ATC
Pronunciation: A-T-C
Also written as: ATC — Air Traffic Control
Air Traffic Control — the ground-based service responsible for directing and separating aircraft in controlled airspace and on the aerodrome surface.
Full Definition
ATC (Air Traffic Control) encompasses the full range of services provided by controllers at tower, approach, and en-route facilities to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. At airside level, the aerodrome controller (often called 'Tower') is responsible for aircraft on the runway and in the immediate vicinity, while the ground controller manages taxiing aircraft and vehicles on movement areas. The apron may be managed separately by an Apron Management Centre. Editors should distinguish ATC from ATCO (Air Traffic Control Officer) and ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management) in documents where all three terms appear. 'ATC' is always rendered in full capitals.
Usage
Usage note: Always full capitals. Do not use 'the ATC' as ATC functions as a mass noun in most aviation documents (e.g., 'cleared by ATC', not 'cleared by the ATC').
In Context
- "Ground crew must hold position until ATC provides taxi clearance to the holding point." — Ground operations safety manual
- "All vehicle movements on the manoeuvring area require ATC permission." — Aerodrome driver training guide