air traffic control

noun

: the process or system by which the movements of aircraft are monitored and directed by ground personnel communicating with pilots by radio
improving the technology used for air traffic control
also : the personnel who operate an air traffic control system
Pilots would still have to file flight plans, which could be modified by air traffic control if they posed any safety hazards. David R. Hinson

Examples of air traffic control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Of course, weather plays a key role in upending schedules, but the chief villain is our stunningly antiquated air traffic control (ATC) system. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 The aircraft intercepted Tuesday was flying 24 miles southwest of Milwaukee and wasn't in communication with air traffic control. Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 17 July 2024 Dahl said commercial airliners often must take longer routes closer to the equator during solar storms so their radio communications with air traffic control officials remain reliable. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 3 June 2024 Kinane-Wells, a real estate agent, personal trainer and triathlete, calmly handled the situation, successfully landing the plane with help from air traffic control, according to audio recordings. Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for air traffic control 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'air traffic control.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic control was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near air traffic control

Cite this Entry

“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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