What is the main purpose of Approach Control?

The main purpose of Approach Control is to manage aircraft movements in the vicinity of an airport during the critical phases of landing and takeoff. This function is essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations as aircraft transition from the en-route phase to the terminal area. Approach Control uses radar and other tools to provide precise guidance to pilots, helping to sequence their landings and departures, maintain safe separation between aircraft, and facilitate smooth traffic flow in airspace surrounding busy airports.

The role of Approach Control is focused specifically on the management of aircraft just before they enter the airport's controlled airspace. This includes providing instructions on altitudes, headings, and speeds to ensure that aircraft can approach the runway safely and efficiently. Hence, the emphasis is not just on the radar management or overseeing operations in a generalized sense but specifically within the context of landing and taking off, which is critical for maintaining order in high-density air traffic environments.