This page lists the procedures specifically applicable to military aircraft. These procedures should be used as an addition to the standard tower procedures described in the previous topics of this course.

1. Line up and Wait (LUAW)

a. When an aircraft is authorized to line up and wait, inform it of the closest traffic within 6 miles on final approach to the same runway. If the approaching aircraft is text only, inform it of the aircraft taxiing into position.

b. USN. Do not authorize aircraft to taxi into line up and wait simultaneously on intersecting runways.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CONTINUE HOLDING,
or
TAXI OFF THE RUNWAY.

c. USAF/USN. When issuing additional instructions or information to an aircraft holding in takeoff position, include instructions to continue holding or taxi off the runway, unless it is cleared for takeoff.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CONTINUE HOLDING,
or
TAXI OFF THE RUNWAY.

{Reference: FAAO 7110.65 3-9-4 “Line up and Wait”}

2. Takeoff Clearance

a. USA/USN. Issue surface wind and takeoff clearance to aircraft.

PHRASEOLOGY-
WIND (surface wind in direction and velocity). CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF.

b. USAF. When an aircraft is cleared for takeoff, inform it of the closest traffic within 6 miles on final approach to the same runway. If the approaching aircraft is on a different frequency, inform it of the departing aircraft.

{Reference: FAAO 7110.65 3-9-10 “Takeoff Clearance.”}

3. Departure Control Instructions

a. Before takeoff:

1. Inform all departing IFR military turboprop/turbojet aircraft (except transport and cargo types) to change to
departure control frequency. If you need to transmit urgent instructions to the aircraft after it’s been instructed to change to departure, relay those instructions via the departure controller.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CHANGE TO DEPARTURE.

2. USAF. USAF control towers are authorized to inform all departing IFR military transport/cargo type aircraft operating in formation flight to change to departure control frequency before takeoff.

b. After takeoff, do not request departing military turboprop/turbojet aircraft (except transport and cargo types) to make radio frequency or radar beacon changes before the aircraft reaches 2,500 feet above the surface.

{Reference: FAAO7110.65 3-9-3 “Departure Control Instructions.”}

4. Landing Clearance

USA/USN. Issue surface wind when clearing an aircraft to land, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, low approach, or the option. Restate the landing runway whenever there is a possibility of a conflict with another aircraft which is using or is planning to use another runway.

PHRASEOLOGY-
WIND (surface wind direction and velocity), CLEARED TO LAND,
or
WIND (surface wind direction and velocity), RUNWAY (designator), CLEARED TO LAND.

‘{Reference: FAAO 7110.65 3-10-5 “Landing Clearance.”}’‘

5. Landing Check

USA/USN. Advise the pilot to perform landing check while the aircraft is on downwind leg and in time to complete it before turning base leg.

PHRASEOLOGY-
PERFORM LANDING CHECK.

{Reference: 7110.65 5-10-6 “Landing Check.”}

6. Wheels Down Check

USA/USAF/USN. Remind aircraft to check wheels down on each approach unless the pilot has previously reported wheels down for that approach. Tower shall issue the wheels down check at an appropriate place in the pattern.

PHRASEOLOGY-
CHECK WHEELS DOWN.

NOTE-
The intent is solely to remind the pilot to lower the wheels, not to place responsibility on the controller.

{Reference: FAAO 7110.65 2-1-25 “Wheels Down Check (USA/USAF/USN).”}