Air traffic control

Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a service provided by ground based Controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure safe, orderly and efficient traffic flow.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ATC services are provided throughout the majority of airspace, and its services are provided for all users (private pilot, military, and commercial). Such airspace is called "controlled airspace" in contrast to "uncontrolled airspace". By law, pilots must obey the directions of air traffic controllers when they are in controlled airspace, which usually puts thousands of lives into a controller's hands.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Air traffic control services can be divided into two major subspecialties, terminal control and en-route control.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Terminal control includes the control of traffic (aircraft and vehicles) on the airport proper and airborne aircraft within the immediate airport environment. Generally, this is approximately a 30 to 50 nautical mile (56 to 93 km) radius of the airport. Terminal controllers work in facilities called control towers and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON). At some locations, staff is shared between Tower Control and the TRACON, while at others the tower and the TRACON are completely separate entities. For example, Honolulu International Airport is served by a combined ("up/down") facility, while Chicago's O'Hare Airport is served by a control tower at the airport, and a remote TRACON located at Elgin, Illinois.

Related Topics:
Airport - Control tower - TRACON - Honolulu - Chicago's - O'Hare Airport - Elgin, Illinois

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

En-route controllers control the traffic between the terminals. They can also control traffic in and out of airports where the traffic volume does not warrant the establishment of a terminal ATC operation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~