bristolxyz

I agree. If the tower is inoperation. NO planes will take off without an approval from the tower. I can't see how that would work. The Deland field is pretty big. I fly helicopters (out of Ormond) and have come to Deland many times to eat lunch with friends. There have been many times when I have see planes using different runways whenever they want. Flagler is the same way. I've made it a habit to call my position several times as far out as 5-7 miles and many times while on approach. Deland can operate safely without a tower, but there has to be some sort of STANDARD in communication with all aircraft approaching the field. All I know is that if there is a tower, aircraft will have to communicate with the tower during take off and landing. It's just a simple radio call ... OK BYE