Remote and Virtual Control Tower: Introduction

Abstract

Since more than ten years an increasing interest is observed worldwide in remote control of low traffic airports by means of some kind of virtual control tower. As outlined in the Foreword by Steve Ellis and in the Preface to this book, “Virtual Tower” depicts the idea of replacing the conventional control tower on airports by an advanced sensor based control center. It eliminates the need for direct visual traffic surveillance and consequently the requirement for a costly tower building at an exposed location in visual distance from the runway. The virtual / remote tower idea is connected with a paradigm change in air transportation due to the growth of low cost carriers and the corresponding increased usage of small airports which nevertheless require controlled airspace provided by air navigation service providers (ANSP's). Cost constraints require new ideas and concepts to meet these requirements, and the control of one or more small airports from a remote location without direct visual surveillance from a local tower is one of these visions.