Radio Management Strategies from a Tower Operator
Air Traffic Control Etiquette for Class C and B Airports
Flying out of Class C or B airports can require a bit more patience, as the air traffic controllers need to manually input your flight details into the National Airspace System (NAS).
At these airports, tower controllers play a crucial role. They are responsible for operating and coordinating airport control tower procedures, similar to those at Hamburg Airport and Berlin Airport. Their duties include managing runway directions, traffic within the controlled zone, and coordination between airport facilities. All of this is done to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
It's important to acknowledge instructions, but you're not required to read back a full instruction. However, there are exceptions. When instructed to "standby", there's no need to repeat the instruction.
When departing VFR from a Class C or B airport, it's customary to call Clearance Delivery with all of your information. Be sure to specify if you want flight following all the way to your destination or just to get out of the airspace.
By following these guidelines and maintaining clear communication with air traffic controllers, you can help ensure a smooth and safe flight.
