New control tower takes shape Published Feb. 9, 2011 By Clarence Miller Airfield Operations Manager DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- A new control tower is being built because the old control tower has reached the end of its serviceable life. With all the new computer based systems that have been introduced into Air Traffic Control, the old control tower infrastructure has more than reached its capacity to handle the new systems, particularly in the areas of electronic capability and HVAC. The new control tower will be approximately 30 feet higher to the base of the operations floor. It will give the controllers a much better view of the airfield in general. The new tower will have the capacity to handle all of the electronic systems that are presently on line and the capability to handle any new systems that may be developed. It will have enhanced fiber-optic cable capability and an HVAC system that is specifically designed to handle the load of electronic systems. From a practical standpoint, it will be equipped with an elevator, something the old control tower did not have. There are 27 air traffic controllers assigned to Dobbins ARB with somewhere between four and five on duty in the facility at any one time. The new tower should be operational sometime early this summer.
