Air Traffic Control Entities
Two major air traffic control entities to compare and contrast are ground control and tower control. Ground control is the entity of air traffic control that directs the aircraft that are on the ground to parking spots, specified ramps, and give instructions for takeoff. The tower controller is the entity that is in control of aircraft in flight around the airfield, the tower controller is what most people think of when someone mentions air traffic control. They control the flow of air traffic so that it is most efficient, they also engage in a number of tasks such as direct pilots to the runway, alert the pilots of additional air traffic in the area, and direct airplane pilots to their destinations while maintaining contact with the pilots (Exforsys, 2006).
To compare these two entities, both ground and tower ensure the aircraft and pilots are safe and can travel with confidence in their controllers. Both entities give instructions to pilots on certain aspects of flight or taxi so that they are clear of other aircraft and organized to limit time in the air and on ground. To contrast these two entities, the tower control is solely focused on the aircraft on the ground while the tower is solely focused on aircraft in flight. Each give different instructions due to their different jurisdictions over the aircraft in the local airspace or on the ground.
References
Exforsys. (2006, October 3). Duties and Responsibilities of Air Traffic Controllers. Retrieved March 30, 2021, from http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/career-tracks/duties-and-responsibilities-of-air-traffic-controllers.html
Hey Gavin,
ReplyDeleteYou have brought up the true base of what ATC is entitled to do. The ground and tower controls are the two controls which you will have at any towered airport. The tower is controlling the airspace of the airport and also the active runways, it is there to facilitate take offs and landings from the entry point of the airspace up until being handed of to the ground control on inbound, or off to the centers on departure. You explained well that they give specific instructions based on aspects of the flight. I think that they are each there to also help if it gets busy on one side, an I've also seen airports that have one person controlling the tower and ground frequencies.
When both entities work together in their specific field of operations, they keep a good safe stream of flowing traffic at a busy airport.
Nice post!
Have a great weekend!
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