What is the role of Ground Control in an ATC tower?

The role of Ground Control in an ATC tower primarily involves managing aircraft movement on the ground. This includes directing the movement of aircraft both on taxiways and runways while they are not in the air. Ground Control ensures that aircraft are safely cleared for taxiing to and from the runway, gates, and other areas of the airport, coordinating with different airport operations to prevent collisions and maintain efficiency in ground operations.

The significance of this role lies in the need for precise communication and coordination around the airport’s surface, optimizing the use of available taxiways and runways while ensuring that safety protocols are strictly adhered to. Ground controllers utilize radar, radio communication, and visual observation to track and control the movements of all aircraft on the ground.

Other responsibilities such as scheduling flights and managing communications with pilots are typically handled by different sectors within air traffic control, such as Flight Data or Clearance Delivery. Monitoring in-flight emergencies is within the purview of the Tower Control or Approach Control, rather than Ground Control, as those situations pertain to aircraft in the air rather than on the ground.