ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
As a tower controller, you are responsible for arrival and departure sequencing and
separation. To do this properly, you must be familiar with the rules and procedures
regarding tower separation and sequencing including traffic patterns and runway usage.
The material in this section will not cover all situations. Your facility may have special or
unique operations that will be covered in your facility manuals. You should understand
and be able to use all the procedures for your field. Not knowing or understanding a
procedure while you are controlling usually has a snowball effect that usually has a
negative effect on safety.
Arrival and Departure Sequencing and Separation
Arrival and departure sequencing and separation starts and ends at the runway
environment. As a tower controller, you play a vital role in establishing proper
separation and sequencing. The rules and procedures that you must follow are
contained in Air Traffic Control, FAA Order 7110.65. Remember, your facility may have
unique procedures that have special requirements that you must also be familiar with.
These special requirements are normally published in air operation and facility manuals.
Sequencing and Separation Criteria
When working in a control tower, you will need to know the sequencing and separation
procedures that are outlined in Air Traffic Control, FAA Order 7110.65, Chapter 3,
"Airport Traffic Control."
Objectives
The information in Air Traffic Control, FAA Order 7110.65, Chapter 3, "Airport Traffic
Control" will enable you to:
State the minimum separation standards between arriving aircraft
State those procedures that pertain to fixed-winged departures
State those procedures that pertain to helicopter operations
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