Who has primary responsibility for operations on an active runway?

The local controllers have primary responsibility for operations on an active runway because they are directly responsible for managing all airborne and ground movements within the airspace surrounding the airport. They ensure safe takeoffs and landings by providing pilots with timely instructions and clearances. Local controllers actively monitor aircraft on final approach, coordinate departures, and manage any traffic on the runway to prevent collisions and ensure efficient operations. Their training and focus are specifically geared towards maintaining safety and efficiency in the immediate vicinity of the airport's runways.

On the other hand, ground personnel are responsible for activities on the taxiways and areas outside the active runway, while flight operations managers focus on broader operational aspects but do not engage directly with runway management. Clearance delivery controllers work primarily with granting initial flight clearances and handling communications before an aircraft enters the runway environment. Thus, the local controllers play the critical role in overseeing and directing operations specifically on the runway itself.