Would it be stupid to ask a control tower of a small airport if i could sit in and watch what goes on?

Question

I would like to obtain my private pilots licence and as part of the training you need to know how to speak to air traffic controllers. Would it be stupid to ask if i could sit in and listen to what goes on for a while and learn something or would the answer be a definate no due to 9 11 twin towers disaster?

Answer 1

it wouldn't be a stupid question ,but they might deny you access to it because of the events of 911,that's one day that all of us will remember,if you was even allowed access to any of this it would be for a short period of time and you would have to show that you are a citizen of the U.S and always have been,and your time would be limited,very limited,its doubtful they  would allow this though after that one day ,and its a good thing,at least  were being a little more careful,good luck.

Answer 2

It never hurts to ask.

Answer 3

I have been in the tower many times.

This is what you need to do...

Go to a flight school at your local airport and ask them to help you. They probably have a group of students who would be interested in going also.

You will need to give an official id - like a driver's license or a passport - and sign up before hand.

Then, you will be allowed into the tower.

We used to be able to go in there all the time - but it has become more stringent. I actually used to bring donuts to the guys every Sunday morning and have recorded the ATIS many times.

Answer 4

when I was going for mine, our flight school arranged to have us go up and obseve for a while. I would talk to the flight instructor at yoru local airport. He might know the some of the controllers. It probably wouldnt be possible in a class B or even class C airspace since they are so busy, but you may have a chance at a class D during one of their slow times.

Answer 5

i don;t know that they would allow you to, but it's worth a try and I don't think they would think you were stupid for asking

Answer 6

No, not at all. Contact the Tower Chief and explain why and he/she should be able to get you up there.

Depending on the Airport you may not be able to get up there during high traffice times. I would think your best bet would be a small local airport, getting into a large airport tower might be a little tough

Answer 7

Don't think so

Answer 8

No not at all.

I go around to some of the small airports in South Florida and they let me sit in and watch what they do.

sometimes they won't b/c of 9/11.

go to www.liveatc.net gives you a lot of small and major airports to listen in on live to the pilots conversations  with the tower.

Answer 9

No! Not at all. There is nothing wrong at all. If it is a small airport they should not have any objection. Just tell them about your career etc.

And if you know anyone who has some authority, that would be awesome!

Good luck!

Answer 10

Many control towers will still let you visit.  They usually need a few days notice and your social security number.

I would give them a call, tell them you are associated with the local fligt school and see if they will let you hang out for a while.

If not, to get a better idea of the relationship of the pilot and controller and to hear ATC, check out www.liveatc.net and you can hear many facilities broadcasting.

Best of luck!

Answer 11

Towers do occasionally allow visitors but primarily pilots so that we can have a better appreciation for what they do. Before 9/11, I used to be able to visit towers with some regularity. I haven't a lot lately but when I have, I was in radio communication with them and was told how to proceed as I was inbound in order to visit after I had landed. TRACONs will also allow visitors at times with enough advance notice.

You might want to visit a flight school and ask them about lessons and visiting the tower.

Answer 12

Paul remember there is no such thing as stupid or dumb question. I think there is an F.A.A. rule against non-authorized personnel being In a control tower, you did say a small airport so give it a try. and good luck to you