Digital Airport Traffic Control Tower Systems (DT Systems)
Digital Airport Traffic Control Tower Systems (DT Systems) are a technological solution to provide Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) services via a network of cameras, sensors, displays, and other support equipment.
DT Systems provide Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) with the visual information they need to provide ATCT services. As shown in the figure below, a DT Center (DTC) utilizes DT cameras and sensors to provide the visual information that controllers presently gather by looking out the windows of traditional ATCTs. Because DT technology eliminates the need for the ATCS to look out a physical window overlooking the airport, the ATCS instead controls traffic entirely through dedicated digital displays. The DT cameras can be installed on existing or stand-alone infrastructure.
DT Systems may serve as an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar ATCTs. DT Systems will initially be integrated at airports in Class D airspace at Airport Sponsor owned Non-Federal Control Towers (NFCT)/FAA Contract Towers (FCT). DT Systems may be installed at airports that are in Class E and G airspace that would like to transition to Class D airspace.
Note: The FAA is updating its nomenclature from “Remote Tower” to “Digital Tower” to better represent the system’s digital technology. This shift removes the implication that the facility must be situated off-airport, allowing for greater deployment flexibility across both on-site and off-site locations. Note that both terms may be used interchangeably in legacy materials until all formal documentation and guidance are fully updated.
FAA Published Information
- Engineering Brief 112, Digital Airport Traffic Control Tower Systems Installation, Maintenance, and Airport Operations Considerations
- Part 139 CertAlert 26-04: Airport Certification Manual Updates (14 CFR 139.201): Digital Airport Traffic Control Tower Systems
- Program Guidance Letter 26-06, Digital Airport Traffic Control Tower (DT) Systems
- Digital Tower (DT) Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAA Regional Office (RO) / Airports District Office (ADO) is the Airport Sponsor’s focal point for requesting Federal funding and coordinating the approval of Airport Layout Plan (ALP) updates, review and acceptance of the Construction Safety and Phasing Plan (CSPP), facilitating Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 77, Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace, evaluations, safety assessments, etc. See RO/ADO for additional information.
The Non-Federal Program Implementation Manager (PIM) is the Airport Sponsor’s focal point for establishing a non-federal DT System in the National Airspace System. Sponsors can identify their PIM by visiting the Contact the Non-Federal Program webpage. In addition, the PIM can assist Sponsors with identifying other FAA points of contact.
Before DT Systems can be deployed at federally owned ATCTs, the FAA must complete additional work to address aspects necessary for federal implementation.
Because DT technology eliminates the need for ATCS to look out a physical window overlooking the airport, the ATCS instead controls traffic entirely through dedicated digital displays in a DT Center (DTC). The DTC can be located on or off airport property. However, DT Systems that are funded by the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) or other applicable grant program must be located on airport owned property or leased to the Airport Sponsor.
Currently, network communications infrastructure must provide all data transfer by a closed, physically point-to-point network (no wireless communication allowed at this time). An independent fiber optic telecommunication feed between the DT System sensors (mast) and the DTC must be provided for installation.
Airport Diagram/Sketch: The location of the digital tower with the signal light gun is depicted as a square that is labeled ‘D-TWR’.
Chart Supplement: Airport Remark - Signal light gun co-located with digital tower (D-TWR); see airport diagram/sketch.
Engineering Brief 112 includes information on how Airport Sponsors can update their airport diagram/sketch and chart supplement to include the location/information of DT Systems at an airport.
Contacts
| Office | Contacts |
|---|---|
| FAA Airports Emerging Entrants Division | Mike DiPilato, Program Manager Michael.DiPilato@faa.gov |
| FAA Airports Design and Construction Branch | Nelson Sachez, Electronics Engineer Nelson.Sanchez@faa.gov |
| FAA Airports Data and Airspace Branch | Rory Powell, P.E., Airspace Engineer Rory.K.Powell@faa.gov |
| FAA Airports Safety Policy Branch | Matt Stearns, Airport Certification and Safety Inspector Matthew.Stearns@faa.gov |