Small Airports and Aviation Safety
A recent incident involving a Delta Air Lines jet and a B-52 bomber over North Dakota has brought attention to the way small airport towers are operated. It has been revealed that many of these towers are run by private companies without their own radar systems, potentially posing a risk to aviation safety.
The incident occurred last Friday when the pilot of the Delta flight executed an aggressive maneuver to avoid the B-52 in its path. Neither pilot had been aware of the other plane’s presence, and the incident is currently under investigation. The Air Force has stated that the controller at Minot airport did not inform the B-52 crew about the airliner, and the Delta pilot informed passengers that he was surprised by the situation.
Passengers on the Delta flight were alarmed by the sudden turn and dive, and a video captured the pilot’s explanation afterward. He apologized for the maneuver and expressed confusion as to why they were not given a heads-up about the B-52.
This incident is just the latest in a series that have raised concerns about aviation safety, following the fatal midair collision over Washington, D. C. in January. It has also raised questions about the operation of small airports like Minot.
Lack of Radar at Small Airports
One of the key issues at these small airports is the lack of radar systems. It is common for these airports to operate without their own radar systems due to the high cost of installation. However, this has not been a significant problem in the past.
Controllers at small airports are able to guide planes visually using binoculars and radios, as long as the weather is clear. In cases of bad weather, a regional FAA radar facility may be able to assist, but ultimately, planes will not land if the weather is too severe. Some small airport towers do have video feeds that provide controllers with a view of a radar screen at an FAA facility miles away. However, the display may not be as detailed for planes flying close to the ground. It is unclear if Minot airport has such a system, as the company that runs it, Midwest Air Traffic Control Inc., has not responded to inquiries.
In addition, the FAA has a network of radar facilities across the country that track planes flying between airports. An approach control radar center in Minneapolis helps direct planes in and out of Minot, before controllers at the airport take over. On average, Minot airport handles 18-24 flights per day. This is a common practice at many small airports, and it usually works without issue.
Potential for Radar in the Future
Some small airports may have the opportunity to gain radar systems as part of a larger overhaul of the air traffic control system. However, this will depend on the airport’s traffic and the amount of funding allocated by Congress for the project. Currently, President Trump’s budget bill includes $12. 5 billion for the project.
Private Operation of Towers
The FAA states that 265 airport towers across the country are