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 legislation also seeks to improve air traffic control training and processes. —Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

The meowing occurred over an air traffic control frequency at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 12. —Clara McMichael, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

Gaming can help reduce reaction time and improve multitasking and spatial awareness, but does not account for the life-or-death nature of actual air traffic control work, Avrenli noted. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026

However, the film never asks why a therapist or crisis negotiator wasn’t brought in to assist air traffic control in trying to save Russell’s life. —Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

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