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THE COMPONENTS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
So, you may be asking yourself, how does this air traffic management system and the people involved all fit together? First, let's discuss the structure of how Air Traffic Control operates. Airspace in the United States is divided into 21 zones, which are maintained by Air Route Traffic Control
Centers (ARTCC). These control centers are further divided into sectors with each sector varying in the size and area that is covered.
| Choosing To Fly In Controlled Airspace Most commercial aircraft operate in controlled airspace for two reasons: first, because they prefer to be monitored by Air Traffic Controllers, which relieves them of having to physically, look for oncoming traffic; secondly, because the higher the aircraft can fly, the more likely it avoids hazardous weather. It also helps aircraft travel faster and, at the same time, have better fuel efficiency. |
Within these sectors are portions of airspace, which measure about 50 miles in diameter, called TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol) airspaces. Each TRACON facility manages airspace that covers several airports, each of which has the responsibility of covering its own airspace, about 5 miles in radius.
The Air Traffic Control system is comprised of five divisions which are controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These divisions are:
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Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) - The Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) is located in an office park in Herndon, VA. This office is comprised of several large displays that show the location of every aircraft flying over the Continental United States (CONUS) at any given moment.
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Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) - The Air Route Traffic Control Center is a facility that handles the en route portion of a flight. These facilities are divided into 21 controlled jurisdictions. Any time an aircraft flies in controlled airspace it is likely that it will pass through at least one ARTCC. See figure 2.
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Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) - A Terminal Radar Approach Control facility is known as a terminal facility. In this facility, approach and departure controllers work closely with ARTCC (en route) facilities to ensure a smooth transition between the en route phase of the aircraft's flight and the approach or departure phase of the flight.
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Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) - An Air Traffic Control Tower is located at every airport which has regularly scheduled flights. Towers handle all take-off, landing, and ground traffic. ATCT environments are a part of the terminal services provided to aircraft.
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Flight Service Stations (FSS) - Flight Service Stations provide information (weather, route, terrain, flight planning) for private and commercial pilots flying into and out of different types of airports and rural areas. It assists pilots in emergencies and coordinates search-and-rescue operations for missing or overdue aircraft.
