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2.2 Take-Off and Landing Clearances

2.2.1 General

Take-off and landing clearances are the most safety-critical instructions issued by the Tower Controller.

These clearances shall only be issued when:

  • The runway is safe
  • Separation is assured
  • No conflict exists

The controller shall not issue a clearance if any uncertainty exists regarding runway occupancy, aircraft position, or separation.

2.2.2 Take-Off Clearance

Take-off clearance shall only be issued when:

  • The aircraft is at the correct runway or authorised intersection
  • The runway is confirmed clear
  • No conflicting aircraft are on final approach
  • Required separation exists from preceding departures or arrivals
  • Wake turbulence separation is applied
  • Departure release has been obtained where required

The controller shall ensure that the departure can be conducted safely without risk of conflict.

A take-off clearance shall not be issued if:

  • A landing aircraft is within unsafe proximity
  • Runway occupancy cannot be guaranteed
  • Separation cannot be achieved

Example Phraseology:

GFA123, wind 270 degrees 8 knots, runway 27, cleared for takeoff.

2.2.3 Landing Clearance

Landing clearance shall only be issued when:

  • The aircraft is established on the correct approach
  • The runway is clear or will be clear in sufficient time
  • No departing or crossing traffic will create a conflict
  • Required separation from preceding traffic is assured
  • Wake turbulence separation is applied

The controller shall continuously monitor runway occupancy and be prepared to intervene if required.

A landing clearance shall not be issued if:

  • Runway availability is uncertain
  • A preceding aircraft will not vacate in time
  • Separation cannot be guaranteed

Example Phraseology:

GFA456, wind 270 degrees 8 knots, runway 27, cleared to land.

2.2.4 Wake Turbulence Considerations

The Tower Controller shall apply wake turbulence separation between aircraft in accordance with ICAO standards.

Particular attention shall be given to:

  • Heavy aircraft followed by Medium or Light aircraft
  • Departures from the same runway
  • Arrivals following larger aircraft

Where required, additional spacing or delay shall be applied to ensure safety.

2.2.5 Arrival and Departure Conflict Management

The Tower Controller shall manage potential conflicts between arriving and departing aircraft.

The controller shall:

  • Ensure departing aircraft are airborne before an arriving aircraft reaches a critical point on final
  • Delay departures where arrival spacing is insufficient
  • Instruct a go-around where separation cannot be maintained

Safe sequencing shall be maintained at all times.

2.2.6 Go-Around Procedures

A go-around shall be instructed immediately when:

  • The runway is occupied
  • Separation cannot be maintained
  • A preceding aircraft has not vacated
  • The approach becomes unstable
  • Any unsafe situation develops

The instruction shall be clear, immediate, and unambiguous.

Example Phraseology:

GFA456, go around, I say again go around.

The controller shall:

  • Monitor the aircraft’s climb
  • Provide further instructions as required
  • Coordinate with Approach Control where applicable

2.2.7 Key Principle

Take-off and landing clearances shall only be issued when safety is assured.

If there is any doubt regarding:

  • Runway occupancy
  • Aircraft position
  • Separation

The controller shall withhold or cancel the clearance until the situation is resolved.