FAA to close 149 air traffic towers as budget cuts bite

[mhm]

The US aviation authority plans to close 149 air traffic control towers in response to steep budget cuts that took effect this month.

Towers will close at small airports but the facilities will remain open, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Pilots will have to co-ordinate takeoff and landing by themselves after 7 April using a shared radio channel.

The towers marked for closure are all staffed by private contractors. Critics say the move will compromise safety.

"We heard from communities across the country about the importance of their towers and these were very tough decisions," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21906556

[Brian]

March 22, 2013
http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=14414

FAA Contract Tower Closure List
http://www.faa.gov/news/media/fct_closed.pdf (PDF)

FAA Contract Towers Remaining Open
http://www.faa.gov/news/media/fct_open.pdf (PDF)

FAA Contract Tower Cost Share Sites Remaining Open
http://www.faa.gov/news/media/fct_cost_share.pdf (PDF)