Get the air traffic control equipment appropriate for your needs Air traffic control equipment consists not only of ATC equipment within the tower but also things like runway lights, wind socks, and runway signage.

I recommend:  Jane's Products sells a full array of portable air traffic control equipment, air traffic supplies, air traffic control equipment systems, and air traffic control system devices. Datalink also makes air traffic equipment.

Compare air traffic control equipment companies Before buying any air traffic control equipment, even air traffic control mandatory equipment, learn the good and bad points of the air traffic control equipment manufacturers.

I recommend:  Market Research prepares comprehensive reports on air traffic control equipment. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association's (NATCA) Safety and Technology center provides invaluable intelligence on what problems and challenges air traffic controllers face with air traffic control equipment (as well other ATC safety issues). NATCA's has a web site for air traffic controllers, but even if you're simply outfitting an air traffic control tower you should spend some time poking around the site to get an idea of what working air traffic controllers want and need to do their jobs properly. This will help you pick an air traffic control equipment company.

Outfit your airplane with air traffic control supplies Generally, only air traffic controllers have air traffic control (or ATC) equipment, but some airplanes have traffic control avoidance systems (TCAS) that function as ATC equipment in airplanes. These systems cost more than most air navigation equipment, and not every plane needs a TCAS.

I recommend:  If you want air traffic control equipment for your airplane, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explains the differences in air traffic control equipment for different planes in its TCAS bulletin. Spectrum Aviation has new and used TCAS for sale. Before you buy, pay special attention to the TCAS bulletin.