Aerodrome control

What the tower controls

The manoeuvring area excludes the apron; the movement area includes it.

Runway and taxi information

Runway-in-use selection considers surface wind, traffic pattern, runway lengths/facilities, approach aids, weather and noise constraints. Tower surface-wind direction passed for take-off/landing is magnetic; METAR wind direction is true. Check that distinction before comparing a report with a runway heading.

Before taxi/take-off or circuit entry, the tower provides the appropriate runway, wind, pressure setting, traffic and essential local conditions. Equipment failures affecting safe operation must be reported immediately, including lighting, navigation aids and other critical aerodrome facilities. Follow the clearance limit through each taxi segment.

Runway vacated means fully clear

An aircraft has vacated only when its entire structure is beyond the relevant runway holding position. Turning off the runway centreline or passing the runway edge is not enough. A long tail can remain in the protected area after the nose reaches the taxiway.

When VFR operations are suspended, the tower notifies the relevant units and aircraft and takes the prescribed action on VFR movements and flight plans. If an expected landing does not occur within the prescribed period, report to ACC/FIC; the five-minute failure-to-land trigger is relevant to alerting. An apparently quiet circuit is not proof that an overdue aircraft is safe.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.