Good to see that the FAA isn't opposed to using inexpensive solutions
to problems.

-Robert


bob wrote:
click here for the pic:


http://img.viacomlocalnetworks.com/i...e_156170913/lg


Here's the story:

It might look like a makeshift tower you would find in a junkyard, but the
new ramshackle tower being used by air traffic controllers at Opa-Locka
Airport is real and they're just loving it. A real flop house!

Miami Herald confirmed that for the next three years, Opa-Locka Airport's
air traffic tower will consist of a trailer mounted on top of cargo
containers that have been welded together. Workers have to climb a ladder to
get to the tower. A need cut corners arrived after the city's mayor was
caught dipping into airport improvement funds.

Air traffic controllers are delighted the tower is a whopping 33-feet above
the ground, which is not enough to have a view of the entire airfield but
who cares? They are only concerned the trailers might become a projectile
in case of a hurricane.

The old 141-foot tower is being rebuilt as it was too old and falling apart.
However, with an estimated completion date of 2009, it will be at least
three years before workers can move into the permanent site.

Kathleen Bergen, a spokeswoman for the FAA, says it is common to use
temporary towers such as this one at airports. In fact, the administration
has a whole fleet of "trailer towers" it uses for weekend air shows at small
airports without towers and for emergencies. For example, one of their units
was used at Punta Gorda in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, after the
storm damaged the airport tower there.

.