An advocate for contract controllers disagreed that contract controllers were less likely to report errors . Contract towers have lower costs , same safety standards as FAA - approved towers , study finds . Controllers at contract towers must meet aviation safety , medical standards . Contract towers began after Reagan 's 1981 firing of striking workers .
Contract towers have lower costs , same safety standards as FAA - approved towers , study finds . Controllers at contract towers must meet aviation safety , medical standards . Contract towers began after Reagan 's 1981 firing of striking workers .