What is the primary role of Air Traffic Control (ATC)?

The primary role of Air Traffic Control (ATC) is to provide air traffic services. This encompasses the responsibility for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within controlled airspace as well as providing services to aircraft on the ground. ATC coordinates the trajectory of aircraft during takeoff, landing, and transit to prevent collisions and manage the flow of air traffic. They communicate constantly with pilots, providing them with instructions, updates on weather conditions, and information regarding other aircraft to facilitate safe navigation.

While maintaining aircraft safety and managing flight operations are fundamental aspects of air traffic management, these elements fall under the broader umbrella of air traffic services that ATC is specifically tasked with delivering. Conducting flight training is not within the scope of ATC’s responsibilities, which are focused primarily on monitoring and controlling air traffic rather than instructing pilots.