Falcon Field Airport in Mesa has new safety system

Falcon Field is among the first airports in the nation to receive advanced airfield technology as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s surface awareness initiative, a nationwide effort to strengthen runway safety. The project is funded by the FAA.

The new Aerobahn Runway and Surface Safety service, developed by Saab Inc., is an advanced sensor technology that detects aircraft and vehicle movements across the airport surface and displays their positions on control-tower monitoring systems in real time. Installation of four sensors began last November with minimal disruption to airfield operations, it states in a release.

“Safety is our highest priority,” Airport Director Corinne Nystrom said in the release. “Investments like these help ensure our airport continues to meet the highest standards for pilots, tenants and the community we serve”

The SAI program was created in response to the 2023 FAA Safety Call to Action, aimed at strengthening safety measures at airports without airport surface detection equipment.

“The new system provides traffic controllers with greater real-time insight into airfield activity,” Mark Gibbs, airport projects and operations manager, said in the release. “It’s an important addition that strengthens safety and efficiency.”

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the technology’s impact.

“This cost-effective technology provides controllers with timely and accurate depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the entire airfield in all weather conditions,” Whitaker said.

Located in northeast Mesa, Falcon Field Airport was established in 1941 as a World War II pilot training base and now serves as a hub for business, recreational, medical, law enforcement and military aviation. The airport is owned and operated by the city of Mesa. Go to https://www.falconfieldairport.com.