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.

Last I remember, a CLASS D tower is a VFR tower.. they can only handle 1 IFR
aircraft at a time, and then it is on a relayed clearance from an IFR
facility, they cannot issue or change an IFR clearance without permission
from the IFR controlling facility.

A VFR tower cannot issue a "radar vector", they can provide recommended
headings to fly.

But then again, it's been more than a few years since I was on the other
side of the headset, sitting at the radar scope.

BT