Every year, Marana Regional Airport in southern Arizona becomes a hub of aerial activity, with tens of thousands of planes taking off, landing, and performing touch-and-go maneuvers. Despite the absence of an air traffic control tower, pilots manage the operations through careful communication. However, a tragic incident recently unfolded when two small planes collided midair near a runway on Tucson’s outskirts. One plane crashed and burst into flames, leading to the discovery of two casualties in the burnt remains. Miraculously, the other aircraft managed a safe landing with its occupants unharmed.
This recent collision adds to a series of aviation incidents attracting attention. Each event is unique, and aviation analysts do not see a common link among them. Over the airwaves, some insights have emerged about the Arizona accident. A flight instructor flying with a student overheard the distress calls over the radio. It appears one plane was engaging in a touch-and-go maneuver when another approached to land, causing a collision.
The final determination of the crash’s cause will be left to federal investigators, a process anticipated to take several months. While some argue that an air traffic control tower could have prevented the mishap, experts assert that an airport without a tower isn’t inherently unsafe. Pilots must adhere to different communication protocols instead. The U.S. has more than 5,100 public airports, but only about 10% are equipped with control towers, primarily at the busiest airports handling complex operations and numerous commercial flights.
Pilots at airports without control towers rely on radio communication and the “see and avoid” principle to navigate safely. This concept, crucially instilled in pilots from the beginning of their training, applies regardless of the type of airspace. According to Mike Ginter from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute, it’s akin to adhering to road safety rules while driving.
Historically, aviation regulations took a dramatic shift following a deadly midair collision in 1956. Two commercial planes, departing Los Angeles closely together, collided over the Grand Canyon, claiming 128 lives. This tragedy propelled new aviation safety measures. By 1958, legislation had established an independent federal aviation body to manage U.S. airspace, a precursor to the modern Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Today, the FAA offers airports federal grants for air traffic control tower construction or upgrades, staffed by private or contract personnel. Close to 180 airports across the nation could be eligible for such funding. These programs typically support upgrading outdated towers, some still operational since the 1940s. Recent grants have funded similar projects in cities like Bend, Oregon; Boulder City, Nevada; and Mankato, Minnesota.
Marana’s airport entered the program in 2019, aiming to build a tower by 2029, a timeline delayed by the pandemic. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump’s administration has undertaken a comprehensive review of aviation safety following recent tragic incidents, which led to questions about FAA hiring policies. While some FAA jobs were cut, less than 1% of the workforce, primarily probationary roles, was affected, and no air traffic controllers were dismissed.
The Trump administration expressed support for updating the country’s air traffic control system. Industry advocates, like Airlines for America, are urging Congress to provide funds for critical infrastructure and staffing advancements amidst these developments. As the aviation sector grapples with these challenges, the emphasis remains on ensuring safety and modernization in American skies.
