Plain English Meaning

ARTCCs, often just called Centers, are the air traffic control facilities that handle airplanes flying high and far between airports. Once you climb away from your departure airport's local controllers, a Center takes over and stays with you until you start descending toward your destination.

Full Definition

Air Route Traffic Control Centers are FAA facilities that provide air traffic control services to aircraft operating on IFR flight plans within controlled airspace, primarily during the en route phase of flight. Each ARTCC is responsible for a large geographic area of , divided into managed by individual controllers. There are 22 ARTCCs covering the , Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam.