definition
strict definition
airport tower
Related terms: control tower · air traffic control tower
A high structure designed to give air traffic controllers a view of an airfield.
An airport tower, or more specifically an air traffic control tower, is a relatively high structure designed to provide air traffic controllers with a visual overview of an airfield and surrounding airspace. It need not be in the predominantly vertical form of a tower, although most examples are.
The elevated working position gives controllers a view of the airfield and nearby airspace. Its design serves air traffic control rather than general sightseeing.
Most examples have a tower-like vertical shape, but this is not required. The control function and visual overview remain the defining characteristics.
