Summary: The first of three films about air traffic control, this particular one dealing with the need for air traffic control.
Description: The need for air traffic control is explained, using London Airport as an example (1000 aircraft a day need to be processed). The early days showed little need for formal control. Circuit pattern taking cues from symbols or lamps on the ground. Limitations of these systems. The 'racetrack pattern' - explanation with diagrams of 'stacking' and approach control radar. Film of typical ATC situation (2 aircraft converging). Growth of civil traffic in the 1950s brought about concept of 3 levels of airspace: middle, upper and lower, and introduction of first civil airway. Map of National Air Traffic Controllers, civil and military, RAF, air-sea. Special needs of private airways; close liaison of NATC. Radar map of airways. Tripling of density of air traffic between 1950-1970. Usage of computers; label and touch-wire displays. Looking forward to the future.
Alternative Title:AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL [Series Title]
Production Details: Civil Aviation Authority (Production sponsor)
Central Office of Information (Production sponsor)
Verity (Production company)
Mason, Bill (Production individual)
Skilbeck, Oscar (Production individual)
Turnbull, John (Production individual)
Sanders, Simon (Production individual)
Ralph, Nic (Production individual)
Legg, Charles (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal Air Force (regiment/service)
National Air Traffic Controllers (regiment/service)
Keywords: administration, British air civil (object name)
command and control, British air civil: air traffic control (object name)
equipment, British air civil - navigational: radar (object name)
GB, England & Heathrow, Middx <Heathrow Airport> (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 472 ft; Running time: 8 mins
