Who is responsible for determining the type of approach and degree of control during operations?

The Air Ops Officer plays a crucial role in determining the type of approach and degree of control during operations. This position is responsible for overseeing air operations and ensuring that appropriate operational procedures are in place, which includes selecting the right approach based on various factors such as weather conditions, the type of aircraft being managed, and the current situation in the airspace.

The Air Ops Officer evaluates these variables to make informed decisions that optimize safety and efficiency in air traffic control. Their expertise and situational awareness enable them to determine the necessary level of air traffic control involvement for each flight operation, whether it is a visual approach or instrument approach, and how closely to monitor and assist the aircraft throughout the process.

In contrast, other roles like the Flight Commander, Ground Control Officer, and Lead Pilot have distinct responsibilities that do not primarily focus on the approach type or the overall control of flight operations. The Flight Commander might focus more on overall mission execution and leadership, the Ground Control Officer typically manages ground traffic around the airport, and the Lead Pilot is concentrated on the in-flight operation of the aircraft itself.