Uncertainty lingers around air traffic controllers’ contracts in San Carlos

It wasn’t until after this press release on Wednesday that there was movement in negotiations, Mueller said.

“Given the airport’s proximity to San Francisco International Airport, the FAA must prioritize this air traffic controller agreement,” Mueller said in the Feb. 19 statement. “This delay is unacceptable, and we need to see a clear, timely commitment from the FAA and their contractor to finalize these negotiations with the airport’s air traffic controllers.”

The San Carlos Federal Contract Tower is operated by a private company that adheres to the Federal Aviation Administration’s standards and regulations. The FAA awarded the new contract for manning the tower to Robinson Aviation, a company based in Oklahoma, that was supposed to be in effect by Feb. 1.

However, all of its controllers resigned, opting to not accept the proposed employment contract by Robinson Aviation, as its pay was “significantly lower” than it was with former contractor SERCO, Airport Manager Gretchen Kelly said previously.

“RVA is contractually responsible for ensuring the continuity of air traffic services when it takes over,” a FAA spokesperson wrote in a statement. “However, RVA informed the FAA it has been unable to hire controllers to work at San Carlos.”

The resignation of controllers, who declined RVA’s employment offers, led to the potential of an indefinitely unstaffed control tower. To mitigate this, the FAA extended the prior contract with SERCO for 60 more days — until April 15 — as negotiations continue.

However, Mueller received word that these negotiations were not being conducted efficiently. San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell joined Mueller in applying pressure, calling for immediate action.

“The safety of our San Carlos community and our regional neighbors is non-negotiable,” McDowell said in the Feb. 19 press release. “We urge all parties to act swiftly and decisively to restore long-term air traffic control services at the San Carlos Airport.”

Airport representatives are not involved in the negotiations, and they have not been made aware of the status by controllers or contractors. An RVA employee said they were told not to speak to the media. SERCO was not able to be reached for comment.

As an elected representative of the area, Mueller said it is his responsibility to apply pressure at the federal level to advocate for the region’s safety.

“If it stalls again, we will place pressure again. That’s my job,” Mueller said.

The concern at the San Carlos airport localizes national questioning over FAA staffing shortages and safety. This also follows the midair collision between an Army helicopter and jet plane in Washington, D.C., last month. The staffing at the air traffic control tower near the midair collision was “unusual,” The Associated Press reported previously, citing a report from the FAA.