AOPA raises concerns about broadcast tower project
In a letter to the head of FAA's Western Pacific region, AOPA is requesting that the FAA seek comments from pilots if the owners of a radio transmission tower located in the traffic pattern at Fullerton Municipal Airport make an attempt to rebuild the tower. The tower was destroyed last month when a Cessna 182 struck it. "Originally built in 1947, prior to the development of FAA's obstruction regulations, this 760-foot-tall radio station tower has contributed to two aircraft accidents and three fatalities over the years. Located one and a half miles from the runway, the tower is an obvious hazard to pilots flying into Fullerton," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "Both collisions with the tower occurred during day VFR conditions." Lack of lighting during day VFR conditions made the tower more difficult to spot, increasing the hazard to pilots flying in the traffic pattern. Two people were killed in the December 19, 2004, accident. An accident in 1970 resulted in one fatality.
January 7, 2005
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