At Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, the primary method of controlling the immediate airport environment is visual observation from the airport control tower. DXB and DWC tower controllers are responsible for the separation and efficient movement of aircraft and vehicles operating on the taxiways and runways of the airports, as well as aircraft that are airborne near the airport.
Surveillance (radar) displays are used at both towers to assist with traffic control. Our tower controllers use a radar system called AT3 for approaching and departing aircraft. AT3 displays provide a map of the area, position of various aircraft, and data tags that include aircraft identification, speed and altitude. Our tower controllers also use surface movement radar to control traffic on the ground, or manoeuvring areas (taxiways and runway).
The areas of responsibility for TWR (tower) controllers fall into three general operational disciplines:
- Air control (AIR)
- Ground movement control (GMC)
- Air control (AIR)
- Ground movement planner / clearance delivery (GMP)
At our DXB tower we have two AIR positions (one for each runway), two GMC positions (equally dividing the airfield geographically), one GMP position as well as one Tower Watch Manager / Supervisor position. At our DWC tower, all three tasks (AIR, GMC and GMP) are done by one air traffic control officer (ATCO).