Tower positions
In direct communication with the aircraft (LC or GC)
Tower associate positions
Local assist, ground assist, local associate, or ground associate
Tower cab coordinator position
(CC) commonly referred to as coordinator
Flight data
(FD) flight data
Clearance delivery
(CD) commonly referred to as coordinator
Main duties of local control (LC)
-Separating aircraft on the same and intersecting runways including arrivals and departures
-issuing landing and takeoff clearance
-wake turbulence separation standards are maintained
-resolving emergency and special situations
-coordinate with ground for
Main duties of ground control (GC)
-separation of aircraft and vehicles operating on the ramp, taxiways, and inactive runways
-aircraft taxing for takeoff
-aircraft taxiing in after landing
-ground vehicles operating on airport movement areas
-excludes areas solely reserved for vehicular t
Main duties of clearance deliver and flight data (CD & FD)
-process and forward flight plan info
-utilize alphanumerics
-assist tower CAB in meeting situation objectives
Main duties of clearance deliver (CD)
-operate communications equipment
-issue clearances and ensure accuracy of pilot read back
-operate tower equipment
-issuing clearances to departing aircraft
Main duties of flight data (FD)
-operate interphones
-compile statistical data
-observe and report weather info
-receiving and relaying IFR departure clearances to the CD controller
-operate flight data processing equipment
-relaying weather and NOTAM info to other positions
-collecting
Anticipated separation
(Tower/LC)
Takeoff clearance needs not to be withheld until prescribed separation exists if there is a reasonable assurance it will exist when the aircraft starts takeoff roll
Takeoff roll
An aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off
Clear of the runway
When all parts of the aircraft are beyond runway edge lines (hold bars) and no restrictions to its continued movement
CAT 1
Small aircraft (12,500 pounds or less) with a single propellor driven engine and all helicopters
CAT 2
Small aircraft (12,500 pounds or less) with propellor driven twin engines
CAT 3
All other aircraft including super
Departure behind preceding departure
Any time of day
CAT 1 preceded by CAT 1 or CAT 2 (Departure behind preceding departure)
3,000 feet
CAT 2 preceded by CAT 1 or 2 (Departure behind preceding departure)
4,500 feet
All categories preceded by CAT 3 (Departure behind preceding departure)
6,000 feet
Departure behind a preceding arrival
Cannot use SRS separation at any time and arrival must be clear of the runway
Arrival behind a preceding arrival
-Only between sunset and sunrise
-only between CAT 1 and 2 aircraft
-measure at the time the second aircraft crosses the landing threshold
CAT 1 landing behind CAT 1 or 2 (Arrival behind a preceding arrival)
3,000 feet
CAT 2 landing behind CAT 1 or 2 (Arrival behind a preceding arrival)
4,500 feet
Arrival behind a preceding departure
-any time of day
-all SRS CATs
-measured at the time the second aircraft crosses the landing threshold
CAT 1 behind CAT 1 or 2 (Arrival behind a preceding departure)
3,000 feet
CAT 2 behind CAT 1 or 2 (Arrival behind a preceding departure)
4,500 feet
When either is a CAT 3 aircraft (arrival behind a preceding departure)
6,000 feet
Small aircraft
Max certified takeoff weight of 41,000 pounds or less
(Small+ is greater than 12,500 up to 41,000)
Large aircraft
Between 41,000 pounds and 300,000 pounds
Heavy and super aircraft
Greater than or equal to 300,000 pounds
Intent of line up and wait
LUAW
-to position an aircraft for an imminent departure
-not to be used if an aircraft will be holding on the runway for any lengthy period of time
-controller must explicitly issue the clearance while advising the holding aircraft of the operation
-keepi
Phraseology of LUAW
Aircraft ID, runway (number), LUAW (traffic info)
Full stop
LC issues runway exiting instructuons
Touch and Go
Considered an arrival until touchdown then considered a departure
Stop and Go
Arrival until full stop hen departure
Low approach
Considered an arrival until crossing the landing threshold and then considered a departure
Go around
Issued prior to the aircraft crossing the landing threshold
-Used to ensure same runway separation is maintained
Land and hold short operations
-special procedures need to be established
-pilots may refuse to participate
Traffic pattern segment
Upwind, crosswind, downwind, base, final
Wake turbulence
-By-product of lift
-high pressure below wing and low pressure above
ATC wake turbulence separation
Heavy" and "super" in communications
Movement areas
Runways, taxiways, and intersections(where ground control must coordinate with local control)
Non-movement areas
Ramps (not usually controlled by GC)