Description

The visual control room (VCR) is the command center where controllers coordinate arrivals, departures, and other aerodrome operations, ensuring that all movements are executed in compliance with established regulations and procedures. Normally located in the upper part of the ATC tower, the VCR provides air traffic controllers with a clear and unobstructed view of the aerodrome and surrounding airspace.

VCRs are sometimes replaced with remote towers that serve the same role and have similar equipment but are usually located far away from the aerodrome.

Equipment

The VCR is equipped with various tools that enhance the tower controllers' situational awareness and provide means for effective planning, coordination and communication, such as:

• Screens showing images captured by cameras that cover the blind spots, i.e. areas that are not directly visible from the VCR due to obstructions
• Screens showing meteorological data (real time parameters such as wind, visibility, RVR, etc. as well as messages such as METAR, TAF, SNOWTAM, ATIS, etc.)
• Ground movement surveillance data, obtained via e.g. SMR, A-SMGCS or ADS-B
• Data for aircraft within the CTR or TMA, obtained via surveillance sensors such as PSR, SSR, MLAT or ADS-B.
• Lighting control systems
• Flight data, such as paper or electronic flight strips, flight plans, CTOT messages, etc.
• Communications equipment, such as radios, telephones and VCS