Air-Traffic Control Equipment Key Terms

Understand the terminology related to air-traffic control equipment

By Cathy Salustri

Air-traffic controllers use specialized equipment to get their job done, and it is specific to the industry. Newcomers to the world of air-traffic control may feel temporarily overwhelmed by the terminology they hear. Here are some of the most frequently used terms to help you understand what everyone is talking about.

Flight service station

A flight service station is an automated service that provides weather updates to pilots, as well as notice to airmen (NOTAMs). An automated flight service station may also offer pilots the option of opening or closing flight plans. Flight service stations work in conjunction with air-traffic control.
Try: Lockheed Martin develops flight service station technology. The company has descriptions of what its flight service stations offer.

National airspace system (NAS)

National airspace system (NAS) architecture replaces current air-traffic control equipment. It is a newer system that uses more current technology to make air-traffic control more efficient.
Try: The Federation of American Scientists has descriptions of NAS architecture. It includes practical data, as well as a general overview. For more information, read through the report on NAS from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees all air-traffic controllers, regulating how they work as well as their equipment. It's a branch of the federal government devoted solely to aviation.
Try: Visit the Federal Aviation Administration website to learn more about it.

Air-traffic control and landing systems (ATCALS)

Air-traffic control and landing systems (ATCALS) refer to any avionics used by air-traffic controllers to move planes on the ground or in the sky. Many of these systems are now automated.
Try: ARINC provides more information on ATCALS.

Digital airport surveillance radar (DASR)

Digital airport surveillance radar (DASR) refers to newer radar used at some airports. In the past, all radar was analog, but new radar systems use digital technology and offer improved accuracy for air-traffic controllers.
Try: Raytheon builds DASR systems. The company describes how DASR works, as well as what components its systems contain.

Navigation aids (NAVAIDS)

Navigation aids, also called NAVAIDS, refer to anything that aids a pilot in navigating. Often these refer to physical markers or checkpoints. An air-traffic controller will help pilots find NAVAIDS.
Try: Flight Sim Aviation has more information about the various types of NAVAIDS.