Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Definition
The ground-based service that directs aircraft on the ground and in the air to maintain safe separation
Related Terms
Clearance
An authorization from ATC for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions
Control Tower (TWR)
The facility at an airport from which air traffic controllers direct aircraft movements
Flight Progress Strip
A paper or electronic record displaying essential information about an individual flight
Radar
Radio detection and ranging technology used to track aircraft positions and weather
Separation
The minimum required spacing between aircraft to prevent collision
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