Which phase is primarily handled by the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)?

• A. En route
• B. Takeoff
• C. Landing
• D. Parking

Answer: (A)

The phase handled by the Air Route Traffic Control Center is the en route portion of flight. After aircraft leave the vicinity of an airport and before they begin the approach to land, they enter the en route phase, which centers manage as they cruise along airways at higher altitudes. The center monitors position, provides routing, assigns altitudes and speeds, and ensures safe separation from other aircraft over long distances. It also coordinates handoffs with neighboring centers and with terminal facilities as aircraft transition into or out of the terminal area.

Takeoff and initial climb are managed by tower and departure/approach control within the terminal area, while landing is handled by approach control and the tower. Parking is handled on the ground by ground control and parallel airport operations.