What does an air traffic controller do?
The Tower Controller (normally abbreviated to TWR) works at airports and aerodromes. Communicating with the pilot by means of radiotelephony the controller co-ordinates the traffic on the runways and taxiways by using instructions, issuing the necessary clearances to the cockpit crew before and after landing and take-off. Most of the time, the Tower Controller works from visual reference, by keeping the aircraft in sight. Soon after take-off and for a period prior to landing, the pilot communicates with an Approach Controller (APP) or a Terminal Controller (TMA), depending on the configuration of the airspace. The Approach or Terminal Controller, using radio communication and surveillance devices, directs arriving flights to the point where they are handed over to the Tower and directs departing flights to the point where control is assumed by an Area Control (ACC) unit (sometimes called an “en-route” unit). When “en-route”, the aircraft may transit several control areas. It maintains
