What is the primary function of air traffic control (ATC)?

The primary function of air traffic control (ATC) is to prevent collisions between aircraft and manage air traffic. This involves coordinating the movement of aircraft both in the airspace and on the ground at airports. ATC ensures safe separation between aircraft by providing instructions regarding altitude, route, and speed adjustments. By maintaining effective communication with pilots, ATC helps to create a structured flow of air traffic, minimizing risks during takeoff, landing, and while en route.

While controlling the speed of commercial flights in mid-air is part of ATC's responsibilities, it primarily focuses on maintaining safe distances and preventing accidents rather than merely controlling speed. Providing navigational aids to pilots is another important function in aviation, but ATC primarily directs traffic rather than offering navigational services directly. Facilitating private flight plans is also a task related to ATC, but it serves the broader goal of managing overall air traffic safety and efficiency. The key aspect of ATC's mission is collision prevention, establishing it as the primary focus of their operations.