FICTION: Modernization will add expenses.
FACT: Planned properly, modernization can reduce operating costs by increasing efficiency. With the full support of AOPA, the FAA is taking aggressive steps to reduce its operating costs while modernizing the air traffic control system. Those steps include outsourcing flight service stations and eliminating unnecessary and redundant navigation aids.
The FAA is also considering replacing today's costly radar system with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast). This system has much better coverage than radar, costs much less to build and operate, and could reduce the number of air traffic controllers needed for safe operations.