Program 10, Episode 205

How It Works

By the year 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates approximately 1 billion passengers will travel onboard commercial planes.

As air travel increases, pilots face more congestion on the ground and in the air. Although pilots ultimately control their own aircraft, air traffic controllers direct them the moment the plane leaves the gate and keep in constant communication as the plane travels. Johnny Alonso learned how this complex system keeps our skies organized and planes on schedule.