ATC
DOT Report Shows Value of FAA Contract Towers

Across the U.S., in all but four states, there are no fewer than 250 airport towers operated by non-FAA controllers employed by three private FAA contractors. The towers provide ATC services to a wide range of users, including general aviation, passenger and cargo airlines and the military. Yet while almost all pilots will have used their services, many, and perhaps most, pilots are likely unaware that the person at the other end of the radio is not an FAA employee. (Contract towers are listed in Appendix B at http://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/5854)