Plain English Meaning

Improvements over time in how controllers guide aircraft toward landing in busy areas. Better radar, better procedures, and better tools have made it possible to handle more aircraft safely and bring them in along more accurate paths.

Full Definition

Improvements in approach control technology and procedures that have expanded the air traffic control system's ability to safely sequence, separate, and guide instrument-flight aircraft into and out of busy terminal areas. These advances include developments such as radar-based vectoring, precision approach systems, area navigation procedures, and modern surveillance and tools used by controllers.