Fort Smith, Ark. – Fort Smith Mayor George McGill visited the Fort Smith Regional Airport Air Traffic Control Tower for a behind-the-scenes look at the operations that play a vital role in keeping the skies safe.
The tower operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a team of 22 controllers working in two shifts.
During the overnight hours, when the local tower is closed, the Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center assumes responsibility for monitoring the airspace.
Airport officials noted that the Fort Smith facility was recently upgraded to a Level 7 tower.
The upgrade came largely as a result of the Foreign Military Sales program, which uses the airport and surrounding airspace for pilot training exercises.
City leaders expressed appreciation for the work of the air traffic controllers, highlighting their dedication and skill in ensuring safe and efficient flights for both civilian and military aircraft operating in the area.