NO NEED TO JUMP THE GUN ON CLOSING OF AIRPORT TOWER

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering closure of 23 air-traffic control towers nationwide. Cape Girardeau Regional Airport is among the airports on the list of potential closures. At this point, there is no reason to sound the panic button. There is no formal recommendation on the table.

But it is good to see the city staff going on the offensive to try and divert such a move. Frankly, the airport could continue operations without a tower. A number of airports the size of Cape Girardeau with commuter service do just that. But a tower closing would certainly take its toll.

The tower plays a role in terms of safety by coordinating traffic both on the ground and in the air. Without a tower, the city's commuter airline, Trans World Express, and corporate pilots would be faced with higher liability insurance. And that would drive up operating expenses.

Air Evac, the city's new fixed based operator, has discussed the possibility of a flight training school at the Cape Girardeau Airport. It would be good for the airport and Cape Girardeau. The tower's safety management becomes all the more crucial when talking about pilot trainees.

The city's new airport manager, Greg Chenoweth, arrived on the job this week. He thinks the best defense is a good offense. He plans to work on getting the airport's cost/ratio numbers up, which could thwart further talks about closing the tower. The city has also called upon Congressman Bill Emerson to lend his support.

The new airport manager knows the benefits of a tower. Chenoweth comes from Hutchinson, Kan., which has a FAA-run tower. Cape Girardeau's airport tower staff includes city employees contracted by the FAA. The workers are specially trained. Cape Girardeau actually operates its tower more efficiently, spending about $170,000 annually. That is far less than the $250,000-a-year average cost for such operations nationwide.

As a last resort, the tower could remain open with city dollars. That is the case in Jefferson City.

The Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport has been flying high in recent months with a new fixed base operator and other investment plans there. Obviously there are many supporters of aviation who hope the tower closing can be averted so the airport can continue its upward climb.