FAA reportedly wants to cut weather observation jobs, offices
Federal Aviation Administration documents obtained by the Portland CBS affiliate indicate the agency plans to cut jobs in Portland, Bangor and 55 other cities.
Weather observers help assure pilots are getting accurate weather information as they takeoff and land. The Bangor Daily News, which reported the story from WGME, said weather observers are concerned the proposed cuts could make flying in and out of Maine’s airports dangerous.
The newspaper said that the airports in Portland and Bangor use an automated weather observing system. However, the National Weather Service, which jointly runs the automated systems with the FAA, said the system has limitations, so the FAA uses five trained and certified weather observers in Portland and seven in Bangor.
The FAA said in a statement to WGME that it will conduct safety reviews at the total of 57 sites, with reviews in the Portland and Bangor airports expected this year.
The BDN said Jetport Director Paul Bradbury said he “doesn’t have a position on the FAA proposal.”
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