"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.