A RAL Tower Controller reported Runway 16/34 south end is not visible from the Tower so the FAA prohibits the use of this runway resulting in aircraft having to land in very strong crosswinds when the wind is from the east. Previously a camera was installed to view this area but is out of service and FAA has not repaired the camera.

Narrative

This airport is subject to strong Santa Ana winds from the north at certain times of the year; for which Runway 16/34 was built. Most GA aircraft can handle this configuration in a strong wind. However; there are buildings and vegetation obscuring the south 1400 feet of this runway from Tower view. Decades ago; the FAA installed a remote camera with a view down the runway with a monitor in the Tower cab to assist in preventing vehicle or pedestrian incursions. We are not allowed to use the camera as an aircraft separation device per the FAA; and it is written into our SOP's. Last October (2021); the camera failed. Since then; for over a year; the FAA has refused to repair the device as they cannot find any rule that permits its use. After multiple inquiries from Tower personnel asking when we would have a camera to resume safe operations on Runway 16/34; the FAA produced a letter prohibiting the use of Runway 16/34 for fixed wing aircraft UFN (until further notice). As far as we know; nothing has been done and we have no feedback. We are now in the Santa Ana season; and have had several cumulative days of north winds. We cannot designate 16/34 as the active runway despite the wind favoring its use. Aircraft must land on the cross Runway 9/27; in very strong crosswinds. The local pilots are asking why we cannot clear them to land on the safer runway; and we have no answer. Some of the landings/takeoffs I have seen with these strong crosswinds have been scary; to say the least. We have six flight schools at this airport; with pilots of little experience. It is a matter of time before an accident occurs. The FAA must immediately resolve this unsafe situation largely caused by their own hand.