Air Route Traffic Control Center
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Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) manages the en route phase of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS) of the United States. Each ARTCC is responsible for controlling aircraft across a broad region, ensuring safe separation and efficient routing of flights at cruising altitudes.
Mission
The primary mission of an ARTCC is to provide air traffic control services to aircraft flying under IFR within controlled airspace, focusing on the en route phase of flight. Their efforts are directed towards maintaining the safety, order, and efficiency of air traffic by managing aircraft separation, issuing clearances, and providing necessary flight information[1].
Parent organization
ARTCCs are part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), specifically under the Air Traffic Organization (ATO). The FAA is responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation within the U.S., including air traffic control[2].
Legislation
The broader system of air traffic control, including ARTCCs, was authorized under various pieces of legislation, notably the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which established the FAA and its role in air traffic management.
Partners
- Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities for handoff of aircraft during the approach and departure phases
- Air Traffic Control Towers for coordination during airport operations
Number of employees
The number of employees at each ARTCC varies, with centers employing hundreds of air traffic controllers along with support staff. Specific numbers are not listed for individual ARTCCs in the provided references.
Organization structure
Each ARTCC has a complex structure to manage its operations:
Leader
ARTCCs are overseen by an Air Traffic Manager.
Divisions
- Operations for managing air traffic on the control floor.
- Training to ensure controllers are up-to-date with procedures.
- Technical Support for maintaining equipment and systems.
List of programs
- Air Traffic Control for en route services.
- Weather Information Services to relay critical weather data to pilots.
- Special Activity Airspace Management for coordinating military or special use airspace.
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget allocations for individual ARTCCs are not publicly detailed; they are part of the FAA's broader budget for air traffic control.
Staff
ARTCCs employ a significant number of air traffic controllers and support personnel, with each center having its own staff complement tailored to its operational needs.
Funding
Funding for ARTCCs comes from the FAA's budget, which is primarily funded through federal appropriations and user fees like the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
Services provided
ARTCCs provide air traffic control services for IFR flights, managing the aircraft from departure to the point where they either land or are handed off to another center or approach control. This includes issuing clearances, providing routing instructions, and ensuring safe aircraft separation at high altitudes[3].
Regulations overseen
ARTCCs do not oversee regulations but operate under the FAA's regulatory framework, which includes compliance with 14 CFR Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules), among others.
Headquarters address
ARTCCs do not have a single headquarters address as they are spread across 20 different locations in the contiguous United States.
History
The concept of ARTCCs evolved from early air traffic control systems post-World War II, with significant development following the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision. This incident led to the establishment of the FAA and a more structured approach to air traffic control, with ARTCCs becoming key components in managing high-altitude en route traffic[4].
External links
References
- ↑ "Air Traffic Services". Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/air_traffic_services/.
- ↑ "Federal Aviation Administration". FAA. https://www.faa.gov/.
- ↑ "Air Traffic Control - En Route". FAA. https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATC/atc1000.html.
- ↑ "Brief History of the FAA". FAA. https://www.faa.gov/about/history/brief_history/.