Ask the Tower Manager

Your ATC Operational questions answered by KTEB ATCT Manager Matt Petersen:

Q: At times, when we call ground for taxi at TEB, we can go several calls without acknowledgement. I think the simple answer for why this happens is obvious, they’re busy and we get that. However, just wondering if this has come up from any other operators, and if we are to assume ground has heard us? Or should we continue calling until we receive acknowledgement? More concerned with the local customary position on this.

A: It could be a few things, maybe the ground controller is busy, and they are working on things in an order of necessity before getting back to aircraft who are not moving yet.  Examples would be, they coordinated crossing reference arrivals or departures, and they do not want to miss the gap.  At that point, the ground controller will almost block out people calling to ensure that they get the crossing done safely.  

Another possibility is that we do currently have 4 people training on the ground control position and they are still getting used to the volume.  In those cases, maybe they are a little behind, and they are moving people out the best they can safely.  

And last, there is a chance your call was not heard or mistaken for a different call sign. 

My suggestion is if you make a call and time passes where you feel you are being skipped then call again. I know some people may tell you they know, but you don’t know that and there is a chance they missed it.  Please do not take this personally, if you are told they know you are waiting or tell you to stand by it is most likely due to one of the scenarios above.  I wish we could get everyone moving right away but that is not always the case, there may be traffic opposite direction of your ramp, some kind of coordination happening not on frequency that you are not aware of so the GC can not respond right away or they are just behind and trying to catch up.  If you are waiting for what seems like a long time and others are checking in, call again.  I will say give it a little time for the response but if you feel you were not heard then call. 

Matthew J PetersenAir Traffic Manager TEB ATCT (A)Air Traffic Services (AJT) / NY DistrictU.S. Department of Transportation(201) 419-3484 (cell)(201) 426-9457 (work)[email protected]