The more-expensive, new Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology would take years to bring to Provo because it still requires not only certification for the hardware itself but for operational certification in Provo.

Billings said the cheaper Beacon Interrogator-6 radar system is certified and would meet the region's needs.

"Some of the support infrastructure is already in place and some of the environmental review has already been done because of the Olympics," he said. "We believe we're talking about a two-to-three-year window in time if we're willing to use this technology."

Billings went to Washington three months ago to meet with FAA officials.

Radar could be the final hurdle to scheduled, commercial air flights in and out of Provo. A $2.2 million air traffic control tower began operations in 2005.

"Commercial airlines need to know that in good weather, in bad weather, they can get in and out," Billings said.

But the case for radar is really one for safety, he said.

"We've had planes go into mountains in Utah County. In my opinion, as a pilot, they very likely could have been assisted by radar and probably avoided those terrible tragedies. It's always hard to say for sure, but being able to guide aircraft over this valley is more than a bragging-rights issue."

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com