AIM Text
Towers have been established to provide for a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of traffic on and in the vicinity of an airport. When the responsibility has been so delegated, towers also provide for the separation of IFR aircraft in the terminal areas.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-1-2.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance explaining that control towers are established to provide a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic on and in the vicinity of an airport. When the responsibility has been delegated, towers also provide separation of IFR aircraft in the terminal areas.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is the purpose of an airport control tower?
Per this AIM section, towers have been established to provide for a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic on and in the vicinity of an airport.
Do control towers separate IFR aircraft?
The AIM notes that when the responsibility has been so delegated, towers also provide for the separation of IFR aircraft in the terminal areas; it references Approach Control at Para 5-4-3.
What area does a control tower handle traffic for?
According to the AIM, a tower manages the flow of traffic on and in the vicinity of an airport, and where delegated, IFR separation in the terminal areas.