Air Traffic Control Tower Celebrates 10 Years

Kissimmee, FL – June 22, 2007 – This year marks the tenth anniversary of the air traffic control tower at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM). The tower opened in 1997 with 78,000 flight operations its first year and has grown to handle more than 170,000 operations annually.

In addition to increasing staff and expanding operating hours, the tower has also continued to make improvements, such as installing a third radio console to utilize additional staffing; installing monitors for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS); and most recently adding a STARS radar display.

As one of the most important features of the tower, the STARS system takes data from the air traffic control radar at Orlando International Airport and relays an image to a display in the Kissimmee control tower. The FAA also added an automated Flight Information Data system that prints flight plan information to notify the tower of inbound aircraft and relay departure clearance information for outbound aircraft.

“We often use the phrase, if you build it they will come,” said Shannon Thomas, air traffic manager. “It has proved true with our largest airplane in 1997 being a King Air twin-engine propeller to handling Gulfstream jets on a regular basis in 2007.”

“The airport control tower and its staff have also immeasurably contributed to the safety, security, and excellent customer service to our airport users,” added Terry Lloyd, director of aviation. Kissimmee Gateway Airport attributes its growth and increase in flight operations to its close proximity to the Orange County Convention Center and the area’s theme parks as well as the success of its flight schools.

About Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Located just eight miles from Walt Disney World and 10 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, Kissimmee Gateway Airport accommodates general aviation air service 24 hours a day with two paved runways, 5,000 and 6,000 feet each. The airport also offers full-service F.B.O.s, flight training, aircraft storage, aircraft restoration, P-51 Mustang pilot training and T-6 Warbird adventure flights, and an industrial park. Its air traffic control tower operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Built in 1942, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the City of Kissimmee. For more information, visit kissimmeeairport.com.

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