A Day in the Life of Air Traffic Over the U.S.A.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/home/index.html
http://smartskies.nasa.gov/
http://uarc.ucsc.edu/research/aerospace/

Air traffic control (ATC) is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other support for pilots when able. In some countries, ATC may also play a security or defense role (as in the United States), or be run entirely by the military (as in Brazil).

Preventing collisions is referred to as separation, which is a term used to prevent aircraft from coming too close to each other by use of lateral, vertical and longitudinal separation minima; many aircraft now have collision avoidance systems installed to act as a backup to ATC observation and instructions. In addition to its primary function, the ATC can provide additional services such as providing information to pilots, weather and navigation information and NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen).

In many countries, ATC services are provided throughout the majority of airspace, and its services are available to all users (private, military, and commercial). When controllers are responsible for separating some or all aircraft, such airspace is called "controlled airspace" in contrast to "uncontrolled airspace" where aircraft may fly without the use of the air traffic control system. Depending on the type of flight and the class of airspace, ATC may issue instructions that pilots are required to follow, or merely flight information (in some countries known as advisories) to assist pilots operating in the airspace. In all cases, however, the pilot in command has final responsibility for the safety of the flight, and may deviate from ATC instructions in an emergency.

Although the native language for a region is normally used, English must be used on request, as required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• air
• traffic
• control
• patterns
• day
• in
• the
• life
• atc
• management
• atm
• nasa
• ames
• research
• center

[rms5539]

@Andropov40 but any great circle on a map projection will appear as a straight line. It's not like this is plotted on a globe

[StrangeCrew]

s.p.e.r.m

[luisml1973]

oh shit... to much coffee for that

[bodybuildingerfelipe]

eu acho que a poluição causada pelos aviões dve ser vista com relevancia

[crapper1]

the east coast u cant tell where anything is there are so many planes

[golds079]

unbelieveble

[Andropov40]

This is just a guess although if you notice the flight paths are in generally straight lines. This is basically impossible on a map since straight lines on the globe are great circles.  The map is probably heavily distorted to make the lines look as straight as possible. Badass vid none the less

[bielo123]

why does the continentil u.s look retarded

[TenaciouzDz]

Wow..