What is a shared responsibility between ground and local control?

• A. Monitoring weather radar
• B. Assigning signals
• C. Scanning the tower cab environment
• D. Controlling the taxiways

Answer: (C)

Both ground and local control must keep a high level of situational awareness by regularly scanning the tower cab environment. This means watching for anything that could affect safety on the airfield—other aircraft and vehicles moving on taxiways, pedestrians, equipment, wildlife, and any obstacles, as well as noting weather or lighting conditions that could impact movements. By continuously observing these cues, they can coordinate clearances and instructions to prevent conflicts and runway incursions.

Other tasks are not shared in this way. Weather radar monitoring is typically handled by weather or meteorology sources, not a mutual duty of both positions. Assigning signals isn’t a joint responsibility; signaling and clearances are issued by the appropriate controller in their own scope. Controlling the taxiways is primarily the ground controller’s role, not a shared function with local control.