id: 2.1-runway-selection-and-pushback title: 2.1 Runway Selection and Pushback meta: How to choose runways in use and issue pushback instructions to aircraft order: 1 #

2.1 Runway Selection and Pushback #

Tip

: ALL available runways should{.red} be used at ALL times (see 4.1.4 below)

Runway Selection #

2.1.1 #

Controllers must{.red} familiarize themselves with the taxiway layout before opening, this includes knowing what the largest aircraft type that can be accepted is, based on if it can physically maneuver without restricting traffic flow (see 4.2.1 below). Once open, liaison must{.red} be made with the other Controllers to determine runway selection for departures and arrivals, as well as scanning where traffic currently is within the layout of the airport.

2.1.2 #

The color of the runways (i.e. green, amber and red) are for guidance only. You must{.red} look at the METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) to determine the Headwind or Tailwind Component (H/TWC) for a particular runway. You should{.red} also look at the TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), which will provide a trend of the expected wind over the coming hours. Controllers should{.red} avoid switching runways as much as possible as this creates delays. Most aircraft can land with a TWC of up to 10kts. Therefore, runway changes should{.red} be avoided until this point if at all possible.

Pushback #

2.1.3 #

When issuing pushback to an aircraft, you must{.red} check that the area is clear, if it isn’t, the use of “hold position” must{.red} be used (a reminder can be set to avoid forgetting about the aircraft or if it is very busy).

By looking at the strips; the oldest “hold position” command would have been sent to the bottom of the tab providing useful reference as to who requested pushback first

2.1.4 #

Under most circumstances, the Controller should{.red} approve an aircraft’s initial request to pushback or taxi, regardless of aircraft type or parking, due to the availability of pushback equipment for all aircraft and the wide variety of parking spot configurations.

Controllers should{.red} be familiar with their airport’s parking configuration while operating. i.e. can aircraft pull straight through their remote stand? Do aircraft require a pushback to safely exit the spot?

2.1.5 #

The use of “expect runway xx” should{.red} be used if the Controller deems it necessary for the aircraft to face a particular direction for pushback (to promote efficiency); however, it is not required for each pushback clearance.