UNIT 2: S2 - Tower & Departure

Lesson 2.1: S2 Basics & The Tower Scan

S2 Objective: Control active runways, sequence arrivals/departures, integrate VFR circuits, apply wake turbulence separation, manage go-arounds, and coordinate with Approach/Departure.

Tower Scan: Tower must continuously scan:

• Final approach path.
• Runway surface.
• Departure queue at the hold short lines.
• Aircraft crossing active runways.
• Visual circuit traffic (Downwind, Base, Final).
• Go-around/missed approach flight paths.

Before any runway clearance, ask:

1. Is the runway clear of all aircraft?
2. Is the final approach clear of conflicting traffic?
3. Is wake separation satisfied between the previous and next aircraft?
4. Is there a crossing, landing, or departure conflict?

Lesson 2.2: Runway Clearances & Line Up and Wait

Standard Runway Clearances:

• Takeoff: "AAL123, runway 25R, cleared for takeoff."
• Landing: "DAL456, runway 36L, cleared to land."
• Hold short: "AAL123, hold short runway 03.”
• Cancel takeoff: "AAL123, cancel takeoff clearance. Hold position."
• Abort takeoff (When the aircraft is already rolling): "AAL123, abort takeoff! Standby for further instructions.”

When to Use "Line Up and Wait" (LUAW):

"AAL123, runway 25R, line up and wait."

Use LUAW only when:

• The aircraft can enter the runway safely.
• A departure clearance is expected within a short time.
• No landing aircraft is closer than a safe visual margin (usually 3 NM minimum).
• You are actively watching the runway so you do not forget the aircraft.

Lesson 2.3: Sequencing & VFR Circuits

Departure & Arrival Sequencing: Good runway flow is not always first-come, first-served. Sometimes holding a departure lets an arrival land without an unnecessary go-around.

Arrivals: If the runway will not be clear by about 2 NM final, issue a go-around. Go-Around: "DAL456, go around. Fly runway heading, climb and maintain three thousand."

VFR Circuit Management: Track every circuit aircraft by leg (Upwind, Crosswind, Downwind, Base, Final). Examples:

• "N172AB, enter left downwind runway 25R."
• "N172AB, number two, follow A320 on two-mile final."
• "N172AB, extend downwind, I will call your base."

Lesson 2.4: Wake Turbulence, ATIS, & Handoffs

Wake Turbulence: Larger aircraft create dangerous wake for smaller aircraft. Apply spacing to:

• Heavy followed by Light.
• Intersection departures behind a heavy departure.
• Landing behind a heavy arrival.
• If unsure, increase spacing.

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service): Include: Airport, Info letter, Time, Active runway, Wind, Visibility, Altimeter, Approach in use. Update ATIS when runways, wind, or altimeter change.

Departure Handoff: Hand aircraft to Departure when they are airborne, clear of runway conflicts, and initial instructions are understood.

Lesson 2.5: S2 Emergencies

Engine Failure After Takeoff:

1. Keep the runway and departure path protected.
2. Ask pilot intentions when able.
3. Provide runway, wind, and traffic information.
4. Stop departures until safe.

Runway Incursion:

1. Stop affected aircraft immediately. ("AAL123, stop immediately.")
2. Cancel takeoff clearance or send arrival around. ("DAL456, go around, traffic on runway.")