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World-First Remote Air Traffic Control System Lands In Sweden
Zothecula writes: Small airports are often in a no-win situation. They don't have much traffic because they don't have an adequate tower system, and they don't have an adequate tower system because they don't have much traffic. That could be about to change, with the opening of the world's first remotely operated air-traffic control system in Sweden. Thanks to the Remote Tower Services (RTS) system, the first plane landed last week at Örnsköldsvik Airport, but it was controlled from the LFV Remote Tower Centre 123 km (76 mi) away in Sundsvall.
Airspace is completely different than towers. Most airspace is actually controlled remotely. The higher up the plane is the more likely the controlling "tower" will be further away. Most airspace is inverted cone shaped - The FAA has a whole page describing the various airspace classifications in the U.S. - and the procedure for hand-offs between various control authorities. Towers have to manage things like who gets the run way and who gets what taxiway - completely different. And generally requires visual verification of what plane is where (especially ground control)
In Canada we have an intermediate step between untowered uncontrolled airports and controlled airports with towers, Mandatory Frequency airports. They have a ground station with whom you must communicate for arrival and departure. They dispense information and coordinate activities, but do not give clearances. As pilot you make those decisions.
An example MF airport I've flown to is Kamloops, BC (CYKA). On initial contact the ground station told me the wind, altimeter setting and active runway, but also advised me of skydiving activity north of the airport. Since this might conflict on the usual left-hand circuit pattern, they suggested I fly a right hand circuit on approach. I did, and landed. This wasn't binding on me - the decision and responsibility were mine - but it was a good idea.
...laura