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Post by wxfcstr on Apr 5, 2013 16:04:12 GMT -5
The FAA is a crafty bunch. First they close the 148 contract towers, not one FAA controlled tower. So they are after the contract people. Safety will never be a issue over money. Then the FAA says that the local airports or communities can pay for the contract towers themselves and they will be non-federal funded. But, then the FAA will request a reimburshment from the airports for use of the FAA facilities and equipment. At our airport the FAA moved out of the airport facilities and tower for the city was robbing them with enormance fees and rental aggrements so it was cheaper to build thier own tower and building. Then the FAA continued to pay to for the empty facilities due to rental agreement for a year. So now the FAA will request payment from the local airports which is not going to be reasonable. Close the contract towers, force local airports if they want the contract towers open will have to pay for it and pay the FAA a FEE. The FAA saves money, then gets money. Oh.some of the Contract towers were either re-built or built new towers with Stimulus Money that is not even thiers. So, now the FAA will prob recieve rental fees from towers they never spent money to build. The local airports will then have to find funds or raise thier own fee to pay the DON. Marlin Brando would be proud.
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Post by hokiefan on Apr 8, 2013 14:27:59 GMT -5
Sequestration Hits Mankato, MN:
City Manager Monthly Update
March 2013
1.As many of you are aware, some local and twin cities weather stations are no longer reporting Mankato temperatures as a part of their newscasts. For some time the computer modem that transfer’s weather information from the FAA’s Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) at the Airport has not been operating. The modem takes the weather information from the AWOS and transfers it to the computer and the National Weather Service. We have asked repeatedly that the FAA send out field technicians to address the problem. They have indicated that they have reached their budget levels and because of Federal Sequestration they will not address the problem at this time. We have attempted to add ress and clarify this matter with the media, but the real goal is to get the AWOS Reporting System working. Years ago, AWOS, which its primary purpose is to provide flight information to pilots, was adapted as a reporting system for the weather service. We suspect the problem is in the “black box/modem” that pushes the information to the National Weather Service. Incoming planes can access the information; the information can also be accessed via phone. Temperature readings appear to be the only exception. Because this is a FAA System, the city has no authority to access the AWOS System.
Kevin Baker, Airport Manager, has been calling the FAA and the following is the most recent response to the city’s offer of assistance: “I had a conference call with FAA staff yesterday (Joe Potter and Greg Ingraham). They knew what I was calling about because they too have been pestered by the Media. I let them know that the City of Mankato would pay for the parts needed to repair our AWOS (Automated Weather Observation Station) if within reason. They appreciated our offer,but declined stating that they wouldn’t know how to process such a request,as they have never received an offer for help before. They stated that their supervisors will be making budget decisions the 7th of this month. I will pass along any other info.
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Post by lostsheep on Apr 8, 2013 19:54:03 GMT -5
I know that our FAA Electronic Techs here have work to do and they will not budge on ANY money to get work done. Even though some of the work is critical on radar and relay systems, but they still will not budget any money. Sad state of affairs and should be a concern for safety to the flying public!!!!
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