Summary: The second of three films about air traffic control, this particular one discusses the mechanics of air traffic control.
Description: The need for air traffic control. Airspace illustrated using diagrams: lower (up to 5000 ft), middle (5-25000 ft), upper (above 25000 ft). The different flight rules for each. Aerodrome Traffic Control Zones (15 mile radius around each aerodrome) explained, with dramatised situation at small airfield and with diagrams. Role of radar. 'Flight progress strips' illustrated. Feeding aircraft into stacking areas. Airport Control Zones: map of north west England showing aerodromes and airports with their overlapping control zones - Manchester and Liverpool share a "control zone". Need for special pilots and radios. Approach Zones and Special Rule Zones discussed. Difference in ATC rules for middle airspace. The responsibilities of the ATC centres at Prestwick, Preston and London. Map of international airways; role of navigational beacons. Control teams with radar displays. Computers and communications. Airways, 40 miles wide. Military aircraft, gliders discussed; close liaison between civilian and military needed. Scenes of ATC in action. Upper airspace used by civil and military traffic; RAF monitors continually. ATC radar of NATC services. Airspace over the Atlantic; different zones, no airways. Animated diagrams showing how the system works; 500 aircraft cross the Atlantic daily - more will in 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)
Film Producers' Guild (Production sponsor)
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 (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: 546 ft; Running time: 10 mins
