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
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The crew didn't send any distress messages from the cockpit and didn't respond to a transmission from air traffic control, NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025 The New York Times reported on Friday that over 90 percent of air traffic control facilities in the U.S. are understaffed, citing data from the union representing controllers. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 The civilian aircraft can hear air traffic control speaking to the other aircraft but will not hear the pilot’s response. Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Feb. 2025 Another New York Times report suggests that more than 90% of the country's 313 air traffic control facilities operate below the staffing levels recommended by the FAA. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for air traffic control 

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic control was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near 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 11 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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