Definition

1. Noun:
   • A communication system for sending continuous radio messages to an airplane pilot who is making a ground-controlled approach to landing: This is the primary technical definition. It refers to the personnel and equipment on the ground responsible for guiding an aircraft, especially during critical phases like landing in poor visibility.
   • The personnel or station that directs the movement of aircraft or spacecraft from the ground: More broadly, it can refer to the team or facility that monitors and guides aerial or space vehicles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot followed instructions from ground control to land safely in the fog.
  • Ground control reported that the runway was clear for our approach.
  • Mission control, often called ground control, maintained constant communication with the astronauts.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in contact with ground control": to have an active communication link with the ground-based guidance team.

  • The aircraft was in contact with ground control throughout the storm.

• "ground control to [someone]": A famous phrase from the song "Space Oddity" by David Bowie, used to signify communication from Earth to someone in space or, figuratively, to someone who is detached or unreachable.

  • "Ground Control to Major Tom..."

Variants and Related Words

• Ground-controlled approach (GCA): A specific landing system where ground-based radar guides the aircraft to the runway.

  • The airport relies on ground-controlled approach during heavy fog.

• Mission Control: A specific type of ground control center for space missions.

  • Mission Control in Houston guided the Apollo missions.

Synonyms

• Air traffic control (ATC): While similar, ATC manages all air traffic in a sector, whereas ground control often refers more specifically to landing guidance or space mission communication.
• Tower (control tower): The airport tower provides ground control for movements on runways and taxiways.

Related Phrases

• Lose contact with ground control: To have the communication link break.

  • The plane lost contact with ground control for several minutes.

• Under the guidance of ground control: Being directed by the ground team.

  • The landing was conducted under the guidance of ground control.

Noun

1. a communication system for sending continuous radio messages to an airplane pilot who is making a ground-controlled approach to landing