Remote Tower test at JYO (Leesburg, VA)

flyingron

flyingron

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Well, they're going to start doing the testing of the "remote tower" concept at JYO around October 11, and lasting about 30 days. It's really only "simulated remote" as the controllers will actually be in a trailer on the field. I guess they'll be wearing foggles so they can see the scopes but not outside.
 
Saw the setup at the Mitre lab a while back. Kinda interesting. :D
 
Is this the system where they have the 360* cameras and screens instead of windows?
 
Yes. Idea, I guess is akin to what they did to FSS. Put everybody in the same place. Of course, I'm not sure what the real gain is. Sure, it gets these guys out of a high cost of living area of Northern Virginia, but I'm not sure there's any economy of scale. They moved four tracons into PCT a decade ago, and you might as well still have four facilities. Each of the sectors operates pretty much independently.
 
Me: "I just read an interesting article. They are talking about remote towers for controlled airspace."
Joey Nine Toes: "We're all gonna DIE!"
Me: "I just read they are going to put the people back in the tower"
Joey Nine Toes: "We're all gonna DIE!"

You have to admire a consistent world view. I guess.

My personal opinion is that runway incidents will increase with remote towers.
 
luvflyin said:
Couldn’t tell from that article. Is it just Leesburg? Or are they abandoning the whole Remote Tower program?
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Just Leesburg. Saab elected to end their participation.

Searidge in Colorado is continuing for now and Frequentis is doing a test program with the Air Force also.
 
Shepherd said:
Me: "I just read an interesting article. They are talking about remote towers for controlled airspace."
Joey Nine Toes: "We're all gonna DIE!"
Me: "I just read they are going to put the people back in the tower"
Joey Nine Toes: "We're all gonna DIE!"

You have to admire a consistent world view. I guess.
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Well, they aren't wrong.
 
They tried something like this at KMIV - Millville NJ, it was terrible. I am glad it went away, less confusion, and more open air time to hear actual position calls for those that used a radio.
 
GMascelli said:
They tried something like this at KMIV - Millville NJ, it was terrible. I am glad it went away, less confusion, and more open air time to hear actual position calls for those that used a radio.
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When was that?

Back in 07 when I was training at N51 I remember doing a student xctry to Millville and being somewhat confused as to the status of the FSS on the radio. Did they also do a remote tower pilot program later?
 
AKiss20 said:
When was that?

Back in 07 when I was training at N51 I remember doing a student xctry to Millville and being somewhat confused as to the status of the FSS on the radio. Did they also do a remote tower pilot program later?
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Don't remember the dates but I do remember the frustration. I'll make a few calls to some folks I worked with when I ran various projects at the airports for the Delaware River and Bay Authority. I've been retired from there almost nine years, can't say I miss the place. I do miss the folks I worked with at the five airport facilities and two ferry terminals.
 
I like how HEF got their tower. They bought it from the Arapahoe County airport in Colorado. Amusingly, I was in the tower cab when it was at APA and again at HEF.
 
flyingron said:
I like how HEF got their tower. They bought it from the Arapahoe County airport in Colorado. Amusingly, I was in the tower cab when it was at APA and again at HEF.
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Maybe they can pull the cab off the tower at Tipton.
 
GMascelli said:
Don't remember the dates but I do remember the frustration. I'll make a few calls to some folks I worked with when I ran various projects at the airports for the Delaware River and Bay Authority. I've been retired from there almost nine years, can't say I miss the place. I do miss the folks I worked with at the five airport facilities and two ferry terminals.
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Yeah it was weird. FSS was giving traffic alerts/status reports but had no operational control/authority. Definitely confusing for a low time student. I basically had to ask “do you clear me to land or…?”
 
Have landed at KJYO several times,the FSS monitors the radio and can be very helpful. Can be a little intimidating foe a first timer at that airport.
 
frfly172 said:
Have landed at KJYO several times,the FSS monitors the radio and can be very helpful. Can be a little intimidating foe a first timer at that airport.
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Flight circus is no longer anywhere near the field. They moved to Ashburn over a decade ago.
 
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