FAA goes live with 2 digital towers as Venice debates remote control shift
City council reviews proposal to replace pilot self-separation with remote monitoring, drawing objections from residents over jet traffic and noise.
By Alessia Desai ·
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday that two digital air traffic control towers are now operational. Venice Municipal Airport is among several facilities currently evaluating the technology to replace traditional physical structures with remote monitoring systems.
Blake Swafford of Hanson Professional Services presented the digital tower plan to the Venice City Council in October. The airport currently lacks a physical control tower, meaning pilots are responsible for separating their aircraft from others in the airspace. Swafford compared this current arrangement to driving a car where each driver is responsible for avoiding collisions with other vehicles.
The FAA states that digital towers utilize cameras and screens to allow controllers to monitor runways, taxiways, and surrounding airspace. The agency says the technology provides controllers with a continuous, 360-degree view and additional data to track airport activity.
Resident Chris Davis spoke at the October meeting to voice concerns about the proposal. She noted that jet traffic has increased and that aircraft are flying at lower altitudes over local homes. Davis expressed worry regarding safety, environmental impact, and the potential for the new system to facilitate more commercial and jet airline operations.
"The reason that they need to have a remote tower is to increase the opportunities with jet and commercial airlines," Davis said. She added that residents are concerned about noise pollution and jet particulate matter, citing evidence of pollution in the area.
Swafford responded to the safety concerns by comparing a control tower to a traffic light. He explained that just as a red light assists cars in navigating intersections safely to prevent accidents, an air traffic control tower assists airplanes with their operations for the same purpose. Swafford stated that the technology has been in use for some time, is approved by the FAA, and is considered safe.
The Venice City Council is reviewing the proposal as part of a broader adoption of digital tower technology across various airports.
