AFMAN13-204V3 — Air Traffic Control

AFMAN13-204V3 governs Air Traffic Control training, staffing, evaluation, operational requirements, and exercise procedures.

Search AFMAN13-204V3

  • Publication number: AFMAN13-204V3
  • Title: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
  • Date: 2024-04-26

View AFMAN13-204V3 on armypubs.army.mil


AFMAN13-204V3 addresses duty titles, chief controller responsibilities, facility staffing, operating initials, clearance delivery, and airfield information systems. It requires specific staffing levels, training periods, records practices, equipment checks, and database backups.

Applies to: This guidance is applicable to all civilian employees and uniformed members of the United States Space Force, Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard organizations (to include contracted locations) who operate or administer functions and facilities for ATC.

Topics covered

  • Air traffic control training
  • Facility staffing requirements
  • Chief controller responsibilities
  • Operating initials
  • Clearance delivery
  • Airfield information systems

Questions and answers

When may a control tower operate with only one qualified watch supervisor?

During mid-shifts or other periods of low traffic density (e.g., early dayshift, wing down days, etc.), a control tower, GCA or RFC may operate with only one qualified WS.

What must controllers use for record purposes?

CCTLRs must assign unique two-letter operating initials to controllers to identify them for record purposes (must be unique to the unit).

What is required for clearance delivery in a RAPCON?

The CCTLR must ensure a clearance delivery position in a RAPCON has a discrete frequency dedicated to clearance delivery and must not be keyed simultaneously with other frequencies.

How often must AFAS equipment be verified?

CCTLRs must ensure the AFAS equipment is verified during each shift as part of the equipment checklist.

What must be included in facility directives for System Status Area entries?

Facility directives must prescribe the use of the scratch pad and the specific responsibility for System Status Area (SSA) entries to include current ATIS alpha character, current general system information and system altimeter setting and source.

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