Skip to content

3. Responsibilities

3.1 General

The Approach Controller is responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic within the TMA.

The controller shall exercise positive control over all identified aircraft under their responsibility.


3.2 Core Responsibilities

3.2.1 Separation

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Maintain lateral and vertical separation between aircraft
  • Apply separation standards at all times
  • Anticipate and resolve conflicts before they develop

Separation is the primary responsibility of the controller.


3.2.2 Identification

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Establish radar identification prior to providing control
  • Maintain continuous identification
  • Ensure all instructions are issued to correctly identified aircraft

Radar control shall not be applied to unidentified aircraft.


3.2.3 Sequencing

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Establish and maintain an orderly sequence of arrivals
  • Ensure appropriate spacing between aircraft
  • Deliver aircraft in a stable and predictable order

3.2.4 Vectoring

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Issue headings to position aircraft effectively
  • Minimise unnecessary manoeuvring
  • Ensure vectors support stable approaches

3.2.5 Communication

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use standard ICAO phraseology
  • Issue clear, concise, and unambiguous instructions
  • Monitor pilot compliance at all times

3.2.6 Monitoring

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Continuously monitor all aircraft under control
  • Detect deviations from clearances
  • Take immediate corrective action where required

3.2.7 Transfer of Control

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Transfer aircraft in a timely and coordinated manner
  • Ensure the receiving unit has sufficient information
  • Maintain responsibility until transfer is complete

3.3 Priority of Duties

The Approach Controller shall prioritise:

  1. Separation
  2. Safety of flight
  3. Workload management
  4. Efficiency

Safety and separation shall not be compromised under any circumstances.


3.4 Key Principle

The Approach Controller is responsible for all aircraft under their control.

The controller shall:

  • Maintain continuous situational awareness
  • Act proactively
  • Ensure separation at all times

Control shall be positive, structured, and predictable.