Sequester Impacts Could Be Felt Locally
Sequester budget cuts would affect Oklahoma, Tulsa area
BY DAVID HARPER World Staff Writer
Friday, March 01, 2013
Furloughs for local federal workers and the overnight closing of the tower at Tulsa International Airport are among the possible effects of anticipated “sequestration” budget cuts
Tulsa International Airport usually has only six to eight commercial flights arriving between 10 p.m. and midnight, with the last departure by a commercial flight usually occurring before 9 p.m., said Alexis Higgins, deputy marketing director for the airport.
Several cargo flights typically arrive and depart around 2:30 a.m., she said. At least two air-traffic controllers are on duty at Tulsa International during the overnight hours, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Higgins said flights could still use the airport during the wee hours even if the decision is made by the FAA to close the tower overnight. Pilots could use open-frequency channels to communicate with each other, she said.