I am a student pilot and would like to know if it is legal/possible to take a trip to an air traffic control tower to see the ATC operations. I have a small regional airport around me (KLFT), also (KARA). Is this allowed and how do I go about arranging this. Just call them?
2007-08-16 16:29:10 · 12 answers · asked by joshsr0909 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
I'd imagine you would be able to arrange something. I train out of Oshawa, ON, Canada, (CYOO), and in the first couple of weeks we popped over for a visit.
My guess would be the busier the airport, the more difficult it'd be to get in, but I think it would be possible.
2007-08-16 16:41:19 · answer #1 · answered by flying.guy_canada 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know why a trainee pilot wants to see in side a controll tower for but I am sure if you ask the civil aviation Authority in the UK or in the USA the National Transportation Authority, thy may allow you to have a look around a control tower, you may need to under go a security check first. I know the media have been allowed into the control towerin the past.
2007-08-24 17:41:31 · answer #2 · answered by MARTIN S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not like it is in the movies at small airports it can get quite boring, especially on evening shift when the GA traffic drops off. Call the tower supervisor and ask, as Fearless said you have nothing to loose Homeland Security isn't going to break down your door and drag you of to Gitmo are they.
If you just want to listin check out the link below they have ATC traffic from around the world.
2007-08-17 15:08:46 · answer #3 · answered by Dangermanmi6 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is both legal and possible to visit an ATC Tower, so long as you take the necessary permissions/clearances. Perhaps a call to the SATCO (Senior Air Traffic Controller) would just be the right thing to do. I am sure, he would be more than happy to welcome a student pilot on board.
2007-08-17 06:38:01 · answer #4 · answered by al_sheda 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not contact control tower for anything other than pilot use
matters. You would be better served with the business office
of any airport to secure operation manager permission and
secure hard copy of permission recieved as protocols of the 9-11 aftermath are constantly changing.
2007-08-24 17:07:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure security is a little tougher now, but call the Tower and tell them you are a Student Pilot and would like to visit.
The Tower Chief should be able to grant your wish during the Non-peak hours.
2007-08-16 23:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by walt554 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you just call the airport manager for the airport that is nearest to you and explain your interest in taking a tour at the ATC. I am sure that they would be happy to accommodate you.
2007-08-17 09:13:34 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is not only possible, it is encouraged for GA pilots to go see how the tower works. Part of your familiarization.
2007-08-17 03:18:01 · answer #8 · answered by Chris H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bet you can. Give them a call. They'll be under the government pages in your phone book. They encourage pilots, especially student pilots, to do tower visits. You might check with your instructor and see if he wants to join you. But don't pay him for it.
2007-08-17 00:30:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
You will need security clearance, which normally will only be given to like your dean or so (who ofcourse takes responsibility for the class...
I have been to a tower before and military base, but my class had to be cleared way ahead of time...
2007-08-17 02:46:06 · answer #10 · answered by raqandre 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋