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
David R. Hinson Examples of air traffic control in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The pilot of the second plane was not communicating with air traffic control, according to the FAA.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 June 2026
On World Cup match days across the country, all aircraft — including drones — will be prohibited below 3,000 feet in altitude and within a 3-nautical-mile radius around the stadiums unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
The pilot allegedly used squawk code 7500 during the incident — the air traffic control signal referencing a plane hijacking, Metro reported.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
There has been a lingering push by some to privatize air traffic control.
—Scott Ramsden, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for air traffic control
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Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 June 2026
On World Cup match days across the country, all aircraft — including drones — will be prohibited below 3,000 feet in altitude and within a 3-nautical-mile radius around the stadiums unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
The pilot allegedly used squawk code 7500 during the incident — the air traffic control signal referencing a plane hijacking, Metro reported.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
There has been a lingering push by some to privatize air traffic control.
—Scott Ramsden, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 8 Jun. 2026.
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