podcast
The Powering America Podcast explores issues related to energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. The show features discussions with experts and thought leaders to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing America today.
About Reason Foundation
Reason Foundation is a nonprofit public-policy think tank founded in 1978, best known for promoting libertarian ideas such as free markets, individual liberty, and limited government.
About the Guest
Marc Scribner — Senior Transportation Policy Analyst
Marc Scribner is a senior transportation policy analyst at Reason Foundation. His research covers transportation, land use and urban growth, including infrastructure investment, transportation safety, regulation, privatization, public finance and emerging technologies such as automated vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems. He has testified before Congress on issues including highway funding, congestion management, public transit, freight rail, airport financing and air traffic control modernization. Before joining Reason Foundation in 2020, Scribner spent more than a decade at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and philosophy from George Washington University.
About the Powering America Podcast
The Powering America Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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