By Philip Newman
The Port Authority Tuesday has accused the Federal Aviation Administration of ignoring the PA when it reported recent close-call incidents at New York City airports and also kept airport officials “in the dark” on changes in airport flight rules.
Port Authority officials also appealed to the FAA to modernize air traffic control technology starting in the New York City area and complained that the FAA's new procedures had failed to relieve flight delays at LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark international airports.
The Port Authority charges were sent in a written communication to the FAA and was signed by PA Chairman Anthony Coscia and Executive Director Chris Ward
“Last week alone, there were several accounts of airspace incidents in the New York metropolitan area,” Port Authority officials told acting FAA administrator Robert Sturgell. “In response, the FAA ordered changes in sequencing of takeoffs and landings at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Port Authority was not notified by the FAA of the incidents nor was the agency notified by the FAA of the changes in its procedures.”
“In addition, recent data makes clear that despite the FAA's implementation of restrictive caps, set at levels lower than the airports handled 30 years ago, flight delays have not improved,” Port Authority officials said.
The Port Authority communication went on to say that the agency is calling on the FAA to bring new technologies to the N.Y. metropolitan area, considered to be the largest and busiest market in the world. The PA is also calling on the FAA to develop a notification system with local airport operators in the event significant incidents occur or if the FAA alters its procedures. “It is simply unacceptable for the FAA to keep the local airport operator in the dark when the safety of our passengers and the efficiency of our airports are at stake,” PA officials said.
“We remain opposed to the FAA's efforts to limit capacity by implementing an auction system for airlines to bid on slots,” the Port Authority added, suggesting it would bring a probable 12 percent increase in the cost of fares and loss of air service for as many as 25 smaller cities.
“You have an opportunity to reverse the misguided direction of the past and finally invest in the creation of a state-of-the-art air traffic control system,” PA officials said. “The incidents of the past week should instill in the FAA a new sense of urgency to act.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged the FAA to speed up plans to install new runway technology at New York area airports.
“Time and time again, the FAA has put the almighty dollar ahead of safety and it is air travelers in New York and across the country who have paid the price,” Schumer said. “The bottom line is that this technology has been available for years and New York airports, the busiest in the world, should not have to wait a few more years to get it.”
Reach contributing reporter Philip Newman by e-mail @ news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 136
