air traffic control system command center


air traffic control system command center

An air traffic tactical operations facility consisting of four operational units. These are central flow control function (CFCF), central altitude reservation function (CARF), airport reservation office (ARO), and ATC (air traffic control) contingency command post. CFCF is responsible for coordinating and approving all major intercenter flow control restrictions on a system basis in order to obtain maximum utilization of the airspace. CARF is responsible for coordinating, planning, and approving special user requirements under the altitude reservation (ALRT) concept. ARO is responsible for approving IFR (instrument flight rules) flights at designated high-frequency traffic airports during specified hours. The ATC contingency command post is a facility that enables a regulatory authority like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to manage the ATC system when significant portions of the system's capability have been lost or are threatened.