What does an air traffic controller do? ​

Controllers keep aircraft safely separated while moving them efficiently through airspace. The job breaks down into a few core tasks.

Separation ​

The primary job. Keep aircraft at least 5nm apart laterally (3nm in terminal areas) or 1,000ft apart vertically. Every decision a controller makes serves this goal.

Clearances ​

Controllers issue instructions to pilots: altitude assignments, heading vectors, speed restrictions, approach clearances. Each clearance must be read back by the pilot to confirm understanding.

Sequencing ​

Arrivals need to be arranged in order for landing. Controllers space aircraft using speed control and vectors, merging traffic from different directions into a single line for the runway.

Handoffs ​

Airspace is divided into sectors. When aircraft cross sector boundaries, the current controller hands responsibility to the next. This involves coordination between both controllers and a frequency change for the pilot.

Types of controllers ​

• Center (en-route) - manages high-altitude traffic between sectors, typically above 18,000ft
• Approach/departure (TRACON) - manages traffic arriving at and departing from airports, typically below 18,000ft
• Tower - manages aircraft on and near the airport surface - takeoffs, landings, and runway crossings
• Ground - manages taxiing aircraft between gates and runways

Practice it yourself ​

radarcontrol.io lets you do all of this in your browser. Control aircraft with text commands or automate with JavaScript.

Play New York Center | Quick start guide | How separation works