The typical image people have of air traffic control (ATC) is that of a group of people in an airport tower who coordinate aircraft activity by staring at radar screens that use points of light to represent aircraft. While not fundamentally incorrect, this isn’t a fair representation of the extent of ATC operations. This article will flesh out that simplistic image and introduce you to the equipment, technologies, and procedures that go into keeping aircraft and air travelers safe in … >> Read More

How important is automation when it comes to air traffic control systems? Automation is very important in a lot of fields and industry and air traffic control is one of these fields. If you are wondering on what is the impact of automation when it comes to air traffic control systems, here are few things which you may want to know. The purpose on why air traffic control systems are implemented is that to avoid collisions of airplanes. Basically, air … >> Read More

Even novice pilots understand that weather affects a plane in flight very differently than it affects a car driving down the freeway. Although weather conditions can compromise your safety both in the air and on the road, the stakes are higher in flight because you can’t pull over to the shoulder if the severity of weather exceeds your abilities. To better understand the forces that weather exerts on planes, it’s important to realize that the atmosphere is not empty space. … >> Read More