Tower Control controls aircraft on the runway and in the controlled airspace immediately surrounding the airport. Tower controllers may use radar to locate an aircraft's position in three-dimensional space, or they may rely on pilot position reports and visual observation. They coordinate the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and direct aircraft on how to safely join and leave the circuit. Aircraft which are only passing through the airspace must also contact Tower Control in order to be sure that they remain clear of other traffic.
Who controls aircraft on the runway? Tower controllers use what to locate an aircraft's position in three-dimensional space? Who controls aircraft in the controlled airspace immediately surrounding the airport? Why should aircraft that is only passing through an airspace contact Tower Control?