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Airport manager warns of tower staffing shortfall, eyes contract tower as equipment arrives
Summary
Airport manager Andy Jones told the Elkhart City Airport Board that new control-tower equipment is arriving and that staffing strains after the chief controller's planned departure may force the city to consider a contract tower; he also outlined safety training, recent repairs and a generator insurance claim.
Andy Jones, the airport manager, told the Elkhart City Airport Board that "more and more equipment is arriving" for the air traffic control tower and he is "still hopeful" the facility can begin operations within about 30 days.
Jones said the airport faces staffing pressures after Chief Controller Michael Judd informed him he is leaving for a training position at Chicago O'Hare: "He's been a great asset to the airport," Jones said, adding that the airport currently has two full-time controllers and one part-time controller on staff and is exploring whether the tower could become a contract tower operated by a third party that would bring its own controllers and possibly provide budget savings.
Why it matters: Tower staffing affects the hours the airport can offer tower services and can shift responsibilities for airfield safety and communications. Jones told the board that if the tower is unmanned, pilots are directed to another frequency and South Bend provides air traffic services for the field.
Jones also reviewed recent maintenance and safety work. He said a new roof was installed on the Yotelos Hangar but that tearing off the old roof revealed rotten rafters and that a change order was required to replace structural members. Jones reported a lightning strike damaged circuit boards on a generator used for airfield lighting; the contractor's report was submitted to the insurer and "they've authorized payment," which board members recorded as "just a little over $9,000." (A board member read the contractor's figure as "just a little over 9,000.")
In response to the recent high-profile accident at LaGuardia, Jones said the airport is "instituting additional training" and will schedule exercises with the local fire department. He also said the airport has prepared an updated map that clearly designates runways, taxiways and buildings to provide to first responders.
Board members asked operational questions about ground-vehicle procedures and radio communications. Jones confirmed that maintenance and other ground vehicles must radio the tower and read back instructions before entering aircraft movement areas to prevent confusion. "I monitor the radio there," he said.
Next steps: Jones said staff will continue work on staffing plans, explore the contract-tower option, monitor repairs and training outcomes, and bring any required procurement or contract actions back to the board for formal approval.
