Author Topic: 28 DEC 2021 ~2300Z: KBUR (Burbank, CA) goes ATC Zero  (Read 3078 times)

Offline n0qxw

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 31
28 DEC 2021 ~2300Z: KBUR (Burbank, CA) goes ATC Zero
« on: December 28, 2021, 09:27:25 PM »
Tipped off by a friend to this, digging in the archives now for audio and cause.  Placeholder until I have more or until management moves/deletes the thread

FAA NOTAM search indicates tower closed 0018-0330Z, and was published at 0049Z.  Initial scan of audio sounds like SOCAL Approach went to a one-in, one-out policy for KBUR as well.



Offline n0qxw

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 31
Re: 28 DEC 2021 ~2300Z: KBUR (Burbank, CA) goes ATC Zero
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2021, 10:11:21 PM »
Here's a trimmed audio file.  The first exchange appears to be KBUR Tower with an aircraft preparing for departure notifying them of the closure "for cleaning" and "at least two hours".  The second item is the actual ATC Zero announcement from KBUR Tower.  Interesting to hear that they note "VFR Traffic is not allowed during the ATCT closure."  -- I couldn't find a NOTAM or TFR referring to that.

No other traffic in the 2300-2330Z archive was interesting enough to include in the clip.  Also, as I listen to a live feed, they *JUST* re-opened the tower as of 0309Z.

My guess after the fact?  Given the timing, etc, and the fact that KBUR appears to be manned 24/7, I'm guessing that someone caught COVID, and they were doing a disinfection run in the tower.