Free flight is a developing air traffic control method that uses no centralized control (e.g. air traffic controllers). Instead, parts of airspace are reserved dynamically and automatically in a distributed way using computer communication to ensure the required separation between aircraft. This new system may be implemented into the U.S. air traffic control system in the next decade. It's impact on the operations of the national airspace system are disputed, however. Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) at Schiphol Airport Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a service provided by ground based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air to ensure safe, orderly and expeditious traffic flow. ...

External links

• Scientific American article "Self-control in the skies"
• Wired: "Free Flight"
• Small Aircraft Transportation Systems (SATS) project at NASA
• CBSNews:"Flying Cars Ready To Take Off"