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 comprises 254 facilities, managing 28% of the National Airspace System by providing affordable air traffic control services to airports.
- A recent DOT Inspector General report found FCTs to be significantly more cost-effective than traditional FAA towers, costing $1.5 million less per year to operate and offering substantial savings per aircraft movement.
- Despite achieving lower costs by employing fewer and lower-paid controllers, the report concluded that contract towers maintain safety records on par with comparable FAA facilities.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
