Which controller is primarily responsible for takeoffs and landings and safe runway operations?

Which controller is primarily responsible for takeoffs and landings and safe runway operations?

• A. Ground handles weather reporting; Tower handles runway lighting.
• B. Approach control manages all aircraft through the approach.
• C. Ground controls aircraft movement on the ground; Tower controls takeoffs/landings and safe runway operations.
• D. Clearance delivery assigns flight plan and altitude.

Answer: (C)

Takeoffs, landings, and overall runway safety are managed by the control tower at the airport. The tower's job is to authorize and sequence aircraft using the active runways, issue takeoff and landing clearances, and ensure safe separation during the final approach, on the runway, and in the immediate vicinity of the runway. Ground control, on the other hand, directs aircraft as they move on the ground—taxiing between gates, ramps, and runways—and coordinates with the tower to position aircraft for departure or arrival, but it does not control takeoffs or landings. Approach control handles aircraft as they enter or exit the terminal area and prepare for the approach, not the actual runway operations themselves. So the description that ground controls aircraft movement on the ground while the tower controls takeoffs, landings, and safe runway operations is the best fit.

Takeoffs, landings, and overall runway safety are managed by the control tower at the airport. The tower's job is to authorize and sequence aircraft using the active runways, issue takeoff and landing clearances, and ensure safe separation during the final approach, on the runway, and in the immediate vicinity of the runway. Ground control, on the other hand, directs aircraft as they move on the ground—taxiing between gates, ramps, and runways—and coordinates with the tower to position aircraft for departure or arrival, but it does not control takeoffs or landings. Approach control handles aircraft as they enter or exit the terminal area and prepare for the approach, not the actual runway operations themselves. So the description that ground controls aircraft movement on the ground while the tower controls takeoffs, landings, and safe runway operations is the best fit.