Definition
A program in which Air Traffic Control facilities provide radar monitoring, identification, and tracking of aircraft on behalf of national security agencies, particularly within designated airspace such as the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and other security-sensitive areas. ATC controllers coordinate with security agencies to detect, identify, and respond to aircraft that may pose a security concern.
Plain English
It is the work air traffic controllers do to help national security agencies keep an eye on aircraft, especially in areas where security is a concern. Controllers watch their radar, identify aircraft, and pass information to the agencies that protect the country's airspace.
Context Anchor
Seen in the AIM glossary and in situations where ATC is supporting national security activity, not as a normal service a pilot requests.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing these services exist helps pilots understand why ATC may request specific actions or routing during a security event and why compliance matters for everyone's safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Security Services” as airport screening or passenger security. Here it means ATC support for monitoring and handling aircraft when federal security concerns are involved.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying near the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area, the pilot reviewed the ATC Security Services procedures to make sure she would be properly identified on radar.
Example Sentence 2
During the hijack exercise, ATC security services coordinated with the military to provide a safe escort to the nearest suitable airport.