What are feeder facilities used for in air traffic control?

• A. Providing weather updates to pilots
• B. Directing aircraft to intervening fixes between the en route structure and the initial approach fix
• C. Monitoring air traffic near airports only
• D. Issuing flight plans to pilots

Answer: (B)

Feeder facilities exist to bridge the gap between the high-altitude en route airspace and the terminal area. They direct aircraft to intervening fixes that lie between the en route structure and the initial approach fix, ensuring a smooth, orderly handoff from en route centers to approach control and proper alignment with the instrument approach. This helps manage sequencing and spacing as planes descend into the terminal environment.

Weather updates are provided by weather services, not feeder facilities, and flight plans are filed and coordinated through flight operations and ATC communications, not issued by feeder facilities. Feeder facilities are specifically about guiding the transition from en route routes to the point where the instrument approach begins.