Posted on February 22nd, 2019
Despite efforts and appeals from various general aviation groups and individuals, the FAA plans to close air traffic control towers at up to 238 airports in the United States as part of cost-cutting measures required by the budget sequester. The finalized closure list was supposed to be announced on Monday but was delayed due to overwhelming appeals. Actor and private pilot Harrison Ford, along with leaders from aviation organizations like NBAA and AOPA, met with members of the House General Aviation Caucus to discuss the potential risks associated with the tower closures. However, an amendment in the Senate to preserve ATC towers and facilities targeted for closure was not successful. The FAA plans to release the final closure list and shut down the affected towers around April 7.
Tags: sequestration, airport tower closures, FAA