Federal budget jam could make for rough flights

CREATED Feb. 28, 2013

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  • So far Tucson International is not on the list for major cuts but travelers worry cuts to Federal workers could ripple trouble through the air transportation system Video by kgun9.com

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  • The FAA does not list Tucson International's Control Tower as a candidate for cuts, but the tower at Ryan Field, which serves private planes, may close

Reporter: Craig Smith

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Federal workers are so important to the air travel system, the budget battle in Washington could make you worry about some whether you're in for some rocky flights.

So what's the story for flying in and out of Tucson?

Tucson International's control tower depends on Federal Aviation Administration workers to keep air traffic safe.Transportation Safety Administration inspectors check you and your luggage.

Travelers could have a little extra baggage on their minds these days.  With Federal budgets cuts threatening, its easy to worry if there will be back ups and slowdowns, if there are fewer air traffic controllers or TSA inspectors.

Fernando Arenas was fresh off a flight as he told us, "The uncertainty is about the return, whether the flights will be on time whether we'll be stuck here for a long time and so on. Otherwise you feel completely powerless with these political situations debates and so on."

Tucson International is not on the list for Federal Aviation Administration cuts but Tucson International officials says they really can't comment because they're not certain what impact the cuts could ultimately have here.

What will happen to the Federal workers who keep flying safe is a special worry for Joan David.  She says, "I have two nephews who are air traffic controllers and they're low on the pay scale so I don't know what will happen to them."

We do know the FAA is considering closing the control tower for Ryan Airfield. That's the field well west of here that is for private planes.