What is the primary function of a Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility (TRACON)?

The primary function of a Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility (TRACON) is to handle aircraft in terminal airspace during departures and arrivals. TRACON facilities are responsible for managing the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of an airport, typically within a radius of up to 30 miles and up to an altitude of around 10,000 feet. They ensure safe and efficient operations as aircraft transition between en route airspace and the airspace around airports.

This encompasses coordinating departures, arrivals, and their interactions, making critical decisions regarding sequencing to maintain safe distances between aircraft. By managing this traffic, TRACON plays a crucial role in facilitating the complex process of aircraft navigation in congested areas, helping to prevent accidents and delays.

While controlling aircraft during their final approach to land is an important aspect of a TRACON's operations, it is just a part of the broader function of managing both departures and arrivals within the terminal airspace. Therefore, the comprehensive operation of TRACON is best encapsulated by its role in handling aircraft around airports overall, not just in the final stage of their approach. The other choices focus on more specific tasks that TRACON may engage in but do not capture its entire function within the aviation system.