I've heard of some ARTCCs that have their tower controllers actually radar track aircraft, like overflights through the airspace. Others don't.  Supposedly, we can't teach S2s the procedure since it's not part of the official VATUSA training, meaning we'd only be able to do it at designated major airports. Is that correct? Also, I'm curious what the reasons are for and against tower controllers using radar tracking.

Thanks!

Hey Jonathan,

First, there is no official VATUSA training. There are, however, official rating training standards in the GRP.

The only legitimate reason I would not allow an S2 to track any aircraft is if they don't know the concepts of radar. If they're midway through S3 training and/or know how to apply radar separation AND they understand the concepts of vertical and lateral airspace boundaries (ie. the tower's airspace boundaries), then more power to them. For me, it's based on what they know, not what rating they have.

Real world local control positions that track aircraft are known as LRACs -- limited radar approach controls. In these cases the overlying TRACON has delegated to local control airpsace in which it can apply radar separation using approved equipment, as opposed to being limited to applying only visual separation or time-based separation between aircraft. It is important to have tower airspace boundaries outlined in an SOP to most effectively use this procedure. Tower should already know what airspace it owns to begin with, but a lot of controllers don't realize that this is the case.

Seeing as there is no requirement in the GRP that mentions the MVA, an S3 is not required to have knowledge of the MVA.

There's also no requirement that controllers operate their radar client with their monitors or speakers turned on. That's a ridiculous argument.

Use the STAR as your tool. If you have traffic, use it. If there's one guy flying it, take him off and get him on the ground. I couldn't care less if a pilot complained, quite honestly.

Alex, you have truly left an amazing legacy.  I am sorry to hear this news, but wish you all the best.

A salute to you, Alex! Enjoy the time away from staff duties.

I am sending out a request for some traffic at the Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS) later tonight for the purpose of having an S2 OTS. Ben Gustafson will be staffing Springs Tower for an American Virtual Airlines fly-out. I am particularly seeking some arrivals into the airport as well as VFR pattern work and IFR/VFR practice approaches. The fly-out begins at 0100Z. Thanks!

Reference 2:11 of that video:

Meanwhile, "Douglas 22D, say intentions." "Douglas 22D, Denver Center, over." "Douglas 22D, Center."

bahaha

Brilliant!  You can tell Christmas is over, though....  You had a gazillion green blips but not a complementary number of red ones for the holidays....   Great job!

Oh Don, trust me...I had two too many. In the words of UAL005, "It's okay, it was a little more exciting this way." If anything, the Christmas spirit was (thankfully) still around.  

Thank you, gentlemen. I'll be in contact with you shortly.