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1.2 Tower Controller Role and Responsibilities

1.2.1 General

The Aerodrome Controller (Tower) is responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic operating on the runway and within the vicinity of the aerodrome.

This includes control of aircraft during take-off, landing, and circuit operations, as well as the management of runway occupancy.

1.2.2 Core Responsibilities

The Tower Controller shall:

  • Issue take-off and landing clearances
  • Maintain runway separation between aircraft
  • Control runway occupancy at all times
  • Sequence arriving and departing aircraft
  • Manage aircraft within the visual circuit
  • Control runway crossings by aircraft and vehicles
  • Provide traffic information where required

All actions shall be conducted in accordance with ICAO standards and local SOPs.

1.2.3 Area of Responsibility

The Tower Controller is responsible for the following:

  • Active runway(s)
  • Aircraft on final approach once transferred from Approach Control
  • Aircraft operating within the visual circuit
  • Aircraft at holding points awaiting departure
  • Vehicles and aircraft authorised to enter or cross the runway

Responsibility for aircraft transfers only when positive control has been established.

1.2.4 Operational Priorities

The Tower Controller shall prioritise traffic in the following general order:

  1. Aircraft on final approach
  2. Aircraft landing or taking off
  3. Aircraft within the circuit
  4. Departing aircraft
  5. Ground movements affecting runway operations

Safety shall take absolute priority over efficiency at all times.

1.2.5 Situational Awareness

The Tower Controller shall maintain continuous awareness of:

  • Runway occupancy status
  • Aircraft positions and intentions
  • Traffic sequence and spacing
  • Potential conflicts and developing hazards

Loss of situational awareness is a significant contributing factor in operational errors and shall be actively mitigated.

1.2.6 Decision Making

The Tower Controller shall:

  • Make timely and decisive control actions
  • Act proactively to prevent conflicts
  • Avoid unnecessary delay to traffic flow
  • Continuously evaluate changing traffic situations

Decisions shall prioritise safety while maintaining efficient operations where possible.

1.2.7 Communication

The Tower Controller shall use:

  • Standard ICAO phraseology at all times
  • Clear, concise, and unambiguous instructions
  • Appropriate tone, pace, and emphasis

Incorrect, incomplete, or unclear communication may result in loss of separation or runway incursions.

1.2.8 Key Principle

The primary duty of the Tower Controller is to ensure safety.

Under no circumstances shall efficiency, workload, or external pressure compromise:

  • Separation standards
  • Runway safety
  • Correct application of procedures