What is Tower En Route Control (TEC)?
Tower En Route Control, also known as TEC, is a system that governs the management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic between two or more nearby approach control facilities. The main purpose of TEC is to speed up traffic and decrease the workload of both pilots and controllers by reducing communication requirements.
Under a TEC system, the Tower En Route Controller monitors and manages IFR traffic through designated airspace. This control includes governing the aircraft’s assigned routes, speed, altitude, and separation requirements. The TEC system enables controllers to manage the flow of traffic more efficiently and safely through these areas, which ultimately enhances operational performance and reduces delays.
The TEC system is particularly beneficial during periods of high traffic volumes when communication and coordination between approach facilities can become challenging. With TEC, communication and coordination procedures are streamlined, enabling controllers to manage more aircraft in a shorter amount of time.
Overall, the TEC system plays a crucial role in maintaining safe and orderly air traffic flow within delegated airspace by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing delays, and decreasing communication requirements between pilots and controllers.
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