Quote:
Originally Posted by jbssfelix
Thanks for the updates! Would moving radar functions to SAT allow for the FAA to give the green light for tighter spacing for inbound flights, or is that still a ways away from being addressed?
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This depends on a lot of things. Currently, the delay for starting up AUS approach control in SAT has to do with the radio frequencies. They were having issues today getting them to work properly.
If they get the frequencies working and certified, we could start providing radar services out of SAT using two different long range radars that the centers use. The operation would go from "one in, one out" to 5 miles between aircraft which is a significant increase in traffic volume, but still not ideal.
The other issue going into tomorrow is the center radars don't provide weather data to display on the scopes. SAT radar only reaches a bit north of San Marcos for weather data, so the rest of the airspace could have thunderstorms and there would be no way for us to know.
The good news is, rumor has it that SAT should be getting AUS radar feed piped in to their system by Friday which would give us normal spacing (3 miles) and weather display. The bad news is, unless the tower has their radar display working, the airport will still be limited in it's departure/arrival rate.