What is a TRACON?

TRACON is an acronym for Terminal Radar Approach Control. It is usually located within the vicinity of an airport. Typically, the TRACON controls aircraft approaching and departing between 5 and 50 miles of the airport. Radar equipment allows an air traffic controller to "see" the aircraft even at that distance.

How does the air traffic control system operate now?

Currently the Baltimore-Washington region is served by four major airports - Baltimore - Washington International (BWI), Dulles International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, and Andrews Air Force Base - all located within a geographic area typically served by only one airport. Each of these four airports has its own air traffic control tower and, before the Potomac Consolidated TRACON became operational, had its own TRACON.

First, there is the tower. This is the most recognizable air traffic control function to the public. The tower is physically located at the airport and controls traffic on the taxiways, runways, and aircraft approaching and departing generally within two to five miles of the airport. Visual contact with aircraft is important for tower operations. Each of the major airports in the metro area has a tower today and the towers remain even now that the consolidated TRACON is operational. The towers are and will continue to work closely with the airport authority – Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for Dulles and National or the Maryland Aviation Administration for BWI – on air traffic issues at each of the airports.

The second Air Traffic Control segment is the TRACON. The Terminal Radar Approach Control facility controls aircraft approaching and departing airports, generally out to about 50 miles from the airport. A TRACON "sees" aircraft using radar.  A TRACON has responsibility for controlling specifically defined and limited sections of "airspace." That involves ensuring that all aircraft entering or departing the airspace are kept separated at safe distances. When necessary TRACONs reroute aircraft to avoid dangerous weather patterns. A TRACONs total airspace is subdivided into small sections called sectors. Each sector is assigned to an individual air traffic controller who works in the TRACON facility. That controller directs the movement of aircraft in and out of that space on an individual radar screen and maintains voice contact with pilots. Although the controller's individual responsibility is only for his or her own sector, all controllers within a TRACON have full radar information on all the aircraft that are under control of the entire TRACON facility. Because they are co-located, these controllers are able to communicate with one another instantaneously - something that contributes significantly to assuring the safety of aircraft passengers. This is an important benefit of the Potomac Consolidated TRACON.

The final Air Traffic Control segment is the Air Route Traffic Control Center or Center. These centers can be located anywhere. The Center controls aircraft in route between major cities after they are beyond control of a TRACON. For example the Center located in Leesburg Virginia controls aircraft from North Carolina all the way to the New York area. They use radar to "see" aircraft.

For additional information on Air Traffic Control please go to the Library page.

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This page was last updated on 05/08/03