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 aircraft will declare an emergency with air traffic control, then autonomously fly to the nearest suitable airport, communicate with air traffic control, and safely land, bringing the plane to a full stop and shutting down the engine. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026

Investigators are now working to determine what communications took place between the aircraft and a nearby air traffic control tower before the crash, as well as whether weather conditions in the area may have played a role. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

The plane contacted an air traffic control tower before the crash, authorities said. — CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Several House Democrats are asking the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pause its new AI air traffic control tool until their questions are answered. — Mira Bhakta, The Hill, 14 Oct. 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