sequencing
SEE-kwuhn-sing
/ˈsiː.kwən.sɪŋ/
The process of organizing multiple aircraft into an orderly line or chronological order for runway use.
Emphasizes strategic order and spacing of traffic flowing into congested terminal airspace.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Latin 'sequi', meaning to follow, which produced 'sequentia' in Late Latin. In air traffic management, sequencing came to mean arranging aircraft so each follows another with precise spacing.
Word relationships
- ordering: A generic term for putting things in line, lacking complex timing and spacing aspects of ATC.
- queuing: Line formation, whereas sequencing actively adjusts speeds and headings to form the line.
- disorganization: Lack of orderly arrangement.
Commonly confused with
- separation: Separation keeps aircraft apart; sequencing puts them in an orderly arrival or departure order.
Word family
- sequence (noun): An order of occurrence or flight arrangement.
Collocations
- arrival sequencing
- traffic sequencing
- runway sequencing
- proper sequencing
Example sentences
- "Effective arrival sequencing by the controller reduced holding patterns during the morning rush hour." Airport Logistics
- "The controller managed the sequencing of heavy cargo jets alongside light aircraft during peak operations." Tower Operations
Memory hook
Creating a SEQUENCE of landing planes. Organizing the flight queue.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general numerical sorting; in ATC it refers specifically to organizing flight queues.
Fun facts
- Computer software tools now assist air traffic controllers in calculating optimal landing queues miles away.
Explore more words
sequence, sequential, queue, synchronization, tarmac, sequencer
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