For years, aviation adhered to the service principle, “first come, first served.” This easily implemented, inherently fair doctrine is officially enshrined in the controller’s handbook, Section 2-1-4 directing that controllers, “Provide air traffic control service to aircraft on a ‘first come, first served’ basis as circumstances permit…”
FCFS worked when aircraft were similarly equipped, with little reason to distinguish one from another. FCFS is an accepted principle of Air Traffic Management (ATM)—the many components that guide the flow of air traffic safely and efficiently. Under FCFS, users are handled without discrimination. Priority typically goes to the first aircraft using a resource.
