During this post, I will be discussing two Air Traffic Control entities that must be able to diligently work with one another in order to have successful operations. The first entity that I will be discussing is the Airport Traffic Control Tower's (ATCT) duties and responsibilities. Next I will discuss the duties and responsibilities of the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON).
ATCT can be made up of anywhere between three and ten positions within it depending on how busy the airport is. Two of the positions that I would like to talk about are the ground controller and local controller. Ground controllers are ultimately responsible for ensuring the separation of aircraft while being taxied from landing, aircraft being taxied prior to taking off, and managing ground vehicles in airport moving areas. (Nolan, n.d.) The local controller is responsible for determining active runways, separation of aircraft in the local area and active runways, and issuing landing and takeoff clearances. (Nolan, n.d.) These two positions have a significant impact on airport operations. If these positions, along with other positions are not careful, fatal accidents could occur.
TRACON, typically found at larger airports, hosts up to 40 approach and departure controllers. (Nolan, n.d.) These controllers are surrounded by up to 20 monitors that displays incoming and out going aircrafts. While at larger airports, the approach and departure controllers are assigned airspaces to maintain since the job may be too big for one individual. (Nolan, n.d.) TRACONs will ensure that departing aircraft air correctly deconflicted and then hand the responsibility of the aircraft to another TRACON to ensure continuous tracking is done on the airframe.
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