Editing Air traffic controller (section)

===Area controllers===
Area controllers (also called "en route" or in the US "center controllers") oversee aircraft at higher altitudes, in the en-route phase of their flight surrounding busier airports and airspace. In contrast to tower controllers, their job is dominated by the discovery of conflicts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Area Controller {{!}} SKYbrary Aviation Safety |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/area-controller |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=skybrary.aero}}</ref> Area controllers may also handle aircraft at lower altitudes as well as air traffic around small airports that do not have their own towers or approach controllers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=APPENDIX E NATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM |url=https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/860/Airport-Master-Plan-Update-Appendix-E-National-Air-Traffic-Control-System-PDF |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |website=Jeffco.us}}</ref> Area controllers are responsible for specific sectors of 3D blocks of airspace with defined dimensions. Each sector is managed by at least one area controller, known as an "R-side" (Radar) controller that handles radio communications. During busier times of traffic, there may also be a second area controller, known as a "D-side" (Data), assigned to the same area in order to assist the R-side Area controller.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Know Your Pros - Center Air Traffic Controllers (Part 1) |url=https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/2014/01/air-route-traffic-control-centers/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=boldmethod.com}}</ref> This can be done with or without the use of radar: radar allows a sector to handle much more traffic; however, [[procedural control]] is used in many areas where traffic levels do not justify radar or the installation of radar is not feasible, such as over oceans.

Area controllers operate within [[area control center]]s, also known as centers or en-route centers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RaiseMe |title=En route controllers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more - RaiseMe |url=https://www.raise.me/careers/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers/en-route-controllers/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=raise.me |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=EUROCONTROL |title=Become an air traffic controller |url=https://atco.eurocontrol.int/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Recruitment of student Air Traffic Controllers}}</ref> where they are controlling high-level en-route aircraft. In the United States, these facilities are specifically referred to as Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) {{!}} SKYbrary Aviation Safety |url=https://skybrary.aero/articles/air-route-traffic-control-center-artcc |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=skybrary.aero}}</ref> Area controllers can also work in [[terminal control center]]s, which control aircraft climbing from or descending to major groups of airports.