Terminal Radar Approach Control

A Terminal Radar Approach Control (or TRACON) is an air traffic control facility usually located within the vicinity of a large airport. Typically, the TRACON controls aircraft within a 30-50 nautical mile (56 to 93 km) radius of the airport between the surface and 10,000 to 15,000 feet (4,600 m). A TRACON is sometimes called Approach Control or Departure Control in radio transmissions. _____The radar controller is responsible for ensuring appropriate separation, and issuing traffic and other local aviation information for aircraft under its control. Additionally, the radar controller is responsible for ensuring all required coordination with other controllers in the tower, TRACON, or en-route center is completed, making required computer entries, and updating the flight progress strips. ______Arrival aircraft are received from the en-route center in compliance with pre-determined agreements on routing, altitude, speed, spacing, etc. The TRACON controller working this traffic will take control of the aircraft and blend it with other aircraft entering the center airspace from other areas or "gates" into a single, parallel or perpendicular final for the runway. The spacing is critical to ensure the aircraft can land and clear the runway prior to the next aircraft touching down on the runway. The tower may also request expanded spacing between aircraft to allow aircraft to depart or to cross the runway in use. _____Overflight aircraft are aircraft that enter the TRACON airspace at one point and exit the airspace at another without landing at an airport. They must be controlled in a manner that ensures they remain separated from the climbing and descending traffic that is moving in and out of the airport. Their route may be altered to ensure this is possible. When they are returned to the en-route center, they must be on the original routing unless a change has been coordinated. _____Not all airports have a TRACON available. In this case, the en-route center will coordinate directly with the tower and provide this type of service where radar coverage permits. Generally, however, the separation minimums are greatly increased. In many countries, mid-sized airports without a TRACON have a dedicated Approach Radar Controller based upon the airport itself to sequence inbounds and to provide radar services to aircraft in the vicinity of the airport.

Theme III. TELEVISION

Different Kinds of Television.