EDITORIAL: Virtual tower for Raleigh County Memorial Airport

An air traffic controller can be seated in a remote location and still be orchestrating planes like a symphony conductor, miles away from an airport, thanks to technology that is now available.

It's a rather new concept that could be a boost for small to medium sized airports that are burdened with costs of building new towers or maintaining facilities on site.

Sensors can pick up equipment and planes on runways and the surrounding areas, as well as nearby airspace. The sensors relay that information back in real time to the controller who communicates with the ground staff and planes.

The sensors are reportedly so sophisticated, they're able to even track birds at airports.

Pilots wouldn't realize any difference in service.

It may sound like we're stepping deeper into an era of video games to older generations, but it's technology that must be explored further.

If it's the best option for the Raleigh County Memorial Airport, then we need to support it.

Because a thriving airport and its service is vital to future growth in our region.

Dr. David Byers, senior development professional for the Florida-based Quadrex Aviation LLC, outlined the concept this week to the Raleigh County Airport Authority.

Building an actual tower at the Beckley-area facility would cost between $2 million and $3 million, and the upkeep would run about $450,000 annually, Byers estimated.

Airport Manager Tom Cochran said the authority would consider the idea.

Whether or not this is the way that our airport is going, it's great to see that the Raleigh County Airport Authority is willing to pursue every avenue to ensure that we're looking at all options while staying on the cutting edge -- not for technology sake, but for economics sake.

Because maintaining adequate commercial air service and further developing our regional airport to handle additonal expansion is paramount to southern West Virginia's future.

Copyright 2012 - The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.