A catch-all term for all the folks a pilot might be talking to in controlled airspace (or even outside it). ATC is concerned with keeping aircraft operating under IFR separated, helping pilots spot [..]

A weather advisory indicating a hazard to flight for all aircraft over a given area. For example, when prevailing low ceilings are forecast or observed over a given area an IFR AIRMET is issued. Th [..]

The branch of ATC responsible for separating aircraft as they approach congested areas. They have detailed RADAR and generally deal with more aircraft in closer proximity than their brothers in cen [..]

The detailed description of an instrument approach. These are the rules to safely conduct a given approach presented in a standard format.

A recorded message giving the weather and relevant airport information for aircraft landing and departing. Pronounced Ay-tis.

A localizer has a direction associated with it - toward the runway. Sometimes as part of an instrument approach a pilot has to fly the wrong way on the localizer path, which is called flying the ba [..]

A CTAF is used to allow pilots to communicate their intentions and positions to each other while operating at an uncontrolled field (or one that is functioning as an uncontrolled field when the two [..]

The tightly controlled airspace around a major commercial airport, like LAX. Operating VFR in class B is something of a pain.

The controlled airspace around a smaller, but sizable commercial airport, like Burbank. Operating VFR in class C is much less of a hassle than a Class B.

In quiet areas, ATC will sometimes clear a pilot to fly any instrument approach at an airport, essentially saying "any approach that's legal is acceptable to me." The term for this i [..]