PASS Regional Vice President Celebrates Groundbreaking of New CLT Tower

Details: Published: June 02, 2016

Today, Dave Spero, regional vice president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), which represents over 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 370-foot-tall air traffic control tower at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Spero was joined by Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.), and other agency and airport representatives and officials.

“Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a key component in the complex system that we call the National Airspace System, and is leading the way in the realization of the Next Generation Air Transportation System,” said Spero during the ceremony. “Thanks to the hard work of technicians represented by PASS and other FAA safety professionals, the advancements being made to the Charlotte Metroplex will translate into fewer delays, greater cost savings for the airlines and a better flying experience for travelers. This new air traffic control facility, combined with the efforts of FAA employees, will only continue Charlotte’s march into the future of aviation.”

Spero took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of maintaining a federal air traffic control system and emphasized PASS’s opposition to air traffic control privatization. “I can say with absolute certainty that we would not be discussing this success today under a privatized model,” he explained. “This facility, this airport and every FAA federal employee are integral to the community here in Charlotte and the overall aviation community. The PASS workforce in Charlotte and nationwide are playing major roles in modernization and development of the aviation system. We are proud partners through all stages of FAA and aviation modernization. Together with the FAA, we are creating a safer and more efficient National Airspace System.”

Construction of the tower and expanded terminal radar approach control (TRACON) building is expected to be complete in 2018, and the facility will be fully operational in 2020.

For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Cigich at 202.293.7277.