Approachkontrollen

Approachkontrollen is a term primarily used in German-speaking countries to describe the air traffic control service responsible for managing aircraft during the final stages of their approach to an airport. This service is critical for ensuring the safe and orderly flow of air traffic as planes descend towards the runway.

The primary objective of approach control is to maintain safe separation between aircraft, both laterally and vertically, as they navigate the airspace around an airport. Controllers in an approach control unit (often abbreviated as APP) are responsible for guiding aircraft on their descent paths, issuing headings, altitudes, and speeds to ensure they follow established procedures and avoid collisions. They coordinate with the tower control unit, which handles operations on the runway itself, and the en route control unit, which manages aircraft during their cruise phase.

Approach control typically operates within a defined airspace surrounding an airport, often extending for several dozen nautical miles and up to a certain altitude. Aircraft entering this airspace are handed over from en route control to approach control. As aircraft get closer to the airport and descend further, they are eventually handed over to the tower controller for the final landing. The reverse process occurs for departing aircraft. The efficiency and safety of approach control are paramount to the overall functioning of air traffic management.