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.