OverviewMany people believe that communications, navigation, surveillance, and automation technologies are the complete ATC system when, in fact, they are simply the enabling technologies that allow the air traffic control function to perform efficiently and safely. In reality, air traffic control is the process by which many thousands of airplanes are provided separation services as they climb, descend, and cross paths and altitudes as they travel from any one of thousands of departure airports to any one of thousands of destination airports daily.Air traffic controllers in various ATC facilities are responsible for specific airspace volumes and may be providing those ATC separation services to up to 20 - 25 airplanes at any moment in time. Core ATC concepts, procedures, and techniques have evolved to enable human air traffic controllers to safely manage that level of air traffic density and volume. Why should you Attend:If you are a technical or management person involved in developing new and/or advanced ATC technologies, it is vital that you understand the fundamental structures, concepts, and procedures that have evolved to become the infrastructure of the current ATC system. Without such a personal understanding, it is much more difficult to develop the successful and implementable new ideas and/or technologies that will advance the efficiency and safety of the ATC system. This topic provides the knowledge and language that is foundational and a prerequisite to discussing and understanding the functioning of airport traffic controls, radar approach controls, enroute ATC facilities, and traffic flow management; i.e., the ATC process. If you are a pilot, it will make your experience with the ATC system more intuitive and less frustrating if you understand what the ATC system is trying to accomplish and how it works. If you are simply interested in aviation, an understanding of the basic construct of the air traffic control system is essential.Areas Covered in the Session:Fundamental terms, e.g., ATC vs. TFM vs. ATMIFR vs. VFR operationsAir traffic facilitiesAirspace StructureControl sectorizationWake vortex factorsFundamental control techniques and conceptsATC enabling technologiesWho Will Benefit:Engineers and other developers of ATC technologies and systemsManagers and other aviation strategic plannersGovernment and industry aviation executivesPilotsAviation enthusiasts