Who is responsible for maintaining safety and order in controlled airspace?

Air Traffic Control (ATC) is responsible for maintaining safety and order in controlled airspace. This responsibility involves managing the flow of air traffic, ensuring that aircraft are safely separated from one another, and providing instructions to pilots for takeoffs, landings, and in-flight operations. ATC uses radar and communication systems to monitor and direct aircraft movements, which helps prevent collisions and ensures that air traffic operates efficiently.

While pilots must adhere to ATC instructions and ground crew plays a vital role in supporting aircraft operations, their responsibilities do not encompass the broader management of airspace safety. Meanwhile, airport management primarily focuses on the overall operation of the airport rather than direct control of the airspace surrounding it. Thus, Air Traffic Control stands out as the authority tasked with the crucial role of ensuring safety and order in controlled airspace.