When Do I become Responsible?

[RodgerF]

CAP427 contains the following information

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1.2 Responsibility of a FISO at an Aerodrome
A FISO has the following responsibilities:
(a) Issuing information to aircraft flying in the Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) to assist pilots in preventing collisions.
(b) Issuing instructions and information to aircraft moving on the manoeuvring area to assist pilots in preventing collisions between aircraft and vehicles and obstructions on the manoeuvring area, or between aircraft moving on the apron.
(c) Issuing instructions to vehicles and persons on the manoeuvring area.
(d) Informing aircraft of essential aerodrome information.
(e) Alerting the safety services.
(f) Initiating overdue action.

During the notified hours of watch of the FISO unit, entry of aircraft into the ATZ to transit or land is subject to the pilot obtaining information from the FISO which will enable the flight within the zone to be conducted with safety. The movement of aircraft, persons or vehicles on the manoeuvring area and the movement of aircraft on the apron are at all times subject to permission from the FISO acting on behalf of the aerodrome authority. During the notified hours, the frequency must be manned at all times and not left unattended.

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The difficulty with the responsibilities of the FISO as described in CAP427 is that in section 1.2(b) it says that the FISO is responsible for instructions to avoid collisions on the aerodrome surface only.

However in the next paragraph it says that movements on the aerodrome surface at all times are subject to the permission of the FISO.

This is inconsistent and leads to the difficulties outlined in this thread. My view is that when the pilot reports ready for departure and there are no conflicting movements on the airfield (eg a/c vacating or backtracking the runway) the only thing the FISO can say is 'takeoff at your discretion, wind etc' and report any traffic information.

To a/c in the circuit they cannot allocate a landing position in traffic, or issue any other instructions.