Councilwoman Peggy Neely's
Arizona Republic Letter to the Editor
Phoenix and Scottsdale Working Together on Aviation Safety
Phoenix and Scottsdale are working together on important aviation issues that will improve safety. The Phoenix-Deer Valley Airport and the Scottsdale Airport, two of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, are literally “joined at the hip.” But until now they have lacked comprehensive radar coverage. We are making progress toward solutions, cooperating on a new radar system.
Both airports experience significant delays on a regular basis. Once an aircraft falls below 6,000 feet at Phoenix-Deer Valley or 3,000 feet at Scottsdale, the aircraft is no longer visible to air traffic controllers. So the airports need to communicate take offs and landings as if they were occurring from the same airport. For example, a Scottsdale departure must wait until a Phoenix-Deer Valley arrival has landed before the Scottsdale departure can be cleared for take off. Improved radar would eliminate the need for that extra step.
That is why the two cities are working with the FAA on the installation of an Airport Surveillance Radar 11 (ASR 11) system. Last month, Phoenix City Council approved the FAA installing the ASR 11 system at the Union Hills Service Center in north Phoenix. It is estimated to be operational by November 2007. The new radar will improve safety and allow for increased capacity at both airports. This will assure that both airports continue their roles as key economic engines for the area.
Councilman Robert Littlefield
