Questions Raised Over Radar Limitations and Airspace Coordination
In the video, the pilot also pointed out a critical issue: the air traffic control tower at Minot International Airport lacks radar and relies solely on visual guidance. He noted that the nearby Minot Air Force Base is equipped with radar, which raises concerns about communication and coordination. “Hey, there’s also a B-52 in the pattern,” he remarked, expressing frustration that no one had issued a prior alert about the bomber’s presence.
NBC News aviation analyst Jeff Guzzetti confirmed that many smaller airports in the U.S. operate without radar. These airports often coordinate with nearby radar-equipped facilities, which in this case could include the adjacent Air Force base. Guzzetti explained that Minot’s airport qualifies as a “contract tower,” meaning that its air traffic controllers are not federal employees but are contractors hired by the FAA — often retired professionals. There are 265 such towers across the United States.
Guzzetti emphasized that the presence or absence of a larger radar or federal staffing is not the central issue. Instead, he pointed to the importance of communication. “I wouldn’t think that you would need a more powerful radar system or a larger tower to prevent things like this,” he said. “I just think that you need good coordination between the military base and the local civilian airport to work together to avoid these types of near misses.”
The incident involving Delta Flight 3788 and a B-52 bomber has reignited concerns about coordination between military and civilian air traffic operations, especially at smaller regional airports. While no one was injured, the event served as a reminder of the vital importance of communication in shared airspace. SkyWest continues to investigate, and the U.S. Air Force has indicated it is reviewing the reports surrounding the encounter.
