After a series of near-misses and safety concerns, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will be the first in the nation to get an advanced tower simulator. The Federal Aviation Administration announced the news on Monday. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released a statement praising the change. “After multiple near-misses at ABIA, I’m pleased the Federal Aviation Administration has prioritized us for updated safety equipment and installed the nation’s first Advanced Tower Simulator at our airport. This is a modest first step in improving safety for travelers and enhancing training for air traffic controllers, who are often overworked, overwhelmed, and understaffed,” said Doggett. “For months, I’ve been working with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure our air traffic controllers have the resources and support they need, and I look forward to continue working with the Biden administration to build on this progress.” The tower simulation system is used to train controllers and is already operational at the airport. The FAA plans to install similar systems in 95 other facilities by the end of 2025.
Elizabeth Pagano is the editor of the Austin Monitor. More by Elizabeth Pagano