Mon, Jan 30, 2006
FAA Approves Funds To Replace Leaky Structure
After years of delayed
flights, outdated equipment and ground controllers being unable to
see certain parts of the runway at one of the nation's busiest
airports, New York's LaGuardia Airport will soon be getting a new
control tower.
Senator Charles Schumer told officials with the airport Friday
the FAA has allocated $40 million in unused Department of
Transportation funds to build the new tower. The plans should be
complete by next month, he added, and construction is set to begin
this summer.
In addition to offering more room for controllers to work in,
the new tower will also be more than 100 feet higher than the
current tower, which was built in 1964.
"[The old tower] is a technical, structural disaster," said Phil
Barbarello, vice president for the Eastern Region of the National
Air Traffic Controllers Association. "This is long overdue."
The current tower has become increasingly troublesome over the
last 10 years, as leaky ceilings dumped water onto ATC equipment.
The leaks required LaGuardia crews to install tarps over the
roof.
Controllers can't put their umbrellas away yet, however: the new
tower isn't expected to be completed until 2009 -- and much more
than just a new tower is needed at LGA, say some officials.
"Terminals need to be widened, runways need to be lengthened and
air traffic needs to be lowered," said City Council member Peter
Vallone Jr. to Newsday.
Total cost of the tower will be about $60 million, according to
FAA spokeswoman Arlene Murray. The balance of the money -- $20
million -- will come from an FAA fund that's been set up to build
the tower.
More News
DETRESFA (Distress Phrase) The code word used to designate an emergency phase wherein there is reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and i>[...]
"General aviation is at the forefront of developing and introducing innovative technologies that will transform the entire aviation industry..." Source: Kyle Martin, Vice President>[...]
Direct Straight line flight between two navigational aids, fixes, points, or any combination thereof. When used by pilots in describing off-airway routes, points defining direct ro>[...]
Aero Linx: Women in Corporate Aviation Women in Corporate Aviation support individuals seeking career advancement and professional development in the business aviation industry. Me>[...]
“We would like to thank the many volunteers that help throughout the year to pull off the event, as well as the several reviewers, judges, and SURVICE staff that provide team>[...]