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PRESS RELEASES. From San Mateo County Airport Manager, Gretchen Kelly, and Airport Communications Manager, Davi Howard on January 30th, 2025.
Beginning on Saturday, February 1st, the San Carlos Federal Contract Tower will be unstaffed (ATC-Zero).
The Airport, in collaboration with SCAPA and SCFC, has been in continuous communication with the FAA regarding the transition of air traffic service providers for the San Carlos Federal Contract Tower. This morning, we were informed by FAA Headquarters that the SQL tower will be unstaffed (ATC-Zero) starting Saturday, February 1st.
The FAA has awarded a new contract for air traffic services at SQL to Robinson Aviation (RVA). However, the contract does not include locality pay to account for the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result, RVA’s employment offers to current SQL controllers were significantly lower than their current compensation under SERCO. Understandably, all current controllers have declined RVA’s offers.
Our controllers last day at SQL will be Friday, January 31st – if you have the chance, please thank them for the excellent service they have provided at SQL for the past year.
Given that the FAA is ultimately responsible for ensuring air traffic services at SQL, we requested temporary FAA staffing for the tower—a solution currently being implemented at Eagle Airport in Colorado during its transition from SERCO to RVA. However, the FAA informed us this morning that they will not provide temporary personnel for SQL.
What Are We Doing?
- The Airport has been told it will receive daily updates from FAA Headquarters regarding SQL tower staffing – we will forward pertinent updates to keep you all informed on the status of staffing in the SQL tower.
- We are working closely with Congressman Mullin’s office to push the FAA to meet its obligation to provide air traffic services at SQL.
- Lastly, we are actively exploring all options to return the SQL tower to SERCO or FAA staffing.
How You Can Help
To emphasize the critical need for high-quality ATC services at SQL—given our high traffic volume, IFR arrivals/departures, extensive flight training, complex airspace, and proximity to SFO—we encourage you to file FAA Hotline complaints to raise awareness of this urgent issue.
Important Reminders
- Check NOTAMs before flying.
- Review and follow procedures for Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations at SQL.
- Please continue to follow our Voluntary Noise Abatement Procedures.
We’ll keep you updated on this important issue as we learn more. Feel free to reach out with any questions at [email protected]; Gretchen Kelly, Airport Manager.
PRESS RELEASE. January 30th, 2025.
Ensuring Continued Safety at San Carlos Airport (SQL) Amid Air Traffic Services Transition
San Carlos, CA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a new contract for air traffic services at San Carlos Airport (SQL) to Robinson Aviation (RVA). While this transition introduces operational changes, the County of San Mateo and its Airports division want to reassure the public that safety remains our highest priority. Airport operations at SQL continue without disruption, and pilots remain well-trained in non-towered airport procedures. Additionally, the surrounding airspace remains under the direct oversight of the FAA’s Northern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (NorCal TRACON).
Negotiations are actively underway to resolve this matter and ensure SQL continues to be staffed with highly qualified air traffic professionals. Both the FAA and RVA remain committed to upholding the highest safety and operational standards throughout this process.
The County of San Mateo and its Airports division appreciate the community’s patience and support during this transition and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and reliability of air travel at San Carlos Airport.
The County and Airports understands that the controllers and RVA have nearly reached agreement, and there will likely be no lapse in air traffic control services.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Davi Howard, Airports communications manager; dhoward@smcgov,org
Author: Coastside Buzz
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