Regional Affairs

Radio tower at Fullerton collapses, again

The KFI radio tower being rebuilt near Fullerton Municipal Airport in Fullerton, Calif., collapsed on March 18 because of what seem to be construction-related factors, according to an article in The Orange County Register. AOPA is using the recent collapse to support its position that the tower should not be rebuilt under the traffic pattern at the airport and has requested that the FAA rethink its position on the tower. AOPA and local pilots had opposed the rebuilding of the tower, which was destroyed during a fatal accident in 2004 when a Cessna 182 struck it, because it is a hazard to air navigation. However, the FAA said it would allow the tower to be rebuilt if it was painted and lit with a dual obstruction lighting system.

March 21, 2008