Approach and Departure Control (APP)

What Does Approach and Departure Control (APP) Do?

Approach and departure control, or APP, is the part of air traffic control that handles the approaches and departures of all aircraft coming into or leaving an airport. APP is usually located on the lower floor of the air traffic control tower and its controllers are responsible for maintaining the required amount of separation between planes that are approaching the airport (Approach Control) and planes that are departing the airport (Departure Control) so that there are no mid-air or runway collisions between aircraft.