Visiting the tower
 

Never done this...but am definitely interested in going up there. Do I just call the tower (landline) and ask to arrange a tour?

Thanks,
PCJ

I've been wanting to do the same thing and according to this book that I'm reading about avoiding common pilot errors (Written from a controller's perspective) it is absolutely encouraged for all pilots to take a tour of the ATC facilities and get a fell for how it works. The book says to give the facility a call, let them know who you are, who might be coming with you, what exactly you would like to see, when you would like to come by etc. and they should be happy to set something up for you.

Thanks Spartan. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it would help future students to help get over their initial fear of the radio when they meet the controllers and realize they are human as well.

Yeah definitely. In my eyes it could help almost anybody who has never been there. A little extra knowledge and experience never hurt anybody :D

Oh definitely...now I gotta think up of smart questions...haha. This could be hard.

haha I go up in the tower all the time :) i love it. good luck getting up in a bravo tower, but class D shouldn't be too hard. I go up all the time and just kinda hang out. but yeah there are 2 easy ways to do it, just call up the tower and let them know you wanna take a tour and blah blah blah, or sometimes I just give ground a shout on the radio and ask them.

Syracuse is a not so busy class charlie...but either way, should be fun. Just to get to meet the faces on the other side of the radio. Here's a stupid question, do they allow pictures up there? Or is there some FAA rule against this. Not a pictureholic (i dont take good pics)...just curious. Would be nice to remember.

thats not a stupid question. I dont even know, I'd imagine it would be ok tho? when you call em up just ask and then let us know :D

What's even cooler is if you can arrange to go up when your student is solo-ing in the pattern!

i usually just give them a call and go up there. i bring my students they seem to like it and learn a little bit.

Ive done it and I highly recommended. But I'll rather fly. Ive visited DAB with a few friends and TEB was more of an invite.

I've been in two different towers, haven't been in the one at my current job, not really sure why not yet either. Might have to do that today.

Hey Jenn!

Visiting the tower (or any ATC facility) can be an excellent learning experience (not to mention that they have the best view of the airport!).

Each facility has a different policy about visits, often dictated by the local manager. Some are going to be better about it than others, but I've never been turned away from any tower (even class B) as long as I did a bit of background work before hand.

Give the facility you want to visit a call and ask about the possibility of tours. Most facilities will have a public relations rep that can arrange the details. When you visit, make sure that you ask about pictures (some places don't like it) and be sure that you take your pilots license and photo ID (makes things easier).

Have fun! When you're there, ask the controller if there is anything that you can do to make things easier for them! I've found that by asking that simple question, local controllers can open a huge amount of info that makes life easier for you (such as how to obtain shortcuts, or make your own operation more efficient). Plus, they often take note of your tail number if you get to know them, which can result in some unofficial "favoritisim" from time to time.

I have tried to visit the local tower several times, but have been refused on each. Their problem: they don't have enough people on staff to, by regulation, train replacements, let alone give tours.

Josh, that was one of the main questions I wanted to ask. Even after all the flying I've done, I still get intimidated on the radio from time to time...especially when things get real hectic around here during the morning or evening push. I'm fine with it, but I still get the butterflies here and there. I hear controllers get ticked, not at me...but in general, and was just curious what some of the local pet peeves were.

Your right though, they do give some kinda favoritism towards certain tail numbers. Around here, you hear the same people all the time...with the exception of a few corporate transits. Since I'm the only female that flies on a regular basis they do know my voice...and I get made fun of on a regular basis for the accent but I'll take it. :)

ILS, which tower are you trying? I'll give them a call in a little bit and try it out.

Thanks,
PCJ

Phone number
 

Here's a dumb question...but where can I find the landline number to the tower? (never had to call it lol) I looked through the AF/D and didn't really see anything...saw a couple numbers but nothing that stands out as being the person I need to call at Syracuse.

Jenn,

Check your PM's.

I carry a copy of "The Cellular Pilot Guidebook" with me when I fly. It has a bunch of good info (ATC numbers, weather, airport manager, etc).

You can also find good info in the online acu-kwik guide:
http://www.acukwik.com

Thanks Josh...saved the number, and will certainly keep that website.

Gave them a buzz and got the same response as ILS. They do give tours here from 8AM-4:30PM, but they are way understaffed and can't do it right now. Guy said to call back next week and we'll set something up.

Sounds like somebody is still in the air (Jenn)? :) I hope so- it was getting tense there for a minute.

Darn right I'm still in the air. :) Don't get up much anymore except a few random flights with my husband and a couple students. I really think I'm gonna take the leap of death and switch careers into aviation.

Only a few months before 9/11, my brother went to tour the TRACON for chicago approach. I was obviously much younger at the time but I already knew i wanted to have a career in aviation so I went with. It was something else! I still remember alot from it and want to do it again sometime. Not sure if they would let us into Chicago Approach but who knows.