DUPAGE, Ill. — A federal plan to impose across-the-board spending cuts by closing 149 active control towers nationwide will compromise air safety and “should not stand,” according to Craig Fuller, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). “The White House does not understand the consequences of these actions, or they do […]
FAA
FAA to close 149 towers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA will close 149 federal contract towers beginning April 7 as part of the agency’s sequestration implementation plan. FAA officials made the decision to keep 24 federal contract towers open that had been previously proposed for closure “because doing so would have a negative impact on the national interest.” An additional […]
Lawmakers question choice to close towers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers are not happy with the FAA’s decision to close 149 contract air traffic control towers. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) and House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) wrote Friday to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, expressing concerns about the potential impact […]
FAA delays decision on tower closures
The FAA will delay its decision on which of the contract towers up for potential closure may be exempted due to “compelling national interest.” David Grizzle, the FAA’s COO, said that in order to “review comprehensively the very large number of responses” from airports seeking an exemption, the final decision date will be March 22. […]
Lackluster growth predicted for GA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation will grow over the next 20 years, but at a rate of only 1/2 of 1% a year, according to the FAA. The agency also forecasts the total number of aircraft used in general aviation to increase from 220,670 in 2012 to 246,375 in 2033, an increase of only 25,705, […]
Close to home: The impact of tower closures
If you are a pilot, nothing gets your attention faster than when the FAA proposes closing local control towers. As part of FAA budget cuts due to the sequester, agency officials notified 173 contract air traffic control towers across the country that they will be shut down on April 7. Airport officials have until March […]
Is the control tower at your airport up for closure?
Go to SaveContractTowersNow.com and click on Affected Towers and Communities to download a PDF that lists all the airports slated for closure. The website also has information on how to contact your elected representatives and tips on what to say to get the message across that closing the towers is a bad idea.
Some question FAA’s selection of sequestration cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sequestration hasn’t caused the sky to fall in Washington, but there are indications some efforts are being made to pull it down to meet the dire threats of disasters that have been put forth. The FAA notified employees of intended furloughs of up to 11 work days beginning about April 7. Contract […]
Air Safety Institute recognizes five controllers
Five air traffic controllers have been awarded “Flight Assist Commendations” by the Air Safety Institute of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) for service they rendered to pilots who were facing troubles aloft in 2012. Each of the controllers was recognized for guiding pilots to safety who were struggling with airborne situations such as […]