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Celebrate National Air Traffic Control Day on July 6 and thank the amazing people who keep us safe in the skies! This day was created to recognize and appreciate the hard work of air traffic controllers, who have been working tirelessly since 1925. They are responsible for ensuring a safe flight environment by monitoring, navigating and guiding aircrafts around airports all over the world. Let's take a moment to show our gratitude for their dedication to keeping us out of harm’s way!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Air Traffic Unit</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Bureau of Air Commerce was established in 1925, creating the first air traffic control system.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1930</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Visual Flight Rules</div><div class='timeline-text'>Visual Flight Rules (VFR) were established in the 1930s, providing guidelines for pilots flying with visual reference to the ground.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of the FAA</div><div class='timeline-text'>After a mid-air collision over the Grand Canyon in 1956, Congress created the Federal Aviation Agency, now known as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Radars</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1960s, radar technology was adopted for air traffic control, providing controllers with a more accurate understanding of aircraft positions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Air Traffic Controllers' Strike</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1981, a strike by air traffic controllers in the U.S. led to significant disruptions in air travel and changes in labor laws.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Innovations</div><div class='timeline-text'>In recent years, technologies like Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence have been integrated into air traffic control systems to improve safety and efficiency.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an air traffic control center</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a tour of an airport or air traffic control center near you to learn more about what goes on in the towers and how air traffic is managed.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a conversation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Have a conversation with someone who works in air traffic control. Ask questions, learn more about the profession, and thank them for the vital role they play in aviation safety.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an air traffic control themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over to your place for an Air Traffic Control themed party. Make aviation related snacks, drinks, and decorations and have fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly a kite</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Go out to an open field and fly a kite to celebrate National Air Traffic Control Day. It’s a great way to get outside, be creative, and think about those who keep our skies safe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch some documentaries</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather around the TV with your friends and family to watch documentaries about air traffic controllers and the work they do. You'll be amazed by what you learn.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Air Traffic Control keeps the skies safe</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Air traffic controllers play a vital role in ensuring the safety of pilots flying in and out of airports. Through their diligent monitoring, they can identify potential hazards before they can become catastrophic. Furthermore, they are able to communicate with pilots on the ground and in the air to coordinate takeoffs and landings efficiently and effectively.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps the number of flights increase</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Effective air traffic control not only helps ensure that all of our flights get off the ground safely but also increases operational efficiency which helps airlines add more flights without overloading the airspace. As a result, more travelers have access to affordable air travel which is critical for tourism and economic development.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reduces delays</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By monitoring air traffic, controllers are able to help avoid any unnecessary delays at airports. They keep track of other planes in the airspace and identify potential congestion before it becomes an issue which can significantly reduce wait times for incoming or outgoing flights.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Air Traffic Control Manages More Than You Think</h3><p class='facts-content'>Air traffic controllers handle more than just arrivals, departures, and taxiing. They also manage aircraft at cruising altitudes, ensure safe distances between aircrafts, and oversee terminal control facilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Air Traffic Control is a Stressful Job</h3><p class='facts-content'>Air Traffic Control is often rated among the top most stressful jobs. Controllers need to multitask and make rapid decisions to ensure air traffic flows smoothly and safely.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Controllers Regularly Work Irregular Hours</h3><p class='facts-content'>Given airports operate 24/7, air traffic controllers commonly work in shifts covering nights, weekends, and holidays. Their schedules can often be irregular with changing shift patterns.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Every Day is a Busy Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>On an average day, air traffic controllers handle over 70,000 flights across U.S. airspace alone. This translates to remarkable complexity with no room for error.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Extensive Training is Required</h3><p class='facts-content'>Air traffic controllers go through rigorous training, including a basic course by the FAA, specialized instruction, and on-the-job training lasting between 2-4 years.</p></div></div>
National Air Traffic Control Day is celebrated on July 6th every year. In 2024, National Air Traffic Control Day will take place on a Saturday.
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