2-10-3

Tower Team Position Responsibilities

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Tower Team Concept and Intent: There are no absolute divisions of responsibilities regarding position operations. The tasks to be completed remain the same whether one, two, or three people are working positions within a facility/sector. The team, as a whole, has responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of that facility/sector.
Terms: The following terms will be used in terminal facilities for the purpose of standardization.
1. Tower Cab: The area of control responsibility (delegated airspace and/or airport surface areas) of the tower team, and the team as a whole.
2. Tower Position(s) (LC or GC): That position which is in direct communications with the aircraft and ensures separation of aircraft in/on the area of jurisdiction.
3. Tower Associate Position(s): That position commonly referred to as “Local Assist,” “Ground Assist,” “Local Associate,” or “Ground Associate.”
4. Tower Cab Coordinator Position (CC): That position commonly referred to as “Coordinator.”
5. Flight Data (FD): That position commonly referred to as “Flight Data.”
6. Clearance Delivery (CD): That position commonly referred to as “Clearance.”
Primary responsibilities of the Tower Team Positions:
1. Tower Position(s) (LC or GC):
  1. Ensure separation.
  2. Initiate control instructions.
  3. Monitor and operate communications equipment.
  4. Utilize tower radar display(s).
  5. Utilize alphanumerics.
  6. Assist the Tower Associate Position with coordination.
  7. Scan tower cab environment.
  8. Ensure computer entries are completed for instructions or clearances issued or received.
  9. Ensure strip marking is completed for instructions or clearances issued or received.
  10. Process and forward flight plan information.
  11. Perform any functions of the Tower Team which will assist in meeting situation objectives.
2. Tower Associate Position(s):
  1. Ensure separation.
  2. Operate interphones.
  3. Maintain awareness of tower cab activities.
  4. Utilize alphanumerics.
  5. Utilize tower radar display(s).
  6. Assist Tower Position by accepting/initiating coordination for the continued smooth operation of the tower cab and ensure that the Tower Position is made immediately aware of any actions taken.
  7. Manage flight plan information.
  8. Ensure computer entries are completed for instructions issued or received and enter instructions issued or received by a Tower Position.
  9. Ensure strip marking is completed for instructions issued or received and enter instructions issued or received by a Tower Position.
3. Tower Coordinator Position:
  1. Perform interfacility/position coordination for traffic actions.
  2. Advise the tower and the Tower Associate Position(s) of tower cab actions required to accomplish overall objectives.
  3. Perform any of the functions of the Tower Team which will assist in meeting situation objectives.
    Note
    
    The Tower Positions have the responsibility for aircraft separation and traffic flows. The Tower Coordinator Position assumes responsibility for managing traffic flows and the Tower Positions retain responsibility for aircraft separation when the Tower Coordinator Position is staffed.
4. Flight Data:
  1. Operate interphones.
  2. Process and forward flight plan information.
  3. Compile statistical data.
  4. Assist tower cab in meeting situation objectives.
  5. Observe and report weather information.
  6. Utilize alphanumerics.
5. Clearance Delivery:
  1. Operate communications equipment.
  2. Process and forward flight plan information.
  3. Issue clearances and ensure accuracy of pilot read back.
  4. Assist tower cab in meeting situation objectives.
  5. Operate tower equipment.
  6. Utilize alphanumerics.
    Note
    
    The Tower Positions have the responsibility for aircraft separation and traffic flows. The Tower Coordinator Position assumes responsibility for managing traffic flows and the Tower Positions retain responsibility for aircraft separation when the Tower Coordinator Position is staffed.