Airport Traffic Control Towers
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Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) are instrumental in managing the flow of aircraft at airports by providing air traffic control services. These towers are responsible for the safe and efficient management of aircraft movements on the ground and in the air near the airport, including takeoffs, landings, and taxiing.
Mission
Airport Traffic Control Towers are dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. They manage the airspace immediately surrounding the airport, issuing clearances for aircraft movements, providing pilots with weather updates, and coordinating aircraft in the terminal area to prevent collisions and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. This includes monitoring ground operations, providing clearance for aircraft to take off or land, and managing any potential hazards or emergencies."Air Traffic Control * Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)". CFI Notebook. https://www.cfinotebook.net/air-traffic-control/air-traffic-control-tower.
Parent organization
ATCTs operate under the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which falls under the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). The FAA oversees all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S., including the regulation and operation of air traffic control services."About FAA". Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/about/.
Legislation
The establishment of the modern air traffic control system, including ATCTs, was authorized by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which led to the creation of the Federal Aviation Agency, now known as the FAA."Brief History of the FAA". Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/about/history/brief_history.
Partners
- Various federal, state, and local government agencies for coordination and emergency response
- Airlines and pilots for direct operational communication
- Air traffic control centers for seamless transition of aircraft control
Number of employees
The number of employees varies by tower, depending on the size and traffic volume of the airport. For major airports, towers might employ several dozen controllers, while smaller airports might have only a few.
Organization structure
The structure of an ATCT includes:
- Local Control for managing aircraft on the active runway and in the air within the airport's airspace.
- Ground Control for directing aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface, excluding the runway.
- Clearance Delivery for issuing flight clearances before aircraft leave their gates or parking areas.
Leader
The head of an ATCT is typically called an Air Traffic Control Manager or Tower Chief.
Divisions
- Local Control for takeoff and landing clearances.
- Ground Control for taxiway movements.
- Clearance Delivery for pre-flight clearances."ATC Chapter 2. Section 1. Air Traffic Services". Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/chap2_section_1.html.
List of programs
- ATCT operations at individual airports
- Training programs for air traffic controllers
- Safety and efficiency initiatives
Last total enacted budget
The budget for each ATCT is part of the larger FAA budget, which for fiscal year 2023 was set at approximately $19.0 billion."FAA Budget". Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/about/budget.
Staff
Staff includes air traffic controllers, supervisors, and support personnel. The exact number varies by the size and operational demands of the airport.
Funding
ATCTs are funded through the FAA's budget, which comes from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, user fees, and general fund contributions.
Services provided
ATCTs provide essential services like issuing clearances for takeoffs and landings, managing ground traffic, providing pilots with weather updates, and coordinating with other services like emergency response and airport operations to ensure safe and smooth air traffic."Everything about the control tower at airports". Grupo One Air. https://www.grupooneair.com/en/blog/everything-about-the-control-tower-at-airports/.
Regulations overseen
ATCTs enforce regulations under 14 CFR Part 91 for General Operating and Flight Rules, and 14 CFR Part 139 for Certification of Airports, ensuring compliance with safety standards for airport operations and air traffic control procedures."14 CFR Part 91 * General Operating and Flight Rules". Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91.
Headquarters address
Not applicable as ATCTs are located at various airports.
History
The concept of airport traffic control began with the establishment of the first control tower at Croydon Airport in England in 1920. In the U.S., the first ATCT was established in Cleveland in 1930. The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 significantly expanded the role of air traffic control, leading to the development of the modern ATCT system."Air traffic control * Wikipedia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_traffic_control#History.
External links
- FAA Air Traffic Organization
- wikipedia:Air traffic control tower
- CFI Notebook * Air Traffic Control
- Grupo One Air * Control Tower