What is the primary function of Ground Control at an airport?

• A. Directs all air traffic in the airspace around the airport.
• B. Maintains the runway lighting schedule.
• C. Manages all aircraft taxiing on the ground and ensures separation of aircraft.
• D. Issues NOTAMs and weather advisories.

Answer: (C)

Ground Control is responsible for everything that moves on the airport surface—aircraft taxiways, ramps, and the gates. Its main job is to guide pilots as they taxi between the gate and the runway and to keep all ground movements properly separated so aircraft don’t come too close to one another or collide with vehicles. This role requires precise coordination with the tower, which handles takeoffs, landings, and runway clearance, while Ground Control keeps the surface flow orderly and safe.

Diving into why the other ideas don’t fit: directing all air traffic in the surrounding airspace is the job of air traffic control for the approach and en route phases, not ground control. Maintaining the runway lighting schedule is a facilities/maintenance function, not something Ground Control does as part of traffic management. Finally, issuing NOTAMs and weather advisories comes from separate information services and meteorological offices, not from Ground Control, which focuses on surface movements.