As far as ATCis concerned,

"The new FAA air traffic control tower at Newark has been named in honor of
the nation's first air traffic controller, William J. Conrad.

In 1929 Mr. Conrad developed the use of flags and signal lamps to direct
aircraft movements at Newark Airport. He was the first person to man the
wooden tower subsequently built to signal aircraft. As air traffic
increased in the 1930's, the Federal Government established rules for
controlling air traffic, many at Conrad's suggestion. Before World War 2,
when controllers were finally licensed by the government, Conrad was issued
ticket # 4 which distressed him greatly. (The first three went to personnel
in Cleveland who had radios to direct aircraft movements.) Before he
retired he supervised construction of the 14 story glass and concrete tower
that was built in 1960 and demolished 2004 after the new tower was
commissioned. His suggestions have also been incorporated in the new
tower's design."

As far as airport protection strategies are concerned, one thing came up
that is interesting. Apparently if an airport accepts Federal airport
improvement money to buy land, there is a covenent requirement to keep the
airport in operation as an airport "in perpetuity", not just for the 20
years that normal Federal improvement grants trigger. This certainly
suggests a strategy: Apply for a grant to buy land to expand the airport
(doesn't have to be a big expansion, it would appear), and then the Feds
will help protect the airport. Interesting.

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)


"Joe Johnson" wrote in message
.. .

IIRC, ATC was started at EWR. Is that correct?

How did the meeting go? Any new strategies for keeping the NIMBY crowd
and
developers away?