With officials in Washington unable to agree on a budget compromise, the stalemate known as the “sequester” resulted in an announcement that 149 contract towers across the country will be closed, starting in April. Although the budget restrictions apply only to this fiscal year, which ends September 30, it’s unclear whether any of the closed towers will be included in the next budget. Some local entities have come forward to fund operations, but many are likely to close through the summer, and perhaps for good. At least a few of the towers are nearly brand-new.
Last year, the National Transportation Safety Board cited general aviation safety as one of its “10 Most Wanted” safety improvements. In March, the board followed through with the publication of five “Safety Alerts” that target the most frequent accident causes. The alerts address risk management, maintenance, flying at night or in reduced visibility, and stalls. One alert reminds mechanics to carefully follow procedures. “We see the same types of accidents over and over again,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. “What’s especially tragic is that so many of these accidents are entirely preventable.” The alerts are posted online at www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety_alerts.html.
