CHAPTER 9
CONTROL TOWER OPERATIONS
At any location where terminal Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations are conducted, the
control tower is the hub of the ATC complex. From this hub all clearances for landings
and takeoffs originate. This is the case even though the aircraft may be under the direct
control of a RADAR approach control or Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) facility.
The tower local controller is the final authority in determining the use of the runway.
When both Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) air traffic are
arriving and departing, the tower controller takes and coordinates actions needed to
blend these operations into an orderly flow of traffic.
When working in Tower environment, you will need to know the general information that
is outlined in AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL Order 7110.65, Chapter 3 ―Airport Traffic Control
Terminal.‖
Your job as the air traffic controller is to effect the safe, orderly, expeditious movement
of aircraft. You must also control vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the airfield. To do
these jobs, you use radios and other signaling devices to provide information and
instructions relative to the traffic and airport conditions.
This chapter introduces you to the primary duties of a tower controller and to the control
procedures you must use.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The material in this chapter will enable you to:
Identify the operating positions in a basic control tower
Identify responsibilities of control tower personnel for each operating position
Identify general procedures applicable to control tower operations
Identify the component parts of standard traffic patterns
State the landing and sequencing information given to pilots
TOWER OPERATING POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This section covers the operating procedures and responsibilities of control tower
personnel. This is basic information; for more detailed information, refer to NATOPS Air
Traffic Control Facilities Manual, NAVAIR 00-80T-114.
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