The placing of a Federal Aviation Administration-approved light on a proposed 70-foot communications tower near Fort Huachuca has resolved air traffic safety concerns over the tower, allowing Huachuca City residents to keep their cell and internet services. 

The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved Eric Bueschel's plans for a new communication tower, which provides internet and cell services in Huachuca City. The new tower will replace a tower that collapsed during a storm in August and Bueschel's agreement to place proper lighting on the tower prompted the commission's approval of the plan. The previous tower was erected by the property's former owner and unknown to Bueschel, the previous owner had not obtained permits for the original tower. 

The replacement tower, to be located just outside of Fort Huachuca's Hubbard Landing Zone, met with some resistance from Army officials. According to Carol Thompson, Fort Hauchuca's Airfield & Airspace Manager, the area near the tower is used for UAV and pilot training and lies in the flight path of aircraft. Thompson said the military installation was not aware of the previous tower.

“We’re talking about flight safety,” Thompson said in a statement. “We understand the criticality of the internet service, but it’s a concern for the people that fly at Fort Huachuca.”

Bueschel and Fort Huachuca officials came to an agreement prior to the commission's vote based on the FAA compliant obstruction light being installed on the tower.