Aerodrome Control Procedures

Aerodrome Control

The TWR function at Heathrow is split between two controllers, AIR NTH and AIR STH. Each controller has responsibility for one runway.

Air North Controller:

AIR NTH  is responsible for all movements on the northern runway (27R/09L). AIR NTH operates on frequency 118.700. If runway 27R/09L is in use for landing, AIR NTH shall be opened first.

Air South Controller:

AIR STH is responsible for all movements on the southern runway (27L/09R). AIR STH operates on frequency 118.500. If runway 27L/09R is in use for landing, AIR STH shall be opened first.

Ground Movement Control

Ground Movement Controller North:

GMC N is responsible for all ground movements on taxiways indicated in blue on the diagram above. GMC N operates on frequency 121.900.

Ground Movement Controller South:

GMC S is responsible for all ground movements on taxiways indicated in green on the diagram above. GMC S operates on frequency 121.700.

Ground Movement Controller West

GMC W is responsible for all ground movements on taxiways indicated in red on the diagram above. GMC W operates on frequency 121.850.

Ground Movement Planner

GMP is responsible for passing IFR departure clearances to aircraft. GMP operates on frequency 121.975. GMP must not clear aircraft for start/push. Once the aircraft has a clearance, they should be instructed to contact the appropriate GMC for start/push.

Aerodrome Traffic Monitor (ATM)

Heathrow is fitted with an ATM and this can be simulated on IVAO. It has a range of about 15nm and displays SSR labels with mode C read out. The ATM may be used to:

  • Determine the landing order, spacing and distance from touchdown information of arriving aircraft
  • Identify departing aircraft and validate the SSR codes.
  • Monitor the progress of over flying aircraft
  • Establishing separation between departing aircraft
  • Pass traffic information
  • Establish separation in the event of a missed approach
  • assist in taking corrective action when separation between arriving aircraft becomes less than the prescribed minima.

Wind Shear

When a pilot reports wind shear, this must be passed to inbound and outbound aircraft until the report appears on the ATIS. Reports should contain the following information:

  • Warning of the presence of wind shear
  • Height or height band and time the wind shear was encountered
  • Details of the effect on the aircraft

Braking Action

If there is a cause to believe that braking action is less than good, this must be confirmed and information should be passed to departing and arriving aircraft.


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