Airport Remains Open, But Tower Will Be Closed Possibly For Several Weeks

Sunday's earthquake in northern California blew most of the windows out of the control tower at Napa County Airport (KAPC), and the FAA says it could take several weeks for repairs to be completed.

USA Today reports that, according to FAA spokesman Ian Gregor, the structure itself does not appear to be damaged, but that it will be evaluated to make sure it is safe. "We are also working to secure the equipment inside to prevent it from being damaged by wind or other weather," he said.

New windows will have to be manufactured and installed, a process that could take several weeks, he said.

Meanwhile, Gregor said, the airport will operate as it normally does during night time hours when the tower is closed. "Pilots will get takeoff and landing clearances from Oakland Center, and communicate with each other on the uniform airport frequency to broadcast their positions and intentions," he said.

Gregor said that it is possible that a temporary tower could be established at KAPC until the damaged building is repaired.

FMI: www.napacountyairport.org