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

The federal government has picked two companies to replace 612 radar systems nationwide that date back to the 1980s as part of a multibillion-dollar overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system. —Josh Funk, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026

Among the information and records authorities will be probing include recordings of any air traffic control communications, radar data and witness statements. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

In May, the air traffic control facility, which handles aircraft over the Newark Liberty International Airport, experienced multiple equipment outages, causing the air traffic control computer screens to go dark for 60-90 seconds. —Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 29 Dec. 2025

Investigators will review flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records and the pilot's license, ratings and recent flight experience. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for air traffic control

• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole
• oriole