Definition
An ICAO term for a method of air traffic control in which separation between aircraft is maintained using pilot position reports rather than radar-derived information. Controllers issue clearances and instructions based on the times and positions reported by pilots over fixes or waypoints, applying standard separation minima appropriate to non-radar operations.
Plain English
A way of controlling air traffic without radar. The controller knows where each aircraft is only because the pilots tell them, by reporting over fixes and giving estimated times to the next one. The controller then keeps aircraft apart using rules built around those reports.
Context Anchor
Seen in international air traffic control material, especially where radar coverage is limited or not available.
Derivation
From 'procedure' — Latin procedere, 'to go forward.' Separation is achieved by following set procedures and reporting rules rather than by watching aircraft on a radar screen.
Why Pilots Care
It is the only separation method available on many long over-water routes and ensures safe operations where radar is absent.
Analogy
It is like coordinating several vehicles on a remote road by scheduled check-ins and agreed meeting points, rather than watching them on a tracking map.
Intuition Check
Do not assume procedural control means less control or casual control. It means control based on approved procedures and reports instead of surveillance information.
Example Sentence 1
Once the flight crossed into oceanic airspace, they were under procedural control and had to make position reports at each waypoint.
Example Sentence 2
The controller applied a ten-minute longitudinal separation standard under procedural control rules.