"The core idea -- automation capabilities that are so robust that they would increase productivity levels so you could reduce controllers -- isn't something that is done at the flick of a switch at midnight," the NBAA's Steve Brown, senior vice president of operations, told B&CA in answer to why it takes so long to change FAA ATC infrastructure. From 1998 to 2004, Brown oversaw the entire ATC system prior to his retirement from the FAA.

B&CA: What is NATCA's position on the Next Generation Air Transportation System? Do you think it's a sound concept, and if not, why not? Church: We are not involved in either the JPDO or NGATS. The FAA has eliminated collaboration of any kind with controllers. They sent all of our technical experts home to their control facilities, including the one who was our JPDO liaison. This is the FAA's choice for us not to be involved in the JPDO. B&CA: What is your position on automation in general?

The concept of "security on the road" took on new meaning Oct. 9, 2005, when an unlocked Cessna Citation VII was heisted from a general aviation airport ramp and flown in radio silence at night through a major air traffic area to a landing two states away. There, five passengers allegedly boarded, and the aircraft was taken on a second nocturnal joyride before being returned to the airport and abandoned.