Weather Observers at Austin Airport lack Windows and Internet Access

Inadequate Conditions for Weather Observers

According to federal documents, professional weather observers at ABIA's air traffic control tower do not have windows or internet access to check weather conditions across the region. As a result, these observers are required to physically exit the tower and walk down two flights of stairs to assess current weather conditions. In order to access basic weather data online, they must step outside the tower and use their own iPhones. Experts in meteorology consider this to be an unacceptable situation.

Troy Kimmel, a broadcast meteorologist and professor at UT Austin, expressed his disbelief at the lack of necessary tools for weather observers. He stated that other major Texas airports do not have similar limitations, making the situation in Austin unusual and unsatisfactory.

Limited Access to Technology

While the city of Austin owns the air traffic control tower, the technology and equipment used by the weather observers fall under the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to FAA spokesperson Tammy L. Jones, there have been no reported issues with obtaining weather observations at Austin Tower. However, the weather observers, who are contracted by the FAA and not federal employees, do not have access to authorized devices that would enable them to access weather data and radar information. These details were revealed through documents released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during an investigation into a near-miss incident at ABIA in February 2023.

The lack of internet access within the tower has raised concerns about the observers' ability to perform their jobs effectively. In an interview with a weather observer manager involved in the investigation, he acknowledged that a lack of internet access did make the job more challenging. This sentiment was echoed by John Prator, a veteran weather observer with experience at multiple airports, who confirmed the significant impact of limited technology access on their role.

Criticism and Ongoing Issues

The FAA has already faced criticism regarding staffing shortages in the air traffic control tower in Austin. This has led to mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks for the existing controllers. U.S. Democratic Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar of Texas have condemned the agency for the staffing levels at ABIA, which is part of a wider shortage across the country. Rep. Doggett has called for prompt and decisive actions to address this ongoing issue.