According to ICAO, AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE (ATS) is a generic term meaning variously, Flight Information Service, Alerting Service, Air Traffic Advisory Service, Air Traffic Control Service (Area Control Service, Approach Control Service or Aerodrome Control Service).
OBJECTIVES OF ATS
The objectives of ATS, as stated in ICAO Annex 11, are to:
- Prevent collisions between aircrafts;
- Prevent collisions between aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area;
- Expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;
- Provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights;
- Notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of Search and Rescue (SAR) aid, and assist such organizations as required.
The Air Traffic Control (ATC) Service is established to accomplish the first three objectives. While the first and third are universally applicable to all ATC Units, the second is only relevant to Aerodrome Control Units. The fourth objective is covered by the Flight Information Service (FIS), and the last (fifth) is subject of the Alerting Service.
ATS is provided by specially designated Air Traffic Service Units (ATSUs). An ATSU may provide more than one type of service. For example, an Air Traffic Control Unit may provide Flight Information and Alerting services, in addition to Air Traffic Control.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE NEED FOR ATS
The need for service to be provided depends on a number of factors, such as:
🔹 traffic types (commercial air transport, general aviation, etc.);
🔹 traffic density (i.e. how busy the airspace is);
🔹 available equipment (e.g. communication, navigation and surveillance facilities);
🔹 meteorological conditions (e.g. hazardous phenomena typical for the particular area);
🔹 georgraphy considerations (e.g. presence of deserts, mountains, open waters, etc.); and others.
REFERENCES
ICAO Annex 11
NOTE
Flight Information Service, Alerting Service, Air Traffic Advisory Service, and Air Traffic Control Service are components of Air Traffic Service (ATS), which are discussed separately. On the other hand, Area Control Service, Approach Control Service, and Aerodrome Control Service are all services under Air Traffic Control Service.
