Virtual Air Traffic Simulation - USA Division
Introduction To Tower
Tower Control Responsibilities
After reading this section, You will be familiar in the following VATUSA Competencies:
From VATUSA – VATUSA Rating Guidelines (v1.0) S2 Rating Section II
II. Local Control Procedures
A. Runway Selection
i. Selects appropriate runway based on current winds and local procedures
ii. In compliance with local procedures, the student shall attempt whenever
possible to select as many runways possible to meet the current traffic volume
B. ATIS Issuance
i. The student will demonstrate the ability to correct record a valid ATIS broadcast
ii. The student will advise all aircraft on the ground or within Tower airspace of
current ATIS and ATIS updates
iii.The student will ensure all departing aircraft have the current ATIS information
C. Departure Procedures
i. The student will demonstrate the ability to provide an aircraft with an
appropriate departure release
ii.The student shall, in compliance with local procedure, provide aircraft with the
appropriate departure heading for their route of flight
ii. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate regulations and
procedures regarding helicopter departures
D. Arrival Procedures
i. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the different types of landing
modes used by aircraft and the appropriate phraseology to use for landing
clearances (landing, low approach, touch-and-go, etc.)
ii. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate regulations and
procedures regarding helicopter arrivals
E. Spacing and Sequencing
i. In compliance with local procedures and adhering to regulated priority, the
student shall whenever possible, ensure that spacing between arrivals and
departures is appropriate to safely depart all awaiting aircraft and land all
arriving aircraft as orderly and expeditiously as possible
F. Taxi Into Position and Hold (TIPH) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO)
i. The student shall at all times observe the regulations regarding each of these
procedures as specified in FAA Order 7110.65
ii.Where applicable, the student shall demonstrate appropriate use of Taxi Into
Position and Hold (TIPH) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO)
G. VFR Traffic Pattern
i. Understands and demonstrates knowledge of segments of the VFR Traffic
Pattern
ii.Correctly issues appropriate instructions to VFR Aircraft utilizing the pattern
iii.Maintains proper sequencing and separation between all VFR Traffic in the
pattern and all other arriving/departing traffic
H. Wake Turbulence Separation
i. The student shall at all times remain in compliance of Wake Turbulence
regulations as specified by FAA Order 7110.65 during ALL operations
ii.The student will demonstrate phraseology when providing Wake Turbulence
advisories to all affected aircraft
I. Converging or Parallel Runway Operations
i. When applicable, the student will provide advisories for aircraft arriving on
parallel or converging runways
J. Missed Approach Procedures
i. Understands missed approach procedures and go around operations
ii. In compliance with local procedures issues the appropriate missed approach
instructions for the facility they are controlling
iii. When necessary the student will coordinate with the overlying radar controller
for appropriate missed approach procedures
A. Runway Selection
i. Selects appropriate runway based on current winds and local procedures
ii. In compliance with local procedures, the student shall attempt whenever
possible to select as many runways possible to meet the current traffic volume
B. ATIS Issuance
i. The student will demonstrate the ability to correct record a valid ATIS broadcast
ii. The student will advise all aircraft on the ground or within Tower airspace of
current ATIS and ATIS updates
iii.The student will ensure all departing aircraft have the current ATIS information
C. Departure Procedures
i. The student will demonstrate the ability to provide an aircraft with an
appropriate departure release
ii.The student shall, in compliance with local procedure, provide aircraft with the
appropriate departure heading for their route of flight
ii. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate regulations and
procedures regarding helicopter departures
D. Arrival Procedures
i. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the different types of landing
modes used by aircraft and the appropriate phraseology to use for landing
clearances (landing, low approach, touch-and-go, etc.)
ii. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate regulations and
procedures regarding helicopter arrivals
E. Spacing and Sequencing
i. In compliance with local procedures and adhering to regulated priority, the
student shall whenever possible, ensure that spacing between arrivals and
departures is appropriate to safely depart all awaiting aircraft and land all
arriving aircraft as orderly and expeditiously as possible
F. Taxi Into Position and Hold (TIPH) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO)
i. The student shall at all times observe the regulations regarding each of these
procedures as specified in FAA Order 7110.65
ii.Where applicable, the student shall demonstrate appropriate use of Taxi Into
Position and Hold (TIPH) and Land and Hold Short (LAHSO)
G. VFR Traffic Pattern
i. Understands and demonstrates knowledge of segments of the VFR Traffic
Pattern
ii.Correctly issues appropriate instructions to VFR Aircraft utilizing the pattern
iii.Maintains proper sequencing and separation between all VFR Traffic in the
pattern and all other arriving/departing traffic
H. Wake Turbulence Separation
i. The student shall at all times remain in compliance of Wake Turbulence
regulations as specified by FAA Order 7110.65 during ALL operations
ii.The student will demonstrate phraseology when providing Wake Turbulence
advisories to all affected aircraft
I. Converging or Parallel Runway Operations
i. When applicable, the student will provide advisories for aircraft arriving on
parallel or converging runways
J. Missed Approach Procedures
i. Understands missed approach procedures and go around operations
ii. In compliance with local procedures issues the appropriate missed approach
instructions for the facility they are controlling
iii. When necessary the student will coordinate with the overlying radar controller
for appropriate missed approach procedures
Local Control (a.k.a Tower) is responsible for a five mile ring around the airport and the runways throughout the airfield of which they are working.
