The task of apron control is not solely the responsibility of ATC; therefore, all staff involved in the provision of this service should be trained to the appropriate standard. It is important that the siting of control towers, the markings of taxiways, the use of visual aids and the introduction of future technology should have a minimal impact on operations. Developments in new Advanced Surface Movement Guidance Control Systems and their introduction should be an integral part of low visibility operations.
IFATCA Policy is:In Aerodrome Control Towers, the use of CCTV is not accepted to replace Visual Observation. The use of CCTV is only accepted to supplement Visual Observation where:
The layout of runways and taxiways and the provision of visual aids should be such, as to enable simple and easily understood instructions to be issued and complied with. Where a separate apron management service is established, personnel engaged in issuing specific ground clearances, instructions and clearance delivery should be trained and licensed to exercise these functions. Surface Movement Surveillance Systems should be installed at all airfields where low visibility operations take place and its operation should be mandatory while these operations are in progress. Safeguards should be imposed to prohibit the development of any structure that would impede the direct visual observation from the tower. |
| See: Resolution B11 – WP85 – Kathmandu 2012 and Resolution B14 – WP 97 – Amman 2011
See also: WP 129 – Tunis 1996 and WP 87 – Santiago 1999 |
IFATCA Policy is:Where apron management services are established and not provided by an aerodrome ATS Unit, aerodrome controllers cannot be held liable for accidents or incidents that occur whilst aircraft are under the jurisdiction of the Unit providing such a service. |
| See: WP 163 – Cancun 2002
See also: WP 159 – Dubrovnik 2009 |
Last Update: July 17, 2020