Readers React: To fix air traffic problems at LAX, first fix LAX

To the editor: Certainly one solution to the problem of overworked controllers at airports such as Los Angeles International is more air traffic controllers. But another solution is more manageable air traffic. (“LAX’s air traffic controllers are exhausted; overtime’s up 2,000% in last decade,” Nov. 4)

The latter goal will remain a pipe dream as long as vocal NIMBY groups — whose members seem to regret their decision to reside near airports — continue to oppose the northern runway modernization at LAX, causing years of delay to a project that will ease congestion and reduce the potential of dangerous runway incursions; oppose re-purposing the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro near Irvine as a regional airport, favoring instead a so-called Grand Park, having little to show for it other than a balloon ride after years of study at a questionable cost of millions of dollars; and continue in fruitless attempts to cripple and ultimately close the reliever airport in Santa Monica.

If you want a safer and more manageable highway in the sky, you need more on-ramps, not fewer.

David Hill, West Hollywood

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To the editor: Wasn’t there once a strong union that protected controllers from overwork and other issues concerning safety?

John Kwiatkowski, Los Angeles

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To the editor: One-third of air traffic controllers — the hidden heroes of air travel — are currently eligible for retirement, and we are still training them the same way we did more than 20 years ago. It is time to provide a modern system to reduce delays and build on America’s first-rate safety record.

In addition to the World War II-era tools controllers have to use, they are saddled with a financing and governance structure out of step with best practices. Today’s system is subject to the unpredictability of federal funding and the attendant delays and persistent stops and starts.

A strong Federal Aviation Administration singularly focused on safety, partnered with a federally chartered nonprofit operator led by an independent board, would bring relief to air controllers and needed efficiencies to air travel.

Dozens of countries around the world have separated the safety functions of air navigation from the management and planning functions. We can do the same, and Congress has taken the first steps in that direction through the reauthorization of the FAA, which is to take effect next year.

David Grizzle, Washington

The writer is a former Federal Aviation Administration chief operating officer, the position overseeing air traffic control.

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