No control tower? No problem, experts say
January 3, 2011, 04:12 pm
Pilots are likely to see a lot of things during their flights and at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, but a control tower isn't one of them.
News station WHSV reports that in fact, many airports lack a tower where a person sits and guides aircraft.
SVRA executive director Greg Campbell told the station that the airport lacking a tower isn't something new. In fact, he told the news outlet that the Federal Aviation Administration has been in charge of monitoring flights in the area for nearly 50 years.
The lack of a tower doesn't make flying more unsafe for general aviation pilots, according to experts. Campbell told the station general aviation pilots are in charge of monitoring other aircraft on their own.
"They're in command of their own aircraft and they're communicating on the general aviation frequency with other pilots that may be in the pattern," says Campbell. "Everyone knows where everyone else is."
Despite such precautions, it is still a good idea to obtain pilot insurance. In the event that a control tower is not present, it is up to pilots to communicate with one another to ensure an accident doesn't occur. Some pilots may not be as diligent about safety standards as they should be.
Are you covered? Are you overpaying? Find out! Get a Quote Now!
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