ATC
Traffic management for pilots
The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) at Herndon, Va., is often referred to as the “nerve center” of the National Airspace System.

The FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) at Herndon, Va., is often referred to as the “nerve center” of the National Airspace System. Housed in a low, unassuming building a few miles from Dulles, the SCC is a high-energy environment, where controllers monitor every civil and military IFR movement in U.S. controlled airspace, every minute of the year, while constantly fine-tuning the system to maximize capacity and reduce delays. It was from here that the order went out on 9/11 for everyone to land immediately.

It was only appropriate that the SCC got the nod when the FAA decided to publish a document titled “Traffic Management for Pilots.” And whoever approved the choice of the SCC deserves our thanks.