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Delta closures delayed?

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 2:39 am
by bruce
I may have missed the post whilst I was away but I am reading news reports that the Delta closures has been delayed to June 14 pending legal challenges & a possible rethink by Congress (?)
Is this correct & if so I presume the tower at Fox Field/Socal log. etc is still open?

Re: Delta closures delayed?

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 2:52 am
by Anthony Santanastaso
bruce wrote:I may have missed the post whilst I was away but I am reading news reports that the Delta closures has been delayed to June 14 pending legal challenges & a possible rethink by Congress (?)
Is this correct & if so I presume the tower at Fox Field/Socal log. etc is still open?
The towers are no longer going to be closed. After the deadline was extended, other impacts of the sequestration affecting the staffing levels in the terminal environment (TRACON and En Route) had caused sizable delays and significant amounts of inconvenience. Miraculously, Congress (and all other parties involved) found enough money to eliminate furloughs from happening altogether and protect the non-FAA contract towers from closing.

Officially, the bill is called the Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 (no joke). Here it is: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:S.853:

And, here is the statement made by NATCA (the ATC Union):
NATCA Statement on DOT Announcement That Contract Towers To Remain Open
Friday, May 10, 2013

We are pleased to hear that the Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 will allow the FAA to transfer funds to keep 149 contract towers slated for closure open for the remainder of the fiscal year. Contract towers are vital to our nation’s airspace and play a key role in our nation’s aviation infrastructure. Continuing service at these contract towers will help maintain an important layer of safety.
In short, KVCV and KWJF will remain open indefinitely.

Re: Delta closures delayed?

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 3:28 am
by bruce
That's one for the good guys.
Time to celebrate with a strong cup of coffee

Re: Delta closures delayed?

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 8:34 am
by Keith Smith
Apparently, that's quite enough coffee for you :)