Pilots are obligated to obey the instructions of air traffic control unless there is a good reason not to. With that said, the pilot is allowed to deviate from instructions if it is necessary to do so to meet an emergency or is necessary for safety. read more
Air traffic controllers at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., are using new technology that lets them exchange digital messages with pilots. Cliff Owen/AP The control tower at a major metropolitan airport can be a pretty chatty place. read more