Definition
A service provided by an air traffic control tower to direct aircraft operating on the movement area of an airport and in the airspace immediately surrounding the airport, with the primary purpose of preventing collisions between aircraft, and between aircraft and obstructions, and to expedite and maintain an orderly flow of traffic.
Plain English
This is the work the control tower does to keep aircraft safely separated and moving smoothly on the runways, taxiways, and in the air close to the airport.
Context Anchor
You encounter this term when reading about towered airports, taxi instructions, takeoff and landing clearances, and aircraft operating close to an airport.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must recognize this term to understand the exact scope of tower responsibilities versus other ATC facilities.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as general airport customer service or airport management. In FAA use, Airport Traffic Control Service means control-tower service for aircraft and approved vehicles operating on or near the airport.
Example Sentence 1
Once the tower opens at 0700, airport traffic control service is provided to all arriving and departing aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
Airport Traffic Control Service was available throughout the traffic pattern at the towered airport.