Our tower, often abbreviated to 'St.Pete Tower' is transmitting on 118.3 Mhz. It is open from 6 AM to 11PM local time. During the remaining hours, our local Flight Service Station takes over the frequency and offers advisories for pilots. It will respond with 'St. Pete Radio'.

The tower controls all active runways and all air traffic within the Class D area around our airport. Technically Class D airspace reaches up to 2500 feet but the KPIE Tower controls officially up to 1600 feet. Above 2100 feet Tampa Approach takes over. The 500 ft buffer zone is controlled by either agency depending on traffic needs.

Departing aircraft are handed off to Tampa Approach when on a IFR flight plan or VFR with 'positive Class B' service. VFR traffic under 'negative Class B service' stays with the tower until cleared with 'frequency change approved'.

Arriving aircraft are either handed off from Tampa Approach to the Tower or, when not taking Class B service, are contacting the Tower for landing instructions.

After landing - clear of the active runway, the Tower advises the pilot to contact Ground Control.

During slow traffic periods the Ground and Tower Frequency are often operated by the same person. In this case both frequencies are combined.