Visit to a local Control Tower. Any advice?

[starik]

Hello all!

I will be visiting my local control tower in Rochester, NY (Class C airspace) soon. Any ideas or suggestions on what I can do on my side to make this visit as interesting and good learning experience and less a burden on the CT people?
I only have my private pilot license for a month and even though during my training I was talking to this tower, I only have a vague idea how they work there. Basically what I am looking for from this visit is to learn as much as possible how CT works and what services they can provide to a pilot like me and how I can make life easier for them.

Thank you in advance!

[SteveC]

Bring cookies.

[Stone Cold]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Bring cookies.

It's probably considered a security threat now to bring them food...

[Ian J]

Especially because Starik is a Ruskie!

[Stone Cold]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Especially because Starik is a Ruskie!

I was talking about the cookies, but ya never know nowadays?!

[Ian J]

Well yeah - Cookies plus a Ruskie - that's just asking for trouble!

[Sidious]

I was under the impression most towers are locked down tighter than Ft. Knox. Id like to see my local one to learn some more. Do I just knock on the door? lol

[Stone Cold]

Originally Posted by Sidious

I was under the impression most towers are locked down tighter than Ft. Knox. Id like to see my local one to learn some more. Do I just knock on the door? lol

I believe most still allow certificated pilots to visit, with advanced notification. Call the tower during business hours (if you don't have the #, ask the controller the next time you fly), and talk to the Supervisor and they'll be able to answer if they allow it and what to do for it.

PS I doubt you'd be able to reach their doors, since most (if not all) have gates, etc., nowadays.

[daveatc]

If it's a smaller airport, class D. Just ask them over the radio and most of the time they'll be alright with it. Only requirement, you have to be a US citizen. New rule since 9/11. It's tougher to get into the bigger/busier facilities.

Oh yeah, and definitely bring cookies, muffins, bagels, booze, etc.

[starik]

Originally Posted by Sidious

I was under the impression most towers are locked down tighter than Ft. Knox. Id like to see my local one to learn some more. Do I just knock on the door? lol

I am not sure how it works for US citizens, but for others they send a form to fill out concerning a visit. Then they will send this form to someone (may be TSA?), and once they get a clearance for you, they will give you a call and you can schedule a visit. It just happened that I am a pilot and it might be easier to get a clearance, but there was no a place on a form to indicate if you are a pilot or not.

[starik]

Originally Posted by daveatc

If it's a smaller airport, class D. Just ask them over the radio and most of the time they'll be alright with it. Only requirement, you have to be a US citizen. New rule since 9/11. It's tougher to get into the bigger/busier facilities.

Oh yeah, and definitely bring cookies, muffins, bagels, booze, etc.

- I got the food part, thanks!

Other ideas?

[starik]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Well yeah - Cookies plus a Ruskie - that's just asking for trouble!

Yeah yeah yeah....russkie...but when it comes to airshows, they still fly 10x better than Blue Angels.

[surreal1221]

If you are seeking to tour a facility, I highly suggest you give the local NATCA representative a call and try to set up the appointment with NATCA . . . as opposed to an FAA stooge.

All I have to suggest is to ask as many questions as possible, get a look at the local airspace maps and radar screens, it'll increase your situational awareness of your local area. Have them point out trouble spots, areas of high congestion during arrival and departure pushes. . . these are the areas that you, as a VFR PPL ASEL need to stay away from. Have them point out areas of higher than usual concentration of VFR, primary target only traffic sites. . . so that you, as a VFR PPL ASEL, can provide yourself a higher level of awareness to these areas to keep you from hitting another aircraft.

These are just a couple questions for a smaller Class C location. I'll give you more if you manage to get into a larger TRACON environment, or even an enroute facility. Enjoy it and above all else, tell each and everyone of them thanks. Controllers do a job that not many people are able to do, they deserve respect, as well as a fair wage and fair contract. Let them know you are on their side as a General Aviation pilot. GA is the National Airspace Systems largest user, and controllers and GA aviators are each others greatest ally.

[starik]

Thank you surreal1221 for the reply!

Originally Posted by surreal1221

If you are seeking to tour a facility, I highly suggest you give the local NATCA representative a call and try to set up the appointment with NATCA . . . as opposed to an FAA stooge.

I gave my tower a call and looks like they do all the arrangements for me. All I have to do is fill out the form they sent me along with prepaid envelope. Since I just earned my pilot while training in the very same airport, I don't expect any problems with the paperwork.

Originally Posted by surreal1221

All I have to suggest is to ask as many questions as possible........

Thank you very much for suggestions. I will keep these questions in mind.

Originally Posted by surreal1221

Enjoy it and above all else, tell each and everyone of them thanks. Controllers do a job that not many people are able to do, they deserve respect, as well as a fair wage and fair contract. Let them know you are on their side as a General Aviation pilot. GA is the National Airspace Systems largest user, and controllers and GA aviators are each others greatest ally.

I definitely take my hat off before these guys when I am thinking about the work they do and their responsibilities. For me they like a surgeons, whose experience and knowledge counts, and who have to pay 100% of their attention while at work. Way before I started flying, I was thinking that they have very prestigious job and are treated accordingly. But more I read about aviation, more I am surprised when I read how experienced jet pilots are compared to NYC cab drivers. Hope that the industry will recover soon and both pilots and controllers will be treated as they should

[Fox Xray]

As far as I know tours are at the final discretion of the facility chief and I would guess that most, it not all, allow them. The only time they are banned is when we reach a certain threat color (I have no idea which one...LOL).

As for bringing food if you decide to it should not be a problem but one never knows. At the center where I work food that gets delivered has to be looked at by security. If you do bring food have a few extra pieces to give to the security guys (or gals).

Usually whoever will escort you on the tour will be pretty knowledgeable about the operation and will give you lots of info. , don;t be shy about asking questions, this is your time to get answers from the horses mouth.. I'll tell you this, when pilots who make a living at flying tour they ask lots of detailed questions, they often come very prepared.

You'll enjoy the tour.