Tue, Dec 08, 2009
Upgrade Or Replace Are The Two Options
The FAA is taking a look at the
control tower at Tucson International Airport to see if the 1950's
era facility should be replaced, or if an upgrade would address
controller's concerns.
The FAA visited the airport in October to assess the tower, and
to discuss potential new tower sites with airport officials. The
Arizona Daily Star reports that Jill Merrick, Tucson Airport
Authority vice president of planning and development, will pay a
visit to the FAA Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory
in Atlantic City, N.J., next month for further study of potential
new tower sites.
That siting study is the first step in making a decision about
whether to build a new tower, or to upgrade the present facility,
according to FAA Western-Pacific Region spokesman Ian Gregor. The
study will center on three potential sites identified in 2005 by
airport officials. That is expected to be completed next
summer.
Controllers have long complained about the tower. They say at
112 feet it is too short, its windows are too small, and subject to
"blinding glare." No accidents or controller errors have been
attributed to the condition of the tower, Gregor said last week.
"The tower is old, but it is adequate and safe," he said
But new or upgraded, it could be several years before the
project is funded by the FAA, which will pay the entire cost. After
the initial site study, an environmental assessment must be
completed, and then money must be appropriated for the project, and
with so many variables, no cost estimate has yet been
determined.
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