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Welcome to USCTA
We created the U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA) in 1996 to promote the FAA’s Contract Tower (FCT) Program. Today, 256 airports around the country participate in this public-private-partnership that has a strong track record of enhancing aviation safety.
For almost 30 years, USCTA has successfully advocated for our members on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration, and other federal agencies. We also help to educate the DOT Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office, and others on the benefits of the FCT program.
With help from our members, USCTA has scored some notable victories for contract towers recently including securing $205.4 million for the FCT Program in Fiscal Year 2024. That record-level funding is almost $18 million more than the previous year. And we’re on track to receive even higher funding in Fiscal Year 2025.
Meanwhile, the FAA is continuing to distribute grants to contract tower airports after we convinced Congress to provide at least $300 million to upgrade aging contract towers in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Contract tower airports may also receive an additional $500 million in BIL funding in the years ahead.
USCTA proudly serves our members, and we strive to provide timely updates on these and other legislative and regulatory issues. The association also holds an annual conference in Washington, DC – a must attend event for members wanting to hear directly from key administration officials, FCT contractors, vendors, and other airport leaders.
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about USCTA and the FCT program. We look forward to hearing from you!
For almost 30 years, USCTA has successfully advocated for our members on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration, and other federal agencies. We also help to educate the DOT Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office, and others on the benefits of the FCT program.
With help from our members, USCTA has scored some notable victories for contract towers recently including securing $205.4 million for the FCT Program in Fiscal Year 2024. That record-level funding is almost $18 million more than the previous year. And we’re on track to receive even higher funding in Fiscal Year 2025.
Meanwhile, the FAA is continuing to distribute grants to contract tower airports after we convinced Congress to provide at least $300 million to upgrade aging contract towers in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Contract tower airports may also receive an additional $500 million in BIL funding in the years ahead.
USCTA proudly serves our members, and we strive to provide timely updates on these and other legislative and regulatory issues. The association also holds an annual conference in Washington, DC – a must attend event for members wanting to hear directly from key administration officials, FCT contractors, vendors, and other airport leaders.
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about USCTA and the FCT program. We look forward to hearing from you!
Resources
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Do you need to know how to contact your regional FAA Contract Tower official? Our directory of agency staff members is updated regularly to ensure you have immediate access to the information and support you need, whenever you need it.
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Review the FAA Contract Tower Program Construction Data Base (as of June 2024).
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Background on FAA Contract Tower Program
USCTA Alerts
USCTA Alerts
Airport Alert
Airport Alert: ROTOR Act Fails in House; Committee Action on ALERT Act Could Come as Soon as Next Week
The House of Representatives fails to provide the two-thirds majority needed to approve the Senate-passed Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act.
02/24/2026
Airport Alert
Airport Alert: Status Update About TSA PreCheck Lanes
This morning, TSA held a call with AAAE and other aviation industry associations to provide additional information about DHS’ announcement that they were closing PreCheck lanes.
02/22/2026
Regulatory Alert
Regulatory Alert: FAA Releases Updated Airport Compliance Manual
FAA releases an update to FAA Order 5190.6, known as the “Airport Compliance Manual."
02/20/2026
Questions? Contact Us!
To learn more about USCTA or to become a member, contact:
Brad Van Dam
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
brad.vandam@aaae.org
703.797.2534
Special thanks to our sponsor:
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