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PRESS RELEASE. From San Mateo County District 3 Supervisor Mueller’s Office on February 19th, 2025.
Redwood City, CA – An ongoing delay in negotiations over air traffic control staffing at San Carlos Airport (SQL) has the potential to put the safety of Bay Area residents at risk. Despite an agreement reached between the current contractor and the FAA to extend the current air traffic controller contract for 60 days while negotiations take place with a new contractor, Supervisor Ray Mueller has been informed that meaningful negotiations are not occurring.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that negotiations have not been productive to ensure skyways over San Mateo County are safe”, said San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose district includes the San Carlos Airport. “Given the airport’s proximity to San Francisco International Airport, the FAA must prioritize this air traffic controller agreement. This delay is unacceptable, and we need to see a clear, timely commitment from the FAA and their contractor to finalize these negotiations with the airport’s air traffic controllers. I am told currently the staff is being supplemented with temp air traffic controller support, but this is not sustainable. I am grateful to Congressman Kevin Mullin whom I have been in touch with, who continues to strongly advocate on this issue.”
In response to the ongoing situation, San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell joined Supervisor Mueller in calling for immediate attention to the issue, stating “the safety of our San Carlos community and our regional neighbors is non-negotiable. We urge all parties to act swiftly and decisively to restore long-term air traffic control services at the San Carlos Airport.”
San Carlos Airport is a vital aviation hub, with over 500 aircraft and 25 aviation-related businesses, not to mention its proximity to the busy San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The airport is a critical training ground for aspiring pilots and without air traffic control services, pilots at SQL will be forced to navigate this complex airspace without professional assistance, potentially leading to dangerous situations that could have catastrophic consequences.
As the deadline approaches, airport officials and elected officials are calling on the FAA to expedite the negotiation process and ensure that the San Carlos Airport is staffed with qualified air traffic controllers who are compensated fairly and in accordance with the cost of living in the Bay Area.
Author: mdrag
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