SIDs and STARs are a revolutionary feature for Radar Controllers, but what about the specialists working Ground and Tower? From my point of view as a Specialist, working Tower without approach active is a completely different experience then before. If aircraft have a STAR programmed, which most do, I give “continue inbound” until they’re at the end of the STAR. Once they reach that point I give the usual pattern entry, sequence and clearance.
Aircraft on STARs are much higher closer to the airport then we have come accustom to and getting to come off their flight plan is a challenging task.
