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 plane notified air traffic control of an electrical fault and requested an emergency landing. —Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2025

While things have been pretty smooth so far, travel expert Clint Henderson from The Points Guy is keeping his eyes open for an air traffic control shortage. —Ted Scouten, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025

The team will be supported by specialists in operations, air traffic control and meteorology. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025

One way transponders do that is by squawking, or sending a code to air traffic control to identify itself and provide information, like altitude. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 15 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