Air Traffic Control

 Anchorage Oceanic and North Atlantic Operations

    Anchorage Oceanic (ATC) is the largest component of the U.S. National Airspace System. Like other air traffic controls, it runs twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. As part of the ARTCCs, it is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft flying at high altitudes within controlled airspace. Anchorage also falls under the FAA regulations and international regulations. Anchorage Oceanic operates two separate automation platforms, Advanced Technologies, and Oceanic Procedures, and Micro En Route Automated Radar Tracking System/ Flight Data Processor. Anchorage also assists in NORAD which plans and executes missions and training exercises in Alaska. On a lighter note, NORAD also tracks Santa Clause every Christmas for kids all around the world. 

      The North Atlantic Operations follows the International Civil Aviation Organization regulations as well as FAA regulations like Anchorage Oceanic. Dealing with flights traveling through the NAT High-Level Airspace and Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum Airspace. The ATC is able to separate aircraft by a minimum of 1,000 feet vertically. Both utilize the elements for oceanic clearance through the ATC, such as route, level, and speed. However, I could not find if the Anchorage ATC had specific data link requirements like that of the North Atlantic Operations. 

    Both the Anchorage and North Atlantic Operations have similar safety standards in place as they both follow guidelines provided by the FAA and ICAO. While the airspace is similar, Anchorage is vastly run by the military vs. the North Atlantic which connected the United States and Europe. Both have restricted areas of operations due to hazardous conditions, this does not prohibit flight, but poses more restrictions.  

Reference:

Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center Fact Sheet. Federal Aviation Administration. (2020, August 25). https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/air_traffic_services/artcc/anchorage/media/ZAN_Fact_Sheet.pdf.

North Atlantic Operations and Airspace Manual. International Civil Aviation Organization. (2021, July). https://www.icao.int/EURNAT/EUR%20and%20NAT%20Documents/NAT%20Documents/NAT%20Documents/NAT%20Doc%20007/NAT%20Doc%20007%20v2021-2%20changes%20explained.pdf.

Pilot’s handbook of aeronautical knowledge (2016th ed.). (2016). Aviation Supplies & Academics.