06-02-2012, 03:37 PM
AIRSPACE AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
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The National Airspace System (NAS) is a complex network of air navigation facilities, air traffic
control facilities, airports, technology, and appropriate rules and regulations. ATC uses highly
technical, intricate procedures to direct aircraft. This appendix only details areas of the NAS that
impact operations in the immediate vicinity of MSP (up to and including 3000 feet of altitude).
Detailed operational procedures unique to MSP are discussed in Chapters Four and Seven.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 established the FAA and made it responsible for the control
and use of navigable airspace within the United States. The FAA created the National Airspace
System (NAS) to protect persons and property on the ground, and to establish a safe and efficient
airspace environment for civil, commercial, and military aviation. The NAS is made up of a
network of air navigation facilities, air traffic control facilities, airports, technology, and
appropriate rules and regulations that are needed to operate the system. This appendix details the
various components of the NAS, and then describes how these components interact to ensure
safe and efficient air travel.
AIRSPACE
Aircraft flying in the United States are subject to varying degrees of control depending on their
operating rules, airspace type, and meteorological conditions. The airspace that aircraft operate
within is divided into many different blocks of airspace segregated by geography, altitudes, and
location. The control of aircraft operating in the airspace is exercised from a network of air
traffic control (ATC) facilities. The ATC system operates within a framework of laws and
regulations to provide for the safe operation of aircraft. Accuracy of communication and air
navigation is required to maintain the air traffic control system and use of Federal airways and
routes.
Section 4.2.3 discusses flight rules and weather conditions.
Airspace is broadly classified as either controlled or uncontrolled. Controlled airspace is
intended to ensure separation of IFR traffic from other aircraft, both IFR and VFR. It is
supported by ground-to-air communications, navigation aids, and air traffic services. Aircraft
operating within controlled airspace are subject to varying requirements for positive air traffic
control.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM
ATC is in contact with and navigational service is available to aircraft in all phases of flight –
departure, en route, and arrival. Several navigational systems are available, all comprising of
ground-based transmission facilities and receiving instruments on aircraft. Navigational aids
(NAVAIDS) often provide navigation to a broad area of airspace.
A non-directional beacon (NDB) is a general purpose, low-frequency radio beacon that transmits
a non-directional signal. An aircraft equipped with direction finding equipment can determine a
bearing to or from the radio beacon, and use this to navigate
