On Wednesday, a coalition representing commercial and general aviation interests urged Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take immediate action to strengthen air traffic control (ATC) staffing and technology.
Wait a minute! What? Now that the ranks have been “cleansed “ and the “deep state” has been dismantled we’re demanding that an inept agency, the FAA, fix it?
It seems to me we have a pretty darn good, modern system now. GPS navigation, almost real time satellite weather capability, and ADS-B systems. But all the tech in the world doesn’t do much good if it is TURNED OFF.
It also needs to be integrated. Computers can easily figure projected flight paths (despite some saying it was difficult; it’s not) and give advisories. ADS-B In will become mandated, I hope. Then we can get advisories instantly, and digitally.
To be safe, pilots must look out: to "See & Avoid " !!!
We can’t blame anyone when we fail to " See & Avoid " !!!
Technology is helpful but limited to how modernization is used by the PIC.
In the meantime…Scan, scan, scan for traffic. 
Well, let’s see how this goes. The House budget resolution calls for transportation funding to be cut $10 billion. It seems to me like magical thinking to suppose only the things we care about will be spared to pay for the $4 trillion dollar tax cut for corporations and the wealthiest among us. Let’s hope the aviation coalition prevails against this headwind.
All in the name of efficiency! Can privatization be far behind ?
So, where are all the comments from the people who are against DEIA? Because this shortage demonstrates what the real goal of such initiatives is: generate more interest and more applications, by broadening participation and encouraging a more welcoming workplace.
If the traditional candidates for the job would have generated enough applicants over the last 20+ years, we would not have a shortage now. And that’s why even about 7 years ago (two administrations ago), an initiative especially for ATC was created, with this goal of generating more applications for the jobs.
But without “DEIA” now, how can a woman or minority feel like applying? As the many comments on the DCA crash or the Toronto crash show, they would get blamed.
And thus, here is the ultimate outcome: without more applications and since we still need the same number of positions filled, eventually lower-qualified people from the group that still applies will be taken. Lowering the actual overall average quality.
That is the game plan.
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