Air Traffic Control: Tower vs. TRACON

    There are many moving parts that must work together to make the national airspace system function effectively, all which are equally important to the overall success of flight operations. The two I will be comparing  today are Control Towers and Terminal Radar Approach Control. Though both have very different jobs, the equally ensure the safety and expeditiousness of air traffic.

    Control towers, most often known as simply tower, are the first and last control entity pilot's contact during their flight. Tower is usually broken down into four control positions: Flight Data, Clearance Delivery, Ground Control, and Local Control. Flight Data handles flight progress strips for other positions and ensures that all operations are recorded and handled appropriately. Clearance Delivery is responsible for broadcasting departure clearances, as well as amending any changes in flight plans or routes for aircraft departing the control towers area of jurisdiction. Ground Control ensures the safe and organized movement of equipment, vehicles and aircraft about the airfield. Finally, Local control issues aircraft takeoff and landing clearances to the runway. Their main job is to ensure runway separation, and timely arrivals and departures.

    TRACON or Terminal Radar Approach Control, is a non visual environment, meaning that controllers use advanced radar and beacon systems to control aircraft from displays like the one above. After aircraft depart from the tower environment on an IFR flight plan, they contact the departure controller at their respective TRACON facility. TRACON is responsible for controlling departing and arriving aircraft to and from airports in their area of jurisdiction. After aircraft switch from Tower or ARTCC ( Air Route Traffic Control Center), Approach controllers use vectoring and altitude and speed adjustments to safely sequence aircraft to their destination airports or fixes that lead them to their ultimate destination. 

    Without the strict rules and procedures in place that regulate the national airspace system, the large volume of air traffic would be un manageable. Though both of these different control entities have their differences, they both share one main goal, to ensure aircraft arrive to their destination safely and on time.  

References

Federal Aviation Administration. (2019). ORDER JO 7110.65Y Air Traffic Organization Policy. Retrieved October 5, 2020, from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7110.65Y.pdf