Tower hours of operation

I was wondering, I got assigned to Scottsdale Airport. When I go to the airport's webpage it says the airport is open 24-7 but the tower's hours of operations are only 6am-9PM. How does that work?

A lot of smaller airports are operational 24-7 but do not staff the tower continuously (i.e., not manned overnight). As such, there are specific procedures in place at airports including but not limited to coverage by an associated tracon or other facilities within the hub

I actually fly out of SDL. Tower personnel staff the tower from 0600-2100 L. When the tower is not open SDL airspace is no longer class D airspace. It is open 24/7, but operated as a uncontrolled aiport at night. During hours when the SDL tower is closed, PHX handles IFR traffic. This is the case with most Delta towers. In fact all Deltas in the Phoenix area (FFZ, IWA, CHD, DVT, GEU, GYR, and even LUF) close at night, meaning that the airspace downgrades.

Have you visited SDL tower yet?? The people up there are great, really laid back and fun. I went and made a visit about a month ago.

__________________
07.31.08~ PUBNAT5
waited
08.29.08~ PUBNAT6
waited
10.29.08~ AT-SAT Authorized
Current~ Patiently Waiting to schedule AT-SAT

I haven't visited yet, I am going to schedule a tower visit here in the next couple of weeks. TBH I was disappointed to get Scottsdale instead of Deer Valley mainly because it means I am going to have a longer commute since there is no way I can afford a house in Scottsdale. But I'm definitely keeping an open mind, last night I was all doom and gloom but I think part of that was just the comedown from the stress and excitement of finding out I made it. Deer Valley would have been really nice since I currently live 10 minutes away from it, but the commute isn't the only thing to consider and I can always transfer to DVT later.

I've practically grown up with the controllers at SDL. They started asking me when I was going to be paid for all the time I spend up there hanging out. Say "hi" to Grumpy Ed. Color me jealous that you got selected for SDL though, too bad I can't swap!

In the scheme of things 15 miles is NOT bad. Especially considering there are only 4 FAA towers in the area and the other 2 are even further from you! Congrats!!

I hear you about not being able to live in the area. I've been commuting 35 miles each way for over a year to the Scottsdale Airpark. Its insane just having to pay for lunch up there, much less paying for a place to stay.

__________________
07.31.08~ PUBNAT5
waited
08.29.08~ PUBNAT6
waited
10.29.08~ AT-SAT Authorized
Current~ Patiently Waiting to schedule AT-SAT

Color me Jealous? How do people think of this? hahaaa, I love it...Congrats on the tower by the way??? Color me jealous, lol...

__________________
ZID Candidate

DVT is alot busier than SDL too... it should be a bit easier and shorter to get checked out at Scottsdale. DVT is the busiest general aviation tower the FAA has. Consider it a gift because VFR towers are the hardest to work IMO.

__________________
~controller since 99'

Don't worry, you'll have plenty of fun sequencing IFR/VFR traffic in and out of SDL.