AIM ¶ 4-1-19 — Tower En Route Control
AIM 4-1-19 explains Tower En Route Control (TEC): IFR routing between metro areas via linked approach controls, typically below 10,000 ft for short flights.
In Plain English
Tower En Route Control (TEC) is an ATC service that lets IFR aircraft fly between metropolitan areas by being handed off through a network of approach control facilities linked by existing airways — without ever talking to a Center (ARTCC). It's designed as an overflow resource in the low-altitude system to enhance ATC service.
Key points to know:
- Aircraft eligibility: Generally for nonturbojet aircraft operating at or below 10,000 feet. A few city pairs (like Milwaukee–Chicago) historically allow turbojets.
- Trip length: Best for short flights of 2 hours or less. Longer flights may require extensive coordination and cause delays.
- Delays: TEC aircraft are subject to the same destination delays as other IFR traffic; departure and en route delays can also occur. If a major airport has significant delays, consider a satellite alternate.
- How to request: No special pilot requirements — file a normal IFR flight plan and include "TEC" in the remarks section.
- Routing: IFR may be planned to any satellite airport near the primary airport using the same routing.
Operationally, TEC is great for general aviation pilots making short IFR hops between busy metro areas without entering Center airspace.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-1-194-1-19. 4-1-19. Tower En Route Control (TEC)
TEC is an ATC program to provide a service to aircraft proceeding to and from metropolitan areas. It links designated Approach Control Areas by a network of identified routes made up of the existing airway structure of the National Airspace System. The FAA initiated an expanded TEC program to include as many facilities as possible. The program's intent is to provide an overflow resource in the low altitude system which would enhance ATC services. A few facilities have historically allowed turbojets to proceed between certain city pairs, such as Milwaukee and Chicago, via tower en route and these locations may continue this service. However, the expanded TEC program will be applied, generally, for nonturbojet aircraft operating at and below 10,000 feet. The program is entirely within the approach control airspace of multiple terminal facilities. Essentially, it is for relatively short flights. Participating pilots are encouraged to use TEC for flights of two hours duration or less. If longer flights are planned, extensive coordination may be required within the multiple complex which could result in unanticipated delays. Pilots requesting TEC are subject to the same delay factor at the destination airport as other aircraft in the ATC system. In addition, departure and en route delays may occur depending upon individual facility workload. When a major metropolitan airport is incurring significant delays, pilots in the TEC program may want to consider an alternative airport experiencing no delay. There are no unique requirements upon pilots to use the TEC program. Normal flight plan filing procedures will ensure proper flight plan processing. Pilots should include the acronym “TEC” in the remarks section of the flight plan when requesting tower en route control. All approach controls in the system may not operate up to the maximum TEC altitude of 10,000 feet. IFR flight may be planned to any satellite airport in proximity to the major primary airport via the same routing.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is Tower En Route Control (TEC) and what types of aircraft typically use it?
Per AIM 4-1-19, TEC is an ATC program that links designated Approach Control Areas by a network of routes built from the existing airway structure, providing service to aircraft going to and from metropolitan areas. It is generally applied to nonturbojet aircraft operating at and below 10,000 feet, though some city pairs allow turbojets.
Q2How does a pilot request TEC service, and is there a recommended flight duration?
Per AIM 4-1-19, there are no unique pilot requirements — file a normal IFR flight plan and include the acronym "TEC" in the remarks section. Pilots are encouraged to use TEC for flights of two hours duration or less, since longer flights may require extensive coordination and cause unanticipated delays.
Q3Are TEC flights immune to ATC delays, and what should a pilot consider if the primary airport is congested?
Per AIM 4-1-19, TEC pilots are subject to the same delay factors at the destination as other ATC aircraft, plus possible departure and en route delays based on facility workload. When a major metropolitan airport is experiencing significant delays, pilots may consider an alternative airport with no delay; IFR may also be planned to a satellite airport via the same routing.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4