Huerta: New Facilities Demonstrate 'The FAA's Commitment To Aviation Safety'

The FAA recently dedicated a new, $33 million, state-of-the-art airport traffic control tower and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field. “Boise Airport plays a critical role in serving the aviation needs of the West,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Safety is our highest priority and this new facility will enhance safety and efficiency in the Boise area.”

The 255 foot-tall tower is nearly three times taller than the old tower, which was built in 1975, and provides air traffic controllers with better airfield views. The new tower and TRACON also feature the latest radar and communications technology, ensuring they will continue to provide the safest and most efficient service into and out of Boise.

“The new Boise tower and TRACON highlight the FAA’s commitment to aviation safety and to modernizing the air traffic control system in Idaho and the West,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “Investing in our transportation infrastructure ensures we stay competitive in today’s global economy.”

The new tower is topped by a 525 square-foot cab with three air traffic controller positions and one supervisor position. An 11,000 square-foot base building houses the TRACON, equipment rooms, and administrative offices.

TRACON controllers use radar to guide aircraft into and out of an airport.  Boise TRACON’s airspace covers a radius from 5 to 30 miles around the airport, from the ground up to 12,000 feet.

Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field was established in 1926 and has a rich history. In 1927, the airport hosted the landing of Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis, and actor Jimmy Stewart trained there before deploying to Europe during World War II. In 1968, the airport became home to the Boise Interagency Fire Center, which remains a critical base for the West during wildfire season.

Boise tower controllers handled approximately 102,000 takeoffs and landings in 2012. Boise TRACON controllers handled approximately 225,000 aircraft.  The airport serves commercial airlines including Alaska/Horizon, Allegiant, Delta, SkyWest, Southwest and United.

FMI: www.faa.gov