Private pilot Angad Sandhoo told WJAC-TV that flying into the Centre County airport can be more of a challenge than other facilities equipped with staffed control towers.

"It's pilot controlled and as you come in, there's a frequency which all the aircraft announce their intentions,” said Sandhoo. “It’s your responsibility to see what's going on around you and make sure you're listening on that frequency."

The addition of air traffic controllers is welcome news for Life Flight medical helicopter pilot Steve Sprowls.

"Anybody can just fly in, fly out at anytime, so it makes our job a little bit tougher,” said Sprowls. “With the new control tower, it'll just be a more controlled environment. A little bit safer for the airliners, and for us."

University Park Airport Director Bryan Rodgers said the $4 million project is expected to dramatically improve the marketability of the facility.

"It also serves as an economic development, too, in terms of attracting additional airlines and corporate offices,” said Rodgers.

Construction on the 82-foot tall structure is expected to wrap up by November, with plans of controllers staffing the tower by January.

Previous Stories: January 15, 2010: Construction Begins On University Park Airport Control Tower