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.

FMI: www.faa.gov