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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The air traffic control tower at Reagan National Airport on Feb. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2025 For instance, satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC show the earthquake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport as if sheered from its base, according to The Associated Press. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 As a result, for the moment, the new work won’t change the way self-driving cars, machine learning algorithms or air traffic control systems work. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025 Experts say mixed-use airspace is common and generally safe due to air traffic control procedures, but the DCA incident highlights the need for scrutiny. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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