Definition
The radio frequency used by the tower controller responsible for active runways at a controlled airport. Local Control issues takeoff and landing clearances and manages aircraft and vehicles operating on the runways and in the airspace immediately surrounding the airport.
Plain English
The frequency you talk to the tower on for takeoff and landing clearances at a controlled airport.
Context Anchor
During an instrument approach, you may be told to change from approach control to the local control frequency so the tower can issue the landing clearance.
Derivation
Local' here means the airport's immediate area — the runways and nearby airspace — as opposed to the wider airspace handled by approach or departure control. The 'local' controller works only that small, local piece.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct frequency allows the pilot to receive landing or takeoff clearance without delay and avoids runway conflicts or missed instructions.
Intuition Check
Local does not mean just any nearby frequency, and control does not mean the controls in the airplane. Here, local control means the tower controller position that handles runway traffic, and the frequency is that controller’s radio channel.
Example Sentence 1
Approach instructed us to contact the local control frequency on 118.3 when we were five miles from the runway.
Example Sentence 2
After clearing the runway on departure, the pilot switched back to the local control frequency to confirm the next heading.