ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how Air Traffic Control (ATC) strategically, pre-tactically and in real time delivers service to the airlines. The air traffic operation is an operational service network that supports all aviation users including the airline operations. ATC provides two fundamental safety services to airlines: aircraft separation and terrain clearance. A range of variables are managed tactically by operational ATCs who are providing the service directly to each aircraft. ATC operations and service standards and procedures are based on the standards and recommended practices promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ATC meets the ICAO obligations by delivering services that rely on three key aviation concepts: communication, navigation and surveillance. Similar to communications and navigation there is a range of surveillance technologies, which, for the moment, are ground based and range in sophistication from traditional radar to satellite-based surveillance.
