BY HALEY MCLEOD
Airports overseen by AUS tower sta Controllers at major airports are often responsible for air tra c up to 50 miles away from the radar room. A Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
The local lens
The outlook
Lane said local controllers are not only managing Austin’s busy airport tra c but are also responsible for the air tra c landing at surrounding satellite airports, like Austin Executive in P ugerville and Georgetown Executive Airport. Lane explained new trainees without prior radar experience are being thrown into a fast-paced environment with no time to learn the basics— what she calls a “ re hose” situation. “We’re doing the best with what we’ve got,” Lane said. ABIA was among the rst airports to deploy the FAA’s new Surface Awareness Initiative in 2024, which gives air tra c controllers real-time, bird’s- eye views of everything happening on the ground. The FAA did not respond to a request for com- ment as of press time. Community Impact has been in contact with the FAA for several months, but the recent government shutdown has prevented responses after Oct. 1.
Tower sta ng falls under the FAA’s authority; the city has no control over it. “These sta ng-related disruptions are now systemic, recurring with increasing frequency and intensity. … With record- setting passenger growth and a multibillion- dollar expansion underway, [ABIA] cannot meet its operational or safety commitments without immediate sta ng relief,” ABIA CEO Ghizlane Badawi wrote in a letter to FAA administrators. Badawi said shortages have caused frequent delays, threatening ABIA’s reliability as a major hub, but expressed optimism following a recent $12 million federal investment for technology upgrades. Earlier this year, the FAA announced short- term bonuses, faster hiring and a new fatigue mitigation plan adding new rest requirements for controllers. As of press time, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported worsening conditions amid the government shutdown at an Oct. 6 news conference. The Austin airport saw ground delays following major city events Oct. 13 and Oct. 20.
Georgetown
183
29
Taylor
79
Cedar Park
130 TOLL
77
Lago Vista
Lexington
P ugerville
620
71
290
Austin
21
Bastrop
95
290
A
Giddings
35
21
130 TOLL
San Marcos
Smithville
71
Lockhart
La Grange
304
35
183
77
130 TOLL
10
95
80
Seguin
Gonzales
N
SOURCES: ASHLEY LANE, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
Fewer than 10% of applicants meet the criteria for the FAA’s controller training program, per agency documents. Eligibility : U.S. citizen under 31, one year work or college experience, medical checks
Of note
“I’m really encouraged and hopeful that by the time we complete
Airport o cials and Doggett have urged the FAA to upgrade Austin’s airspace from Class C to Class B, which was hoped would improve safety and lead to increased incentive pay for controllers. Class B is a stricter standard used at major hubs like Chicago and Atlanta. However, the FAA denied the request in June—a decision Lane said further hurt morale. Doggett said the FAA has not responded to inquiries as to why the request was denied.
the infrastructure, ve years from now, the FAA will have advanced air tra c [control] sta ng.” GHIZLANE BADAWI, ABIA CEO
On-the-job training : 1-3 years working under supervision, practical experience FAA Academy : 2-5 months classroom and simulation training Certi cation & career : receive certi cation, evaluations, additional testing for advancement Application : pass Air Tra c Skills Assessment, clear background checks
SOURCE: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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