Apparently, the issues of controller staffing and runway safety are largely a matter of perception. To the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) these issues are tractable, well understood, and programs to mitigate any risks are well in hand. The message: trust us, send money. To others, the problems are not merely a matter of perception. They’re real. Herewith, the FAA view and two others. Decide for yourself which among these is the most credible:

The internal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) memorandum of 24 January concerning the British Airways flight 038 B777 crash 17 January at Heathrow is apparently not for public consumption, or release if specifically requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Reason: the information is based on “Preliminary Reports” and is “For Official Use Only” (FOUA). These caveats are printed prominently at the bottom of each of the seven pages of the memorandum, facilitating denial of release under FOIA.