ACC - Area control center
In the context of aviation and aerospace, an Area Control Center (ACC) is a type of air traffic control facility that is responsible for controlling and coordinating the movement of aircraft within a specific geographic area, typically covering a large region or section of airspace.
Area Control Centers are also known as Centers or Area Control, and they play a critical role in managing the flow of air traffic, ensuring safe separation of aircraft, and providing navigation and communication services to pilots.
The primary responsibilities of an Area Control Center include:
- En route control: Providing air traffic control services to aircraft flying through the center's designated airspace, including climb, cruise, and descent phases.
- Route management: Managing the flow of air traffic along established airways, routes, and procedures.
- Conflict resolution: Identifying and resolving potential conflicts between aircraft, such as converging traffic or altitude deviations.
- Weather advisory: Providing pilots with weather information, such as forecasts, warnings, and advisories.
- Navigation assistance: Providing navigation assistance to pilots, including clearances, instructions, and radar vectors.
Area Control Centers typically have jurisdiction over a large area, often covering multiple states or regions, and may be responsible for controlling thousands of flights per day. They work closely with other air traffic control facilities, including tower controllers, approach controllers, and other area control centers, to ensure safe and efficient movement of air traffic.
In the United States, for example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates 22 Area Control Centers, which are responsible for controlling air traffic across the country. Similarly, in Europe, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) operates a network of Area Control Centers to manage air traffic across the continent.