Two controller Requirement

[JJET44]

Just heard that there is a policy that requires two controllers to be in a control tower at all times.
I've been at many airports early in the AM and late in the PM with a single controller working all frequencies.
Also heard that there was only one controller working in LEX the morning of the CA accident.
Could anybody shed some light on this subject?

 

[Piper877]

There's not a requirement to my knowledge for two controllers to be in the tower at all times. My guess is you were watching CNN and came to that conclusion. The policy that was violated at Lexington required two controllers in order for the tower to provide radar services. If there was only one controller on duty, radar service had to be turned over to Indy Center. Theoretically, under the policy, Lexington tower could run with one controller 24 hours a day as long as they didn't provide radar services from the tower.

 

[seethru]

As far as I'm aware, no controller is required for Part 121 operations. Horizon flies into North Bend (KOTH) which is always an uncontrolled field.

 

[QCappy]

As far as I'm aware, no controller is required for Part 121 operations. Horizon flies into North Bend (KOTH) which is always an uncontrolled field.

You are correct. We also fly into Wenatchee and Pullman that are uncontrolled, and every other small airport we go to late at night/early in the morning that are uncontrolled with the tower closed. But the issue is not a Part 121 requirement, it is a controller requirement.