![]() ![]() ![]() TRACON frequencies are mentioned on instrument plates as Approach (APP CON) and Departure (DEP CON), e.g. They typically encompass controlling aircraft during standard approach (STAR) and standard departures (SID). The services are delivered by radio from radar data. Pilots are directed to a TRACON center either by the Tower controller (for departures), or the ARTCC controller (for descents and transits). When do pilots need to be helped by a TRACON? They are responsible for the safe separation of aircraftįlying in the busy areas surrounding airports. TRACON controllers generally handle within a 30- to 50-mile radius ofĪn airport and up to 10 000 feet, as well as aircraft flying over thatĪirspace. Descending cruising flights received from ARTCC and handing them over to airfield TOWERs. ![]() Climbing departing flights received from TOWERs and handing them over to ARTCC.TRACON is therefore an intermediate step used for: It doesn't manage ATC at airports, which is provided by TOWERs. And these non-movement areas are tight, even at large airports like LAX.What is a TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol)?Ī TRACON is a term used in the US for what is elsewhere known as the Terminal Control (ICAO terminology), the control in charge of operations around one or more large airports. This system makes sense the tower controllers are quite far away from the action to be able to supervise aircraft pulling in and out of gates. Although there is plenty of movement as planes are pushed back from the gate with tugs, it's an area not under the control of Air Traffic Control (ATC.) At LAX, United, Delta, American and Alaska all control the movement on their own aircraft near the gate. These so-called "ramp towers" operate in non-movement areas. At this point in the process, the airlines deploy ground controllers of their own on the ramp to assist, rather than jam up the tower. Once the pilots have received this clearance, the aircraft will be given a time to push back from the gate. This clearance includes notice of the frequencies to monitor, initial projected direction of flight, altitude on departure and the confirmed routing. private jets) and many foreign carriers do not participate in this electronic system, so they will call up the tower on a special frequency, requesting clearance verbally. The tower can OK a requested route and the pilot can indicate compliance with the clearance with a click on their flight management computers. 90% of commercial aircraft use a form of electronic "clearance delivery" which allows the controller and aircraft to communicate by computer. Prior to an aircraft pushing back from the gate, LAX Tower must issue a clearance of the airline's planned route and destination. I recently visited the Los Angeles (LAX) control tower to learn how the puzzle pieces are coordinated to get the planes from the gate to the runway. However, behind the scenes, there's a lot of coordination with planes from around the world landing, departing, taxiing and just about to push back. Part two covers how the tower controls takeoffs and landings.Īs passengers, we board the plane, get seated and play with our smartphones, patiently waiting for that moment when the plane pushes back. This article is the first installment of a two-part story about how control towers work. ![]()
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