"VFR Tower"

[cathaywannabe]

What exactly is a "VFR Tower"? How is it different than a "non-VFR tower"?

I've done internet searches and haven't been able to track down a good answer. Any references would be appreciated.

 

[FlyinFife]

FWIW - I believe it has to do with the availability of radar at that tower or not. Some Class D airports have radar, others do not. I don't have any resources to back me up, just going on a hunch.

My $.02

 

[Westwindflyer]

Yeah it is the services they have. I guess it would be like doing an approach in nonradar environment.

 

[cathaywannabe]

Well, Boca Raton (BCT) is in a radar environment served by PBI TRACON...but they are considered a VFR Tower. Does a VFR Tower NOT have a Brite scope?

 

[dickburns]

afaik, all class d towers are considered VFR towers. They cannot issue ifr clearances, so even though you fly through there on an ifr flight plan, they are considered a VFR tower due to who owns/controls their airspace (the approach control).

 

[whaleroast]

afaik, all class d towers are considered VFR towers. They cannot issue ifr clearances, so even though you fly through there on an ifr flight plan, they are considered a VFR tower due to who owns/controls their airspace (the approach control).

Wrong.

 

[dickburns]

reallY?

please tell me then.

I'm sure you've issued plenty of clearances eh? I happen to BE a controller!

 

[dickburns]

and while you're proving me wrong, please list an example of a VFR tower (or class D tower) that can issue an IFR clearance.

 

[whaleroast]

Are you saying you can't get an IFR clearence from a VFR tower? I know I have received one from them before while on the ground.

 

[dickburns]

No, I said a VFR tower can't issue an IFR clearance.

 

[whaleroast]

If you have to call the tower while on the ground to get your clearance, and they give it to, who are you talking to then?

 

[dickburns]

You're talking to the tower, and they give you the clearance, but my point is, because they're not an ifr facility, a vfr tower cannot ISSUE the clearance, or "clear" the clearance. If that makes any sense.

You call them for your clearance, and they contact the controlling agency for their airspace to get the clearance, be it an ARTCC or TRACON.

 

[whaleroast]

Ok. Thanks.

 

[cathaywannabe]

This link provides the best explanation I've found so far:

http://www.awp.faa.gov/ccr/radar.htm

Would places like LAX, LGA, JFK be considered VFR towers? They don't need a "release" per ce to get planes off the ground from a TRACON, assuming their are no EDCT's, etc.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

and while you're proving me wrong, please list an example of a VFR tower (or class D tower) that can issue an IFR clearance.

How about any of the TRSA's? Like TRI, AZO, MBS, ERI, ect...