Approach ATCO

Question 1

What are Approach Controller’s responsibilities?

Answer 1

• Take over from the area controllers
• Give initial clearance for the aircraft to approach the airport. If using radar, will issue headings, altitudes, speeds and any other relevant information.
• Put all approaching aircraft into a sequence to create the most efficient order for landing
• In some cases, e.g. go-arounds, responsible for the initial phase after take-off before being transferred to area control
• Responsible for any other flights transiting the immediate airspace surrounding the aerodrome.

Question 2

What does spacing between approaching aircraft depend on?

Answer 2

• Prevailing weather conditions, e.g. LVPs
• The size of aircraft involved (larger a/c create more wake turbulence than smaller a/c)
• The number of aircraft waiting to depart

Question 3

Give an example of wake turbulence separation?

Answer 3

B737 (Medium) must approach the airport 5 miles behind B747 (Heavy)
If B747 follows the B737, a distance of only 3 miles would be required.

Question 4

What are “stacks”?

Answer 4

“Stacks” are holding facilities at major airfields if a delay is expected. EGLL and EGKK have 4 and 2 stacks respectively.

Question 5

When will the Approach Controller transfer the aircraft to the Aerodrome Controller?

Answer 5

When the aircraft is established on the final approach at between 6-12 miles from the RWY THR.