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9.2 APP ↔ TWR Coordination

9.2.1 General

Coordination between Approach (APP) and Tower (TWR) ensures the safe and efficient transfer of arriving aircraft for landing.

The Approach Controller shall deliver aircraft in a stable, correctly spaced, and predictable condition.

9.2.2 Arrival Handover

The Approach Controller shall transfer aircraft to Tower only when:

  • The aircraft is established on final approach
  • The aircraft is correctly sequenced
  • The aircraft is stable (heading, speed, and descent)
  • No further vectoring or speed control is required

Transfer shall support continuous and safe runway operations.

9.2.3 Approach Controller Responsibilities

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Ensure correct spacing between arriving aircraft
  • Deliver aircraft on a stable approach profile
  • Complete all required vectoring and speed control prior to transfer
  • Coordinate with Tower where required

The Approach Controller remains responsible until transfer of control is complete.

9.2.4 Tower Controller Responsibilities

The Tower Controller shall:

  • Monitor aircraft on final approach
  • Issue landing clearance when appropriate
  • Maintain runway separation
  • Manage runway occupancy

Tower shall not be required to correct unstable or poorly sequenced traffic.

9.2.5 Coordination Requirements

The Approach Controller shall coordinate with Tower when:

  • Spacing is non-standard
  • Traffic demand is high
  • Multiple arrivals are closely sequenced
  • Abnormal or priority situations exist

Coordination shall be explicit and timely.

9.2.6 Transfer of Responsibility

Transfer of communication occurs when the aircraft is instructed to contact Tower.

Transfer of control occurs when:

  • Tower accepts the aircraft, or
  • Two-way communication is established, as defined by local procedures

The Approach Controller remains responsible until transfer of control is complete.

9.2.7 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Transfer aircraft that are unstable
  • Transfer aircraft with insufficient spacing
  • Transfer aircraft requiring further control intervention

9.2.8 Key Principle

Approach shall deliver aircraft in a condition requiring no corrective action from Tower.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Plan ahead
  • Sequence correctly
  • Ensure stable approaches

A correct handover enables safe and efficient runway operations.