Description
Control aircraft on runways, taxiways, and in the immediate airport airspace from the control tower. Issue takeoff and landing clearances, sequence traffic, manage ground movements, and coordinate with approach/departure and airport operations to ensure safe, efficient airfield operations in compliance with FAA procedures.
- • Issue takeoff, landing, and runway crossing clearances.
- • Sequence arriving and departing aircraft in the airport traffic pattern and tower airspace.
- • Direct ground traffic on runways and taxiways to prevent conflicts and delays.
- • Monitor aircraft and vehicles using visual observation and surface surveillance displays.
- • Provide traffic, runway, wind, visibility, and braking action advisories to pilots.
- • Deliver wake turbulence and low-level wind shear advisories when applicable.
- • Instruct pilots to enter, extend, or maintain the traffic pattern to manage spacing.
- • Initiate go-arounds or missed approaches when safety requires.
- • Coordinate arrivals and departures with approach/departure control and adjacent towers; transfer control and communications.
- • Relay IFR clearances, departure releases, and route amendments; verify readbacks.
- • Coordinate pushbacks, taxi routes, and gate holds with ramp control or airport operations.
- • Determine active runway configuration and implement runway changes per procedures.
- • Set departure intervals and manage spacing in accordance with separation standards.
- • Alert and coordinate with airport emergency services during incidents or declared emergencies.
- • Assist aircraft with malfunctions or lost communications, including use of light gun signals.
- • Operate and adjust runway, taxiway, and approach lighting as required.
- • Collect, record, and disseminate ATIS or other field condition and weather information, when assigned.
- • Compile and maintain flight progress strips and electronic flight data.
- • Maintain continuous landline or radio contact with adjacent facilities to coordinate traffic.
- • Review and maintain position logs, relief briefings, and required FAA records and reports.
- • Initiate or coordinate communications searches for overdue or missing aircraft per local procedures.
- • Provide on-the-job training and mentoring for developmental controllers.
- • Report and coordinate correction of tower communications, lighting, or surveillance equipment issues.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
