Which entity manages en route air traffic in the United States and operates the 24 centers?

• A. TRACON
• B. FAA Headquarters
• C. ARTCC
• D. National Weather Service

Answer: (C)

En route air traffic control covers guiding airplanes as they travel between airports, usually at higher altitudes and over wide areas. In the United States, this responsibility is handled by the Air Route Traffic Control Centers, which operate the 24 centers that manage the majority of en route traffic, ensure safe separation, and coordinate handoffs as aircraft move from one sector to another. TRACONs handle the approach and departure phase near airports, not the long-range en route flow. The National Weather Service provides weather data and forecasts, and FAA Headquarters sets policy and direction rather than controlling traffic day to day. So the entity that manages en route air traffic and runs the 24 centers is the Air Route Traffic Control Center.