Sequestration Could Affect Rochester Air Traffic Control
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: March 8, 2013
In a few week's Rochester's airport may be without an overnight air traffic controller.
It's because of sequestration cuts hitting federal agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration has listed more than 60 air traffic control towers in the U.S. Including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany.
The FAA says it plans to cut the midnight shift to cut costs, which it says typically runs from 10pm to 6am.
At the Greater Rochester International Airport they are prepared to make changes but hope it doesn't happen.
"From our perspective why would you reduce staffing that ensures safety but we could manage it if we had to, that's an FAA decision not an airport decision," said Michael Giardino, Airport Director.
It's not a decision that some passengers are on board with.
"I would feel less safe if no one is there and I am landing," said Josephine Gaeffke, an airline traveler.
"I shouldn't think they shouldn't land when there is no air traffic controllers," said Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, an airline traveler.
The FAA says it has procedures in place so planes can land safely without staffed towers - but it would be up to the airlines.
"It's not common but it happens and it happens safely every day," said Giardino.
The airline industry group, Airlines For America, said its working with the FAA to develop contingency plans if these cuts take place.
The organization said its too early to tell if schedules will change.
"I would hate to see the affect it could have on us," said Susan Keith, VIP Travel.
Travel agent Susan Keith says travelers will have fewer options if airlines change flight times.
"These are all hub departures coming into Rochester so if they have to change those flights earlier either those connections aren't going to work or you are going to have to leave earlier than you otherwise would have," said Keith,
Rochester's airport director said if the cuts happen, they will be ready.
"We will have the protocols and procedures to handle any aircraft that comes and goes from Rochester," said Giardino.
