This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Air Traffic Control Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Air Traffic Control Day is observed on July 6th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Air Traffic Control Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about National Air Traffic Control Day.
📅 What day is National Air Traffic Control Day 2024?
In 2024, National Air Traffic Control Day is on Thursday, July 6th. It is the 1st Thursday in July; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about July 6, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
We are absolutely thrilled that this Saturday, July 6, is National Air Traffic Control Day! It holds great importance as it commemorates the establishment of the air traffic control system in the United States. Every year on this day, we honor and appreciate the dedication, skills, and creativity of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees who work tirelessly to ensure safe and efficient air travel.
📜 National Air Traffic Control Day History
Originally, air traffic controllers used blackboards and maps to keep track of pilots’ reported locations and the positioning of aircraft to prevent mid-air collisions. They would estimate the speed and flight duration of planes to predict their future positions and alert pilots in case of potential collisions. However, flight progress strips eventually replaced these methods, except in maritime regions without radar coverage or with low traffic aerodromes where the old approach is still utilized.
In the mid-20th century, new advancements emerged. Pilots and controllers could now communicate directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries like flight handlers. Furthermore, radar technology was developed, allowing aircraft to fly safely within a five-kilometer proximity. The United States Bureau of Air Commerce created the current air traffic control system, known as the National Airspace System, which is considered a model for the international aviation community.
To raise awareness about the United States National Airspace System and show gratitude towards air traffic controllers for their role in ensuring flight safety, National Air Traffic Control Day was established through Senate Joint Resolution 188. On July 6, 1986, President Ronald Reagan declared this day, and it has been commemorated ever since.
✅ National Air Traffic Control Day Facts
🔖 Air traffic controllers in the U.S.
Based on information from the FAA, there are approximately 14,000 air traffic controllers working in the country.
🔖 Air traffic controllers have their own language
Radiotelephony is the specialized terminology or communication style predominantly used and understood by pilots and other individuals working in the field of aviation.
🔖 We really really need it!
At any given time, there are approximately 5,000 aircraft flying in the United States. The domestic airspace covers an area of about 5.3 million square miles, while the airspace over the seas extends for about 24 million miles.
👍 Why Is National Air Traffic Control Day Important
How many of us think about our safety before boarding a flight? We are more aware of the work that the wonderful personnel, air traffic controllers, and technicians put in to keep us safe since we began celebrating National Air Traffic Control Day. Celebrating this day has allowed us to show our thanks while also raising awareness so that others may do the same.
The men and women who labor relentlessly to ensure the safety of aircraft from takeoff to landing deserve as much credit as the Wright brothers do. National Air Traffic Control Day helps further this objective.
The development of methods to control air-bound traffic was unavoidable with the increase in passenger flights, and it is fascinating to learn more about it. What if private airlines did not build their own air traffic control towers? What if the original collisions that prompted such precautions never happened?
🙂 How To Observe National Air Traffic Control Day
⚡ Raise awareness about this day
⚡ Celebrate air traffic controllers
Don’t miss the chance to show appreciation for all the hardworking air traffic controllers out there. Celebrate National Air Traffic Control Day by expressing your gratitude and consider sending them a gift related to aviation. Take some time to learn more about their profession and what they do.
⚡ Expand your knowledge
Share what you’ve learned about air traffic control and the individuals who make air travel safe for us with your friends and family. Go online and express your feelings about this occurrence. Inform at least one other person about this day.
📅 When is National Air Traffic Control Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | July 6 | Saturday |
| 2025 | July 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 6 | Thursday |
See all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Air Traffic Control Day. So be sure to check back soon.