![]() The local controller issues the landing clearance. As the plane nears the runway, the pilot is issued a clearance to contact the tower. When the plane is approximately 50 miles from the destination airport, it is handed off to that airport’s terminal radar arrival controller who sequences it with other arrivals, and issues an approach clearance. The controller also delegates responsibility for the plane to the next sector when the plane leaves the team’s airspace. ![]() As a plane approaches a team’s airspace, the radar controller accepts responsibility for the plane from the previous sector. If two planes are scheduled to enter the team’s sector in conflict, the controller may arrange with the preceding sector unit for one plane to change its flight path or altitude. To prepare for planes about to enter the team’s sector, the radar associate controller organizes flight plans output from a printer into strip bays. En route controllers work either individually or in teams of two, depending on how heavy traffic is each team is responsible for a sector of the center’s airspace.Īs the plane proceeds on its flight plan to its destination it is handed off from sector to sector both within the center and to adjoining centers. ![]() Airplanes usually fly along designated routes each center is assigned a certain airspace containing many different routes. There are 20 air route traffic control centers located around the country, each employing 300 to 700 controllers, with more than 150 on duty during peak hours at the busiest facilities. The TRACON departure controller identifies the plane on radar, climbs it, and directs it on course.Īfter each plane departs, terminal controllers notify en route controllers, who take charge next. When the aircraft arrives at the active runway the strip is moved to the local controller who issues the departure clearance, observes the takeoff and turns the plane over to the departure controller. When an aircraft calls for clearance the clearance delivery controller issues the clearance and moves the strip over to the ground controller who manages the movement of aircraft on the airport surface, except the active runway. The tower flight data controller receives the flight plan in the form of a flight strip, which is output from a computer, and arranges it in sequence. If the plane is flying under instrument flight rule conditions, a flight plan is filed prior to departure. Many different controllers are involved in the departure of an airplane. In addition, terminal controllers keep pilots informed about weather and runway conditions. Terminal radar controllers manage aircraft departing from or arriving to an airport by monitoring each aircraft’s movement on radar to ensure that a safe distance is maintained between all aircraft under their control. ![]() Other controllers in the tower control the movement of aircraft on the taxiways, handle flight data, and provide flight plan clearances. Relying on visual observation, the tower local controllers sequence arrival aircraft for landing and issue departure clearances for those departing from the airport. They work in either the control tower or the terminal radar approach control (TRACON) room or building. Their main responsibility is to organize the flow of aircraft into and out of the airport. Terminal controllers watch over all planes traveling in an airport's airspace. Some regulate airport traffic through designated airspaces others regulate airport arrivals and departures. Their immediate concern is safety, but controllers also must direct planes efficiently to minimize delays. Air traffic controllers work within the NAS to coordinate the movement of air traffic to make certain that planes stay a safe distance apart. The National Airspace System (NAS) is a vast network of people and equipment that ensures the safe operation of commercial and private aircraft. ![]()
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