Changes anticipated at CT airports

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some changes could be coming to six small Connecticut airports if the expected federal budget cuts land on the FAA.

Groton-New London airport may be small, but it is busy and pilots there say they do rely on that extra set of eyes in the sky.

More than 35,000 landings and take-offs on the runways of Groton-New London airport each year, and those who occupy the air traffic control tower, which operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., see most of them.

"They definitely add a level of safety that is highly desired," said Ryan Gauthier, Action Multi-Ratings.

Pilot Ryan Gauthier flies charter planes and gives flying lessons to would-be pilots. When he climbs into the cockpit he knows a true picture of what may be flying overhead is just a radio call away.

"They know where other aircraft are. We just all of a sudden started up we have no idea where other planes are."

However, that second set of eyes could shut down April 7th if the automatic federal budget cuts go into effect. That could leave air traffic controllers out of a job and leave pilots on their own to hit the airwaves before they hit the airways.

"So I would call up that frequency and just make a broadcast as to where I am and what my intentions are so that anyone that's in the area would know," said Gauthier.

Since the pilots will be communicating amongst themselves there also will have to be a higher level of trust among them as to where they are and what their intentions will be.

Communication is key to keeping safe.

Connecticut's congressional delegation says it is working to reverse the sequester and working toward a bi-partisan compromise to avoid what will also be job cuts with these possible closures.