San Bernardino Airport Deploys Collins Tower MicroElite System | Aviation International News

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San Bernardino Deploys Collins Tower MicroElite System

First installation follows FAA approval for airborne position reference tool

Collins Tower MicroElite display screen — Collins Aerospace's MicroElite display for air traffic controllers working at contract or non-federal control towers.

By Matt Thurber

October 20, 2026

California’s San Bernardino International Airport (KSBD) is the first airfield to implement Collins Aerospace’s Tower MicroElite (TME) system, an FAA-approved airborne position reference tool. The approval allows airports to deploy TME at eligible FAA contract tower airports and privately operated air traffic control facilities.

TME enhances situational awareness at towers without access to FAA traffic feeds such as radar or other surveillance systems, so controllers must rely on visual observation of air traffic. “Many smaller airports rely on visual observation and radio calls to control traffic,” said Nicole White, v-p and general manager of connected aviation at Collins Aerospace. “TME provides true real-time modern surveillance.”

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