![enroute 4 output control center enroute 4 output control center](https://i.etsystatic.com/12925433/r/il/36a691/2012400265/il_fullxfull.2012400265_3bhb.jpg)
We call them "Center," the en-route air traffic controllers who keep each of us in our own space. There are 20 Air Route Traffic Control Centers scattered throughout the United States, which manage en-route operations for IFR traffic and provide flight-following and other services for VFR operations. But their job doesn't end with en-route - they also provide approach and departure control for airports without a dedicated approach facility. One Center, Many AreasĮach ARTCC facility breaks their airspace down into areas of specialization - blocks of airspace worked by a team of controllers. When controllers join the facility, they are assigned an area and certify on that area's airspace.
![enroute 4 output control center enroute 4 output control center](https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/_images/201022-AVIATION-TECH-RADAR-LAB-JRE-0038-web.jpg)
If a controller moves to a new area, they must certify on the new airspace prior to working in that area.Īreas of specialization cover broad expanses of airspace - too much space to be worked by a single radar controller. A radar controller works a single sector at a scope, possibly with the help of a "D-Side" controller and a "Tracker." To make the areas manageable, they're broken down into several high and low "sectors." At Kansas City Center, low sectors control airspace from the surface up to Flight Level 230, while high sectors cover airspace from Flight Level 240 and above. Kansas City Center has six areas of specialization, plus a traffic management unit. Each area includes seven to nine sectors, depending on traffic load. Around 240 controllers work at Kansas City Center and more than 100 controllers may be on duty at one time. So, while you only hear one voice, there's a lot going on behind the scenes.