"Jose" wrote in message
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The FARs say that class D is controlled airspace. They also say that you
have to obey ATC instructions. What are the tower controllers
controlling
there if not air traffic?

They are not controlling air traffic in the sense of taking
responsibility for separation (which they do in IFR for example, and
perhaps in positive control areas - a controller will certainly jump
in and clarify)


I want to put to rest once and for all the idea that class D controllers do
not control air traffic, however. They do. They issue vectors, departure and
arrival instructions for both VFR and IFR traffic, and routing instructions
through their airspace for both VFR and IFR traffic. They also make an
attempt to maintain separation and controllers who fail that responsibility
have been found at least partially at fault in NTSB reports.

I agree with you that separation is primarily the pilot's responsibility,
but this is not a peculiarity of class D. It is true no matter what airspace
you are in.