MDT controller voiced concern regarding the existing MDT TRSA airspace limitations with regard to operations at nearby CXY airport when the CXY tower is closed; suggesting airspace and/or procedural changes.

Date: 2010-06 · Aircraft: PC-12 · Phase: landing

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types

Synopsis

MDT controller voiced concern regarding the existing MDT TRSA airspace limitations with regard to operations at nearby CXY airport when the CXY tower is closed; suggesting airspace and/or procedural changes.

Narrative

We have a TRSA airspace around MDT and an adjacent airport CXY about 3 miles away; which is closed overnight. Before the Contract Tower at CXY opened; a PC12 was on the RNAV 8 approach full stop; cancelling with our Approach Control and terminated from services; as per procedures. Since there is no Class C airspace and no rules governing otherwise; the aircraft without informing anyone circled south off the approach end of Runway 8 to land Runway 26. The aircraft has every right to do so since there is no Class C. This greatly impacts MDT's upwind of Runway 31; completely crossing over it twice. I was working Local and did not have any aircraft that were departing; however this is a really dangerous situation - since the aircraft circles towards MDT's departure corridor. It is only a matter of time until something happens. We really need to have the airspace changed to require these aircraft be in communication with us since the airports are so close in proximity to each other. Recommendation; re-designate the airspace as Class C; so that aircraft operating at CXY must communicate their intentions to MDT Approach Control.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.