Control area (aviation)

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In aviation, a control area (CTA) is a section of controlled airspace that extends upwards from a specified limit above the earth, which must be above 200m (700ft), [1] and are established in areas where the density of traffic is high. The upper limit of a control area is either when an air traffic control service will not be provided above, or there is another control area above. [2]

A control area usually is situated on top of a control zone (CTR) and provides protection to aircraft climbing out from the airport by joining the low-level control zone to the nearest airways. In the UK, they are generally class A, D or E. [3]

A terminal control area (TMA) is a control area established surrounding one or major airports at the confluence of airways. It typically sits above each individual airport's CTR. [4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Annex 11 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation: Air Traffic Services" (PDF) (15 ed.). International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). July 2018. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
  2. ↑ Smith, David (2021). Air Traffic Control Handbook. Manchester, England: Crécy Publishing Ltd. ISBN   978-1-9108-0999-0.
  3. ↑ "Understanding airspace | UK Civil Aviation Authority". www.caa.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  4. ↑ "Terminal Control Area (TMA) | SKYbrary Aviation Safety". skybrary.aero. Retrieved 2025-09-08.


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