Air Traffic Control Tower Daily Operations Checklist
This air traffic control tower daily operations checklist ensures compliance with FAA Order 7110.65 (Air Traffic Control), FAA Order 7210.3 (Facility Operation and Administration), OSHA workplace safety requirements for ATC facilities, and FAA Rest Rule requirements for controller fatigue management. Designed for ATC Tower Operations Supervisors to verify equipment, staffing, and operational readiness at shift start.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: ATC Tower Operations Supervisor (OS)
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA Order 7110.65 Air Traffic Control, FAA Order 7210.3 Facility Operation and Administration, FAA Order 6000.15 General Maintenance Handbook, FAA Rest Rule Controller Fatigue Requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Workplace Safety
Communications Equipment
Tower communications status.
- All ground and tower frequencies operational?
- Radar display (ARTS/STARS/ASR) functional?
- ATIS broadcast current and broadcasting correct information?
- Digital voice recorder operational?
- Landline interphone to TRACON/ARTCC operational?
Runway and Airfield
Airfield status review.
- All active NOTAMs reviewed and operationally applicable?
- Runway condition codes (RwyCC) current?
- Daily airfield inspection completed and logged?
- Runway, taxiway, and approach lighting operational?
- RVR equipment operational (if low-visibility expected)?
Staffing and Rest
Controller fatigue and coverage.
- All required positions staffed per traffic demand?
- CPCs current on all working positions?
- All controllers meeting 9-hour rest requirements before shift?
- Overtime limits being observed (10-hour max shift)?
- Break rotation planned to maintain alertness?
Weather and Coordination
Weather and facility coordination.
- Weather briefing obtained for operational period?
- Coordination with adjacent TRACON/ARTCC current?
- Active TFRs and special use airspace reviewed?
- ATCSCC ground delay programs/flow programs implemented?
- Wildlife hazard advisories reviewed?
Safety Reporting
Safety event review.
- Previous shift safety events reviewed?
- Mandatory occurrence reports filed for qualifying events?
- Runway incursion prevention briefing conducted?
- ASDE-X surface detection system operational?
- Security and fire alarm systems operational?
Operations Log
Daily log documentation.
- Operations log entries current?
- Equipment outages reported to Tech Ops?
- Incoming supervisor briefed on all outstanding items?
- Shift handover complete and signed?
- ATC Tower Operations Notes
Related Aviation Checklists
- Aircraft Avionics System Inspection and Testing Checklist
- Airline Heavy Maintenance C-Check Inspection Checklist
- Airport Wildlife Hazard Management Checklist
- Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist
Why Use This Air Traffic Control Tower Daily Operations Checklist?
This air traffic control tower daily operations checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for atc tower operations supervisor (os) professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with FAA Order 7110.65 Air Traffic Control, FAA Order 7210.3 Facility Operation and Administration, FAA Order 6000.15 General Maintenance Handbook, FAA Rest Rule Controller Fatigue Requirements, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Workplace Safety. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Air Traffic Control Tower Daily Operations Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Communications Equipment, Runway and Airfield, Staffing and Rest, Weather and Coordination, Safety Reporting, Operations Log. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Air Traffic Control Tower Daily Operations Checklist?
This checklist is designed for ATC Tower Operations Supervisor (OS) professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.