Definition
A Center TFM (Traffic Flow Management) message issued by an Air Route Traffic Control Center to convey traffic management information, restrictions, or advisories affecting flights within or transiting that Center's airspace.
Plain English
A message from a Center (the facility that handles enroute traffic) telling pilots, dispatchers, or other controllers about traffic flow conditions, delays, or restrictions in that Center's airspace.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control traffic-management operations, especially when a flight is delayed on the ground even though the local airport may appear ready for departure.
Derivation
Ct' is shorthand for 'Center,' the common name for an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) — the facility that controls aircraft enroute between terminal areas. 'Message' here means a formal traffic management communication, not casual radio chatter.
Why Pilots Care
Correctly understanding CT messages ensures pilots follow ATC instructions and maintain safe aircraft separation on the ground and in the air near the airport.
Intuition Check
A Ct Message is not a text message sent to the pilot. It is an air traffic control traffic-management message about when a flight may depart.
Example Sentence 1
Dispatch flagged a Ct Message from Cleveland Center indicating a ground delay program affecting our departure.
Example Sentence 2
CT messages often include wind information and runway assignments.