Who provides Area Control Service?

Area Control Service is primarily provided by Enroute Controllers, who manage the safe and orderly flow of air traffic during the enroute phase of flight, typically at cruising altitudes. These controllers oversee significant sections of airspace and are responsible for ensuring that aircraft maintain proper separation and adhere to air traffic regulations.

This service is crucial because as aircraft travel long distances, they ascend into the enroute phase where they will encounter multiple sectors of airspace. The Enroute Controllers coordinate with other controllers to provide continuous service, making sure that aircraft safely transition between different airspace sectors.

The other options, while they play important roles in air traffic management, focus on different segments of flight operations. Ground Controllers manage aircraft on the ground at airports, and Airport Controllers handle traffic in the vicinity of airports, specifically during takeoff and landing phases. Flight Service Stations provide pilots with preflight briefings, weather information, and other support but do not directly control aircraft in the airspace. Hence, Enroute Controllers are uniquely positioned to deliver Area Control Service effectively.