Lecture 3: Air Traffic Control Tower

By: Zuliana Ismail

What Are the Purposes of ATC Towers?

Purpose of ATC tower1. To provide aerodrome control service.• To separate all traffic using runways for takeoff and

landing.

• To provide Surface movement control

2. To increase flow efficiency of air traffic at airports so can avoid the flight delay.

Air Traffic Control Services

• ATC providing safe operating conditions for aircraft and passengers

• Control the airport operating services and the airspace within a 5 to 10 km radius of the airport

• Deal with airport operations staff for the airport surfaces and equipment maintenance (snow removal, ice control, airport lighting, etc)

• Deal with airport emergency plans (aircraft crash, bomb threat, hi-jacking, etc.)

Managed by Department of Civil Aviation.Facilities:

Terminal Area RadarSurface Movement RadarAutomatic Terminal Information Service

ServicesAerodrome ControlSurface Movement Control

Air Traffic Control Tower Air Traffic Services at KLIA

ATC Equipment

KLIA Main Control Tower

Surface Movement Radar (SMR) Display

Terminal Approach RADAR

Flight Profile

• Every aircraft that flies follows a similar flight pattern that begins before takeoff and ends after landing.

• This pattern is called a flight profile. • A typical commercial flight profile has 7 phases. • Each phase of a typical flight profile is monitored by an air

traffic control facility with its own group of controllers. • Each of these controllers follows specific rules and procedures

while directing flights through designated airways. • They monitor the flight using special equipment and decision

support tools (computers) that ensure a safe and efficient flight.

Preflight & Take-off

Climb

Cruise / En-route

DescendApproach

And Landing

7 Flight Profile• Step 1- Preflight: Pilot files the flight plan & send to the Tower controller. Tower inform pilot the

weather information. Flight checks, push-back from the gate & taxi to the runway.

• Step 2- Take-off: Tower controller gives pilot clearance for take-off, aircraft powers up & take-off.

• Step 3- Departure: Aircraft climbs to a define altitude Tower controller pass their communication with pilot to the Departure Controller. Pilot receives clearance for routing.

7 Flight Profile• Step 4- En-route: Communication with the pilot then pass to

the Air Route Controller. Air route controller instructing pilot to the specific altitude and heading.

• Step 5- Descent: Near airport Approach Controller instructing pilot to descent & change heading.

• Step 6- Approach: Pilot receives approach clearance & the then communication with pilot is passed to the Tower Controller.

• Step 7- Landing: Local controller at tower gives clearance for landing. Ground controller directs the pilot across the taxiways to its destination gate at the terminal.

Air Route Traffic Control Centers

Radar Display Systems