Basic Airport Control Course - Lesson 201

A systematic method of scanning the airport environment to ensure all aircraft and ground vehicles are accounted for.

A condition where the controller only focuses on moving objects, neglecting stationary ones.

Designated locations where ground vehicles are required to report their position to the controller.

When visibility is limited, the controller must rely on reporting points to track vehicle movement.

The area around an airport where aircraft taxi, park, and load/unload passengers.

The phrase used by the Ground controller to request runway ownership from the Tower.

The phrase used by the Ground controller to inform the Tower they want to cross a runway at a specific point.

The phrase used by the Ground controller to inform the Tower they want to use a runway.

The phrase used by the Ground controller to inform the Tower they are no longer using the runway.

The phrase used by the Tower to acknowledge and approve the Ground controller's request to use the runway.

The phrase used by the Tower to acknowledge and approve the Ground controller's request to cross a runway.

A communication tool used by the Ground controller to request permission to cross a runway from the Tower.

The phrase used by the Tower to acknowledge and approve the Ground controller's request to use the runway.

A specific location on the airport where the Ground controller is asking for clearance to cross a runway.

Holding ground traffic and aircraft at a designated location until a landing or departing aircraft has passed. These locations can be published positions, a minimum distance from the runway edge, or locations designated by airport operators to ensure safety.

A request for movement that depends on an event that has not yet occurred. For example, requesting permission to cross a runway after a specific aircraft has departed.

A principle that requires clear and positive communication between air traffic control units, especially during active runway operations.

The process of formally transferring control of a runway from one air traffic control unit to another. This is important to avoid confusion and ensure smooth transitions.

A system that allows air traffic controllers to electronically request runway coordination. While helpful, it should still be used alongside verbal communication.

Procedures and phrases used by air traffic controllers during runway operations. These are standardized to ensure clear communication.

A specific location on an airport's surface where ground vehicles and aircraft must stop before proceeding. This is usually a designated point or distance from the runway edge.

The callsign or identification of the receiving unit is always transmitted at the beginning of every transmission and follows the unit identification.

When the source of a transmission might be unclear, use the words "THIS IS" before identifying your unit.

In every transmission to an aircraft or vehicle, use their callsign.

If you don't understand a phraseology, you should use clear and concise plain language.

Always use standard phraseology from MATS whenever possible.

Clarify a request from a vehicle operator by stating their request or asking what their intentions are.

Each vehicle on the ground has a call sign and a number, uniquely identifying them.

At some airports, the number assigned to staff vehicles may also identify the operator's function.

If a vehicle operator doesn't provide intentions or their intentions are unclear, the controller should clarify the request.

Use standard phraseology from MATS whenever possible, only resorting to plain language when necessary.

A situational phraseology used by controllers to hand over responsibility for a runway from ground control to tower control. It is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient aircraft operations on the runway.

The controller on the ground initiates the handoff process by confirming to the tower about the aircraft's location and its readiness to be transferred. This ensures both controllers are aware of the aircraft's position and status for the impending transfer.

The tower controller expresses confirmation of the aircraft's location and readiness to assume runway control., acknowledging that the tower is now ready to take over.

The controller on the ground instructs the aircraft to enter the runway by stating the runway number and the runway's end designation. This is typically followed by the phrase 'runway' as a reminder of the action being taken.

The controller on the ground gives instructions to the aircraft, advising it to cross the runway, specifying a point on the runway and the runway number, indicating the position for the aircraft to cross safely.

The tower controller confirms the transfer of control and indicates that responsibility for the aircraft has been assumed by tower control. This indicates that the tower is now actively tracking and guiding the aircraft.

Controllers use various equipment to efficiently manage and communicate information during air traffic control operations. The Integrated Working Position (IWP) is a key piece of equipment for managing flight data and vehicle data entries.

An electronic record containing information about a particular flight, such as its destination, altitude, and time of arrival. These entries help controllers keep track of and manage air traffic effectively.

Similar to FDEs for aircraft, vehicle data entries (VDEs) contain information about vehicles operating on the ground, such as their position, speed, and destination. This helps ground controllers manage vehicle movement effectively.

The IWP interface is customized for each operational position (such as ground control or tower control), allowing controllers to manage and access specific information necessary for their roles.