Control Tower
A control tower is the ATC facility at a controlled aerodrome responsible for providing aerodrome control service — the management of aircraft and vehicles on the movement area and aircraft in the circuit. The tower is the most visible type of ATC facility and the primary ATC interface for most general aviation pilots.
Services Provided by Tower
- Runway and circuit assignments
- Take-off and landing clearances
- Ground movement instructions (taxi clearances)
- Sequencing of arriving and departing traffic
- Visual separation in the circuit area
- Traffic and weather information
Communication Protocol
Initial contact with tower must be made before entering the control zone. Pilots must not depart or land without an explicit clearance. If radio communication is lost with a functioning receiver, watch for light gun signals from the tower (green steady = cleared to land, red flashing = do not land).
Related Terms
See also: Control Zone, Controlled Airport, ATC Clearance.