A new 306-foot air traffic control tower is being built at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, poised to be Alaska’s tallest structure. Funded by the FAA, not the airport, it will replace a 1978 tower that’s no longer up to par. Designed by Stantec, the tower includes a larger operator cab and cutting-edge radar to handle growing traffic at the airport, nearby Lake Hood seaplane base, and local military facilities. The height is essential for full visibility of the runway complex, prioritizing function over record-breaking. Design work is slated to finish by May 2024, with construction to follow soon after. This upgrade will boost safety and efficiency for Anchorage’s air traffic operations.

How Air Traffic Control Works by HowStuffWorks explains the complex system used in the United States to ensure the safe movement of aircraft. The article details the various airspace divisions, such as centers and TRACONs, and the corresponding air traffic control facilities, including the ATCSCC, ARTCC, TRACON, ATCT, and FSS. It follows a typical flight from preflight to landing, describing the roles of different controllers like the flight data person, ground controller, local controller, departure controller, and approach controller. The text also touches upon the training required to become a controller and the challenges facing the air traffic control system due to increasing air travel.

Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO), is stepping down after 40 years of federal service, according to Fox Business. His resignation comes amid growing scrutiny of the ATO, heightened by recent safety incidents, including a fatal mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport (DCA). The FAA noted that Arel’s retirement was planned, but it coincides with safety-driven changes at DCA, such as replacing the air traffic control management team in response to NTSB concerns. The New York Post also highlighted this development in its trending news coverage.

JO 7110.65BB serves as a comprehensive and detailed guide for air traffic controllers, establishing standardized procedures for a wide range of ATC operations. The order prioritizes safety, efficiency, and the orderly flow of air traffic through clear guidelines on communication, separation, flight planning, emergency handling, and the use of both radar and nonradar techniques, as well as modern automation systems. The periodic revisions, even for minor editorial changes, demonstrate the FAA's commitment to maintaining an up-to-date and accurate procedural manual for its air traffic controllers.