An air traffic control tower manages air traffic around an airport in a similar way that a traffic officer directs vehicles. The tower consists of a control cab elevated above the ground for visibility of runways and aircraft, a tower shaft supporting the cab, and a base building. The height of the control cab is determined by visibility requirements of at least 1 degree of the runway and active airport areas. The size of the cab depends on the number and layout of air traffic controller positions and equipment. International examples of air traffic control towers are shown from airports in Turkey and the UK.
2. INTRODUCTION
Air Traffic Control tower is just like a Traffic Policeman managing the traffic on
a busy road, the ATC ensures proper coordination between the different
agencies to ensure orderly flow of the Air Traffic.
The primary method of controlling the immediate airport environment is visual
observation from the airport control tower. The tower is a tall, windowed
structure located on the airport grounds
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3. ATCT
In general ATC towers facilities consists of three basic
components
1. Control cab
2. Tower shaft
3. Base building
The control cab is the most vital component because
this is the primary operating space of the controllers.
The tower shaft supports the control cab at a desired
height and forms the link between base building and
control cab. Junction levels are integrated in the
higher regions of the tower in order to provide
additional functional space.
The primary function of the base building is to
provide additional functional space.
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4. ATCT HEIGHT
The height of the tower is determined by
the height of the operating level in the
cab above ground, including the tower
shaft. It is determined by using the
following rule.
• The line of sight drawn between the
operating level height and the runway
end is minimal 1°
• The operating level has direct visibility
on entire active pavement, including
runways, taxiways and platforms.
• The ATC tower height does not
interfere the approach surface
• The ATC tower does not interfere the
misses approach path
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5. CONTROL CAB SIZE
The cab size of an air traffic control tower is
dependent on the number, location and size
of control positions and consoles
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The control cab has to have the visibility from the
inside of the cab to the outside, overlooking the
airport. To provide maximum transparency and
eliminate glass reflections the following design
principles are used:
• The control cab should have a 360° visibility
range
• The structural elements in the façade should be
integrated with the façade structure and should
be multi-functional, e.g. water drainage and
utilities
• Limit the number of vertical supports, be kept to
the smallest feasible diameter
• The ceiling could slope upwards at its perimeter
to enhance upward visibility
• The glazing should slope outwards with 15
degrees (recommended) from the vertical to
eliminate reflections
