Word
ATC
Phoneticsatc
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. Stands for Air Traffic Control. The system of people and technology that guides planes safely through the sky and at airports. These workers tell pilots when it is safe to take off or land.
n. Abbreviation for Air Traffic Control. The service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and through controlled airspace. Often functions as a collective noun for the personnel or the system itself.
Examples
“The pilot contacted ATC to request permission for takeoff.”
“Heavy fog at the airport forced ATC to increase the spacing between arriving flights for safety.”
“Modern aviation safety relies on the seamless coordination between flight crews and ATC to manage high-density traffic in complex terminal environments.”
Examples
simple
“The pilot contacted ATC to request permission for takeoff.”
contextual
“Heavy fog at the airport forced ATC to increase the spacing between arriving flights for safety.”
complex
“Modern aviation safety relies on the seamless coordination between flight crews and ATC to manage high-density traffic in complex terminal environments.”
Usage
Usually used without an article when referring to the service ('contact ATC'), but can take 'the' when referring to the specific unit or facility.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/atc