The government shutdown has delayed implementation of new technology that will streamline communications between controllers and pilots.
air traffic control
New tower opens at KSRQ
A new air traffic control tower has officially opened at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ).
Latest ATC spinoff proposal meets heavy opposition from GA advocates
Six general aviation advocacy associations have issued a joint statement strongly opposing the Trump Administration for including in its government reorganization a failed proposal to privatize the FAA’s air traffic control services. “There is a large and diverse chorus of opposition to the idea of privatizing our air traffic control system, including congressional leaders from […]
Help wanted: Experienced air traffic controllers
The FAA is hiring experienced air traffic controllers to work in facilities throughout the country — and specifically for the facility that handles the busy New York area airspace. The agency will accept applications March 19 to March 26, 2018, from experienced candidates to fill slots at the New York Tracon (N90) in Westbury, N.Y., […]
GA advocates lobby for full funding for contract towers
Nine aviation advocacy groups have asked Congress to fully fund the Contract Tower Program as part of the FAA’s fiscal year 2019 appropriations bill. In a March 2 letter to lawmakers, industry leaders voiced support for language in the current version of the bill that calls for “not less than $172,000,000” in funding for the […]
Phase II of tower rehab at KBCT set to begin
BOCA RATON, Florida — Phase II of the rehabilitation of the air traffic control tower at Boca Raton Airport (KBCT) is set to begin this year. Last year the Boca Raton Airport Authority completed several substantial renovations to the tower aimed at extending the useful life of the facility and creating an enhanced work environment […]
New report says ATC privatization bill swells deficit by $100 billion
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says the latest Congressional proposal to privatize air traffic control would add to America’s budget deficit by nearly $100 billion. “$100 billion. Really?” asks Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Mark Baker. “So here’s how it shapes up: The legislation would hand over the air traffic […]
Trump’s ATC overhaul struggles to takeoff
The Hill is reporting that President Trump’s plan to privatize air traffic control is struggling to get off the ground. The post notes that House lawmakers left town for the August recess without voting on the proposal, which is included in legislation to reauthorize the FAA. The plan would transfer the country’s air navigation system […]
Video: Behind the scenes at ATC
Air Traffic Control is there to help, but for many new pilots, the other side of the radio is a mystery. In a video tip, Sporty’s goes behind the scenes with Air Traffic Control to learn what tools they use, how they see weather on their screens, how transponder codes work, and what services are […]







