aerodrome control tower

aerodrome control tower

A unit established to provide air traffic control service to aerodrome traffic (ICAO). The tower is responsible for issuing information and clearances to aircraft under its control to achieve a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic on and in the vicinity of an aerodrome. The aim is to prevent collisions between aircraft flying in the aerodrome circuit; aircraft taking off and landing; and aircraft, vehicles, and obstructions in the maneuvering area. The task of providing specified services on the apron may belong to either an aerodrome control tower or a separate unit.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved