Thu, Oct 28, 2010
Project Paid For By Facilities And Equipment Dollars
The FAA dedicated a new, modernized 195 foot-tall air traffic
control tower at Reno-Tahoe International Airport on Tuesday.
“Upgrading our aviation infrastructure is one of our
highest priorities, and this new tower will provide Reno-Tahoe
International Airport with one of the nation’s most modern
air traffic control facilities,” U.S. Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood said.
“This is a great day for aviation in Nevada,” said
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “The new tower will
improve safety and efficiency by providing controllers with better
airfield views and more modern equipment.”
The new tower was built with FAA facilities and equipment
dollars, which are used to modernize the air traffic control
system.
Reno’s new control tower is almost three times the height
of the old tower, which was built in 1957. The
airport’s runways are considerably longer than they were when
the old tower was built, which made it challenging for controllers
to see aircraft on certain taxiways and runways. The old tower also
experienced glare from lights on the cargo areas.
Reno controllers also now will have state-of-the-art equipment
that includes multicolor radar displays, touch-screen voice
communications, and touch-screen work stations that provide instant
information on everything from weather conditions to air traffic
manuals. Double-thick sun shades will help prevent glare inside the
610-square-foot controller work area. Additionally, the new tower
will have two backup power systems to help ensure uninterrupted
operations.
Tower controllers direct aircraft within about five miles of the
airport up to an altitude of 3,000 feet. The new tower and a
10,000 square-foot base building cost $29.4 million to build and
equip. Construction began in January 2008. Reno-Tahoe
International Airport served about 100,000 flights in 2009.
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