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A control tower (ATCT) is part of an Airport from which "Tower" or "Aerodrome" Air Traffic Control is conducted. Control towers generally rise high above other structures at the airport to give Air Traffic Controller s a view of aircraft moving on the ground and in the air around the airport. They usually have Window s that circle the entire top floor, giving 360 degrees of viewable area. Small airports may have only one controller staffing the control tower, and may not keep the tower open 24 hours per day. Larger airports usually have space for several controllers and other support staff, and operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Control Towers usually contain the following:

  • Radio s for communication with aircraft, linked to controllers' headsets or to microphones and speakers;

  • a Telephone system that connects dedicated voice lines and public telephone lines via quick-dial systems to controllers' headsets, allowing them to talk to other controllers and outside parties;

  • a strip board allowing Flight Progress Strips to be used (however in some towers these have been replaced by a computerised system);

  • a light gun for communication with aircraft via Aviation Light Signals in the event of a radio failure;

  • wind and pressure gauges.


It may also be equipped with:

  • an Aerodrome Traffic Monitor, which is a small radar display that is not used for separation purposes but allows controllers to see the aircraft flying in the vicinity of the airport;

  • a Surface Movement Radar displaying aircraft and vehicles on the airport to assist controllers at night and in poor visibility.

  • computerised meteological information, flight data and briefing systems.