Rehberg Fights Proposed Billings Air Traffic Cutback

Rehberg Fights Proposed Billings Air Traffic Cutback
March 1, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today urged Federal Aviation Administrator Marion Blakey to "reconsider" a proposal to cut back on air traffic control hours at Billings Logan International. Rehberg called the cost-cutting plan a potential "security risk" and "economic burden" to the region.

"I think if we can get them to understand the growing importance of Billings Logan, not only to the community, but also to the four-state region, we can get them to continue the existing 24-hour service," Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said. "The proposal doesn't make sense for Logan, which is seeing a growth in passenger and cargo operations. Plus, the city of Billings still has the region's most prominent medical services and facilities. Emergencies don't wait for daylight hours."

As part of the administration's 2006 budget, the FAA has proposed a 16% cut in spending on air-traffic control facilities and equipment. The agency has included Billings Logan International among a list of airports singled out for scaled-back air traffic control service.

"Silencing activities between the hours of midnight to 5:00 a.m. will pose both a security risk to the region and an economic burden on the community, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal," Rehberg wrote. "The activities of Billings Logan International and weight of responsibility it bears for this already underserved region necessitates a 24-hour operational availability at the airport."

LETTER ATTACHED

March 1, 2005

The Honorable Marion C. Blakey, Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20591

Dear Ms. Blakey,

It has come to my attention that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed cutting back on overnight air traffic control hours at Billings Logan International Airport. However, silencing activities between the hours of midnight to 5:00 a.m. will pose both a security risk to the region and an economic burden on the community, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal.

As Montana's busiest airport, Logan supports seven national and regional airlines, multiple air freight companies, and a large general aviation community. Another critical role that Logan fulfills in the region is hosting frequent medical flight operations. The city of Billings boasts the most advanced health care services in the four-state area, having two fully equipped hospitals, over forty clinics, and hundreds of physicians offering every major medical specialty and a complete range of surgical services and emergency care.

The city's primary trade area is one of the largest in the U.S., spanning in excess of 125,000 square miles, which makes Billings the major trade, service, and energy center in the region. For that reason, Logan has seen a tremendous passenger growth phase over the past year, recording record enplanement activity.

Having only one air carrier runway, however, Logan must conduct much of its airfield maintenance and construction activities during the evening hours in an effort to avoid conflicts with its daily flight activity. In addition, the need to monitor runway conditions during inclement weather makes the tower's full-time operation imperative.

In short, the activities of Billings Logan International and weight of responsibility it bears for this already underserved region necessitates a 24-hour operational availability at the airport.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Member of Congress

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mt00_rehberg/030105_BillingsAirTraffic.html