The FAA’s federal contract tower program consists of 254 facilities located in 46 states. The FCT program was created in 1982 in order to allow airports that would be unable to afford the price of a traditional FAA operated tower to enjoy the benefits of ATC services. Those towers and their 1,400 controllers manage 28 percent of the National Airspace System.
Report Says Contract Towers Are Safe, Cost Less Than FAA Facilities
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA's federal contract tower (FCT) program provides air traffic control services to 254 facilities, managing 28% of the National Airspace System.
- A recent DOT Inspector General report found that FCTs are significantly more cost-effective per aircraft movement than FAA-operated towers, costing $1.5 million less annually.
- This cost efficiency is primarily attributed to lower staffing levels and reduced controller compensation compared to FAA facilities.
- Despite the lower operational costs, the report concluded that contract towers maintain a safety record comparable to similarly sized FAA-operated towers.
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