iFlightPlanner

 

...

Wanted: A Methodical Means to Close Towers

Monday, March 25, 2013 @ 8:00 AM

The opinions expressed in this column are those of Jason Blair and are not representative of AVweb or iFlightPlanner.

As the government's budget sequestration gains steam, the FAA is expected to announce which control tower might close as a result, perhaps as early as today. Discussion on this topic has produced plenty of opinions, some valid and some best characterized as fear mongering, in my view.

Sequestration cuts will likely result in at least temporary tower closures. This isn't the doing of the FAA, but that doesn't necessarily mean the FAA is choosing which towers will close in a manner that best serves long-term aviation interests or safety. I am hopeful that any permanent closures will be evaluated using more thorough methodology. There actually is a formal process to do this.

» Full Editorial on AVweb