Consolidation (of air controllers) move concern officials

[question everything]

Consolidation move concern officials

5/13/07

By JULIA GLICK
The Press-Enterprise

PALM SPRINGS - When planes approach Palm Springs International Airport from various directions, air traffic controllers using radar funnel them into orderly lines for landing. The same controllers, working from a double-wide trailer at the airport, guide departing flights once they are miles away from Palm Springs.

But federal aviation officials plan to move these services next month to a centralized facility more than 100 miles away in San Diego. A group of U.S. representatives and senators are questioning the safety of the move and say the San Diego facility, which serves LA/Ontario International Airport, March Air Reserve Base, Los Angeles International Airport and others, is already understaffed and overburdened.

The resulting controversy has led to alterations to a U.S. Senate bill reauthorizing funding for the Federal Aviation Administration. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., added language this month that would delay the Palm Springs consolidation until additional reviews can verify its safety. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Rep. Mary Bono, R-Palm Springs; Rep. Joe Baca, D-Rialto; and others have also questioned the FAA's decision. The Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to support Boxer.

In response, high-level FAA officials hosted a public meeting Thursday at a local senior center to explain why they are moving the Palm Springs Terminal Radar Approach Control, or TRACON, to the Southern California TRACON in San Diego.

"We want to make sure everyone understands the reasons for consolidating Palm Springs TRACON with Southern California TRACON and that they understand that it makes sense from a safety, efficiency and financial perspective," FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said in a phone interview, adding: "There will be absolutely no discernible difference whatsoever to the traveling public or to pilots."


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