“Mayday, mayday, mayday, this is Cactus 1549. We’ve lost both engines.” do you recognise this from somewhere? If you do, you might have heard it in the Hollywood film “SULLY”. So what is this about? This is a situation where a pilot makes a distress signal reporting the critical situation to ATC (Air traffic Control). Why does he do that? can’t he make his own decisions? To know the answer for this we need to know about ATC first.
Video Credits: Bluebird Moving Stories
What is an Air Traffic Control, and why do aircraft need it?
Air Traffic Control is how aircraft are directed and organised while in air, so that the airspace is properly and safely utilised. Air Traffic controllers assist aircraft while take-off and landing. It is similar to how... traffic is controlled on roads except there aren’t any traffic signal lights mid air. Pilot needs to be in contact with ATC, to avoid mishaps while airborne.
Air traffic controllers constantly monitor the position of all flying aircraft in their airspace. Aircraft’s altitude, velocity, and heading are the general points which are constantly monitored in addition to this weather and turbulent zones are also monitored. They use many modern equipment to perform their role. #GA950 punch it!
Video Credits: We Got This Covered
Air Traffic control acts as an organising body, managing the airspace to ensure safety and order. This is why a pilot cannot act on his own and needs to be in contact with Air Traffic Control.
"Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease."
- Lisa Alther
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