Opa Locka Tower has unsafe working conditions

---

By patco
Posted: 06-05-2009



Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, Inc.
161 SW Willow Lake Trail
Stuart, Florida 34997
Office (772) 283-3369 Fax (772) 286-4154


Date: June 4, 2009


To: Mr. Wil Mowdy,Vice President
Robinson Aviation Inc (RVA)
5608 Craindale Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819

Re: Opa Locka Tower


Dear Mr. Mowdy:

The air traffic controllers at Opa Locka tower have been working in a make shift temporary control tower for quite some time, pending the on going construction of a new tower that is projected to be open by late 2010. This temporary tower is located in the middle of the airfield, and consists of a retro fitted family travel trailer, stacked on top of metal cargo containers.

This temporary tower requires evacuation when wind speeds reach 40mph, thus it is unsafe during periods of thunderstorms, high winds and lightning. Since the controllers are working in the middle of the airfield, the closest safe building for them to evacuate to during periods of severe inclement weather is the fire station, ? mile away.

PATCO would like to know what ?real time? safe protection shelter RVA intends to provide to the air traffic controllers during periods of severe weather, which during this time of year can pop up on a moments notice, without any warning.

Sincerely,



Ron Taylor
President

Links to this story:
Makeshift Opa-Locka Air Tower Raises Safety Concerns - WFOR South Florida - Truveo Video Search