Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for the National Airspace System (NAS)

The document addresses frequently asked questions regarding the Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for the National Airspace System (NAS) program, focusing on funding, vendor information, siting criteria, and operational considerations. The FAA plans to fund the minimum SDA-compliant equipment, installation, and controller training for RTS, while airports are responsible for civil work, mast construction, and maintenance. Raytheon/Frequentis is currently the only vendor with SDA in progress, with approval expected by September 2026. The FAA will contract for RTS purchases but supports airport-negotiated pricing. Siting will involve the vendor, airport, and FAA verification to ensure optimal visibility. Both single and multi-runway airports are eligible, though single-runway airports receive higher evaluation scores initially. The FAA supports both single-airport and multi-airport RTS operations. The program prioritizes rural and small community airports, with funding distribution dependent on the number of qualified respondents. Operational validation will occur at airport sites, separate from the FAA's SDA process.

This Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Non-Fed Airports outlines their collaboration to advance and implement System Design Approval (SDA)-aligned Remote Tower (RT) systems at Non-Fed Airports. The agreement defines roles, responsibilities, and contributions, supporting the FAA's Remote Tower Program and Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiatives. Key goals include deploying operational RT systems, evaluating their performance, and generating data to inform future FAA baselines for RT implementation. The FAA will provide funding for pilot and evaluation purposes, while Non-Fed Airports will contribute in-kind services, including project management and operational staffing. The agreement specifies project management, reporting, intellectual property rights, funding, and termination clauses, emphasizing the non-procurement nature of the

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 693KA8-26-T-00016 for Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for the National Airspace System (NAS). This RFP, dated April 14, 2026, seeks proposals from non-towered airports, particularly those serving rural and small communities, to implement RTS as a cost-effective alternative to traditional Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs). The FAA has approximately $36 million available for this initiative, authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Section 621 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The objective is to enhance safety and efficiency by extending ATCT services to underserved areas using advanced camera and sensor networks. Proposals are due by May 15, 2026, and will be evaluated based on technical approach and cost/price. The FAA encourages cost-sharing and aims to make multiple awards.

This document outlines technical and additional criteria for evaluating proposals related to the implementation of Remote Tower (RT) technologies at airports. The technical criteria assess an airport's infrastructure, operations, and readiness, including runway characteristics, annual operations, existing fiber connectivity, building space for RT control and server rooms, plans for controller and RT system support, partnerships, implementation timeline, and potential safety and economic benefits. Additional criteria focus on the respondent's understanding of the RFP's scope, affiliations with academic institutions, willingness to participate in future FAA research, comprehension of RT system components, benefits and limitations, and maintenance/support requirements. Scoring notes provide detailed guidance for evaluating each criterion, with scores ranging from Unacceptable (1) to Outstanding (5). The document also includes criteria for cost-sharing agreements and detailed financial information to support system maintenance and controller support plans. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive framework for assessing proposals and selecting airports for RT implementation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an RFP (693KA8-26-T-00016) for Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for the National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA aims to enhance safety and efficiency by implementing RTSs as a cost-effective alternative to traditional Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) at rural and small community airports, allocating approximately $36 million. The RFP solicits proposals from non-towered airports to design, deploy, and operate RTSs, emphasizing cost-sharing and adherence to FAA standards. Proposals are due by June 22, 2026, and will be evaluated based on technical approach (more important) and cost/price (including cost-share contributions).