: Atc climbing meaning ATC: Which Is Best for Multipitch Climbing? The Black Diamond ATC set up on multipitch belay on the Casual Route on Longs Peak Both these devices can be used for multipitch climbing. The only play in the rope is based on the belayer. Belaying indoors though is different. ” Even though it involves less urgency than a standard ATC altitude clearance, that phrase comes with some definite expectations ATC SECURITY TRACKING- The continuous tracking of aircraft movement by an ATC facility in support of the DHS, the DOD, or other security elements for national security using radar (i. Nov 19, 2025 · ATC stands for air traffic controller! If you just started climbing, chances are that you’ve seen, heard about, or used a Black Diamond tube-style belay device, but it’s been referred to as an ATC. Aug 21, 2018 · The Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a “ geometry assisted ” belay device for ropes in the 8. Even with all the new devices on the market, this is still a great one. ATC (belay device), a type of belay device for rock climbing Authorization to Carry, a permit issued in Canada to carry Restricted firearms and Prohibited handguns Feb 13, 2010 · Unless you started climbing only within the last several years, chances are you've owned a Black Diamond ATC belay device. Feb 20, 2014 · Pilots Need To Know Speed Phraseology “Climb Via” or “Descend Via” : Absent any qualifying instructions, issuance of a climb or descend via clearance cancels a previously issued ATC speed adjustment and provides pilot discretion to adjust speed while requiring compliance with upcoming restrictions What is Guide mode ATC? The belay device ‘s guide mode lets you adjust the angle of the belay device to suit your climbing style, and the multiple friction modes provide the optimal amount of stopping power when lowering or rappelling. Takeoff Minimums for Denver Centennial Understanding and adhering to these climb gradients is crucial, as ATC may assume compliance even for Part 91 operations. An Italian hitch May 9, 2024 · Firstly, the aircraft must demonstrate the capability to achieve a minimum climb gradient. It is shaped like a tube and used to control the rope during belaying. It is designed to offer assisted braking, meaning it helps the belayer catch a fall more easily. Mar 8, 2013 · The Black Diamond ATC is a simple, versatile tool for belaying and rappelling. It’s a term generally associated with obstacle departure procedures and just means that the climb gradient is for traffic control or airspace purposes and not for obstacle clearance. 1k best ATC meaning forms based on popularity. Belay device, a full history Vertical caving terminology and methods > Ladders, climbs and older techniques Belay device, belaying device, belay, belay plate, Sticht plate, stitch plate, ATC, ABD A very basic ATC belay device, and an auto-locking GriGri. Black Diamond’s most tried and true belay device was named the ATC to facetiously draw the connection between a falling climber and an aircraft trying to land at the airport. The ATC Tube allows climbers to manage friction, making it easier to catch falls and control the descent. The ATC is versatile and can handle a range of rope diameters, making it popular among climbers for its Apr 10, 2025 · Climbing ATC abbreviation meaning defined here. Jan 28, 2025 · This requires specific climb gradients to ensure obstacle clearance. It’s so widely used that its proper name has nearly taken over the entire genre. I never use the word “to” in altitude requests as it can be confused with “”two” as in “request climb to seven thousand” (request climb two seven thousand) If you get in the habit of using “to” with flight levels, you will probably use it in a baro altitude request as well. It just kind of worked its way into common language to refer to any tube-style belay device. What does ATC abbreviation stand for? Explore the list of 1. TOW Call sign or company name, REQUEST TOW [company name] (aircraft type) FROM (location) TO (location); ATC What does an ATC do in rock climbing? The ATC is one of the most common belay devices used in rock climbing. Pilots should be aware of the non-standard takeoff minimums and ensure their aircraft can meet them for safe departures. There are no translations available. Nov 6, 2022 · One of the climbing market’s most famous and trusted belay devices is the Black Diamond Air Traffic Controller or ATC. The original ATC works well with rock climbing ropes 10mm and larger, while the Black Diamond ATC-XP better handles the smaller ropes used for ice climbing and canyoneering. A climb of at least 280 FPNM is required to 2500 and is mandatory when receiving a departure procedure in the ATC clearance. For aircraft already climbing via a SID, published altitude restrictions are deleted unless re- issued by ATC. Hi, I'm just curious to know which belay devices you (as a climber) prefer for sport climbing? I had no problem with my belayers having either an ATC or an assisted braking device such as Grigri, ATC pilot etc as long as the belayer feels safe and competent. Speed restrictions remain in effect unless the controller explicitly cancels or amends Aug 22, 2016 · Tech Gear Physics: The ATC Is Climbing’s Cheapest Piece of Gear and Its Most Crucial By Michael Byrne August 22, 2016, 7:00am Follow Us On Discover Rock Climbing ATC abbreviation meaning defined here. ” It’s a type of belay and rappel device introduced by Black Diamond. With an oval-ized anchor-hole, the device now feeds rope and allows you to pull rope more easily. Here’s a review from an REI expert. The ATC family is also very durable, lightweight and easy to load. When evaluating adherence to regulations, manufacturers may opt for either a continuous demonstrated takeoff climb or a segmented takeoff climb approach. Ver: 1. Feb 12, 2024 · The Black Diamond ATC-Guide is a device we commend for being able to do it all. Apr 13, 2016 · A burly, ultra-light, do-it-all belay device There’s a reason you can just say “ATC,” and every climber will know you mean a tube-style belay/rappel device. Secondly, it must ensure sufficient obstacle clearance throughout the climb phase. If you want to learn more about belaying a climber from above, check out these 3 methods here. But it does mean it’s even more important to know what you’re doing, to know how to belay and how to climb before you start climbing outdoors. What does ATC stand for in Climbing? Get the most popular ATC abbreviation related to Climbing. With the right belay device, a small, weak climber can easily arrest the fall of a much heavier partner. e. Antin weighed in: “The GriGri bites the rope as soon as it reaches that velocity point. When the rope is weighted the angle of the device changes, locking the rope down, though, as we mentioned above, you still need to keep your brake hand on the rope. Other times, they'll ask you to "climb via" the SID instead of "climb and maintain". Petzl Reverso, Verso, GRIGRI A belay device is a mechanical piece of climbing equipment used to control a rope during belaying. Sep 3, 2016 · Getting Assigned A Departure Procedure If ATC wants you to fly a departure procedure, they'll usually assign it in your initial departure clearance. You probably mean an IFR flight, climb and maintain means climb to certain altitude and hold it till advices different. Sep 18, 2023 · What does atc stand for in climbing? In the world of climbing, ATC stands for “Air Traffic Controller. It is a tubular device, which gives it more area and steeper angles for creating friction and stopping power than a Sticht plate belay device. ATC phraseology This page lists some common phraseologies used in the communication between pilots and ATC. The ATC Pilot is particularly noted for its smooth rope handling, ease of control, and added safety features. Jan 5, 2019 · I would say that “Request climb FL350” is better. Aug 20, 2024 · In lead climbing and sport climbing, an ATC (Air Traffic Controller) is a type of belay device used to control the rope during belaying and rappelling. They are made out of aluminum. Just so you know- ATC technically only refers to Black Diamond's tube-style belay device, which they named ATC (Air Traffic Controller). This is the archetypical manual belay device. Apr 28, 2025 · Learn the safest methods for toprope belaying. There's no need to have the friction grooves found on the ATC XP when belaying with a Jan 4, 2024 · We break down every type of belay device and talk about where belaying started, and talk about which devices work best for your style of climbing. Personally, I use the GriGri to belay my climbing partner and the ATC for rappelling from multi-pitch climbing. Aug 6, 2021 · GriGri vs. How does it work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or paying out rop Minimum ATC climb gradient of 598’ NM to 4000’ then ATC climb of 367’ per NM to 5000’. The ATC is especially smooth when belaying 10mm or thicker ropes. Black Diamond ATC Pilot vs GriGri Aug 26, 2021 · Here, I present a comparison review of Black Diamond’s ATC Belay/Rappel Device (ATC) and ATC-Guide/Rappel Device (Guide)—I believe that ATCs still have an important place in rock climbing. The ATC device provides friction on the rope, allowing for controlled belaying and smooth rope handling. The ATC empowers the user to control the speed of descent from slow to fast with ease, and can be used to completely stop the descent in either a rappel or climb. TOW Call sign or company name, REQUEST TOW [company name] (aircraft type) FROM (location) TO (location); ATC Mar 31, 2013 · Mark Kolber on Mar 31, 2013 “ATC Climb” and its meaning are discussed in AIM 5-2-8, the AIM section on Departure Procedures. ATC stands for “Air Traffic Controller”, which is a tube-like belay device manufactured by Black Diamond. A device used by belayers to pull a lifeline through as a climber climbs, and to stop it from moving when a climber falls. Dec 13, 2023 · The Softest Catch Another significant debate among climbers revolves around the belay device’s ability to deliver a soft catch. I work at a climbing gym in Colorado that requires you to take your belay test with an ATC, and you may be surprised how many people hate on ATCs or don't know how to use them but do know how to use a GriGri. , manual tracking) without providing basic radar services (including traffic advisories) or other ATC services not defined Well if you fly ILS and ATC says climb now: you need to go around, don't attempt to land. However, after a few falls I became more anxious and no longer wanted my belayer to use an unassisted belay device in case he/she fainted Aug 20, 2024 · In lead climbing and sports climbing, an "ATC Pilot" is a specific type of belay device made by Black Diamond. Some SIDs still publish labeled "ATC" climb gradients or establish climb gradients to meet a published altitude restriction not required for obstacle clearance or procedure design. ” Is there a counterpart, for less stressful situations? Of course there is: “At pilot’s discretion. This will usually come down to the congestion of the airspace in which the aircraft is. , radar tracking) or other means (e. Sometimes, ATC only wants you to fly the lateral course, and will assign you a specific altitude to climb to. Mar 31, 2013 · Mark Kolber on Mar 31, 2013 “ATC Climb” and its meaning are discussed in AIM 5-2-8, the AIM section on Departure Procedures. Dec 22, 2022 · The ATC Guide: the ATC Guide is like the ATC’s big brother. It’s also letting you know (since it’s a traffic and not obstacle issue)ATC Section 4. ATC Clearances and Aircraft Separation Clearance A clearance issued by ATC is predicated on known traffic and known physical airport conditions. Most common ATC abbreviation full forms updated in January 2025. What does ATC stand for in Rock Climbing? Get the top ATC abbreviation related to Rock Climbing. For that reason, it is the preferred tool for multi-pitch climbing amongst all the ATC devices. Lists are dialogues between the pilot and the controllers; we assume that station is the controller's callsign and that callsign is the pilot's callsign. In addition to its primary purpose, the ATC system also: Provides a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. The ATC-Guide offers smooth handling while you climb with its lightweight and easy-to-use construction. Source Doc 4444 “Air Traffic Management” Chapter 12 Tower and Ground Phraseology PUSHBACK Call sign, [aircraft location] REQUEST PUSHBACK; ATC: PUSHBACK APPROVED; STAND BY; PUSHBACK AT OWN DISCRETION; EXPECT (number) MINUTES DELAY DUE (reason). It serves as a reliable mechanism for managing the rope during belaying, helping to secure climbers as they ascend or descend. Sometimes, ATC only wants you to fly the lateral course and will assign you a specific altitude to climb to. It secures a climber as they are going up or down the wall. 7 to 10. The downside of the ATC and ATC-XP is that you have to be an extremely vigilant belayer. If you're new to rock climbing, this will lay the foundation for future belaying skills. . It can be dually used for belaying a rock climbing partner down or used to rappel solo. Supports National Security and Homeland Defense missions. Jan 3, 2024 · Both devices have their place in climbing, and the choice often depends on the specific needs of the climb, the preference and experience level of the climber and belayer, and the climbing environment. Our most versatile belay/rappel device, the Black Diamond ATC-Guide is now 10% lighter and features improved handling in guide mode. g. Jul 8, 2025 · Review: Standard Instrument Departures If ATC wants you to fly a departure procedure, they'll usually assign it in your initial departure clearance. It consists of a tubular design that allows the rope to pass through it smoothly while providing friction to arrest a climber's fall. The ATC XP: another belay device from Black Diamond inspired by the classic ATC. A. Climbing Stabilizer The climbing stabilizer is designed to keep your body in a stable position while you climb. This Tech Tip is about using the ATC-XP. Unlike a “Climb Via” clearance, when cleared to “Climb and Maintain,” you are expected to vacate your current altitude and commence an unrestricted climb to comply with the clearance. All the ATC variations mentioned above can be used for top rope belaying. A GriGri can generally handle a top belay just as efficiently as an ATC-Guide, and simul-rapping is an option when necessary. Jan 15, 2018 · The new Black Diamond ATC Pilot is a lightweight assisted braking belay device for single-pitch climbs. "best rate" descent. The ATC, short for Air Traffic Controller, is a type of belay device commonly used in rock climbing. Mar 7, 2019 · An ATC or Air Traffic Controller is a type of belay and rappel device manufactured by Black Diamond Equipment. ” An ATC is actually one specific model created by Black Diamond, but it has become the mainstream term for tubular, just like a bandage is known as a Band-Aid and tissues are often called Kleenex. The original Air Traffic Controller was an immediate hit when it was Tubular Belay Devices The most common type of belay device used in climbing today is a tubular belay device, aka ATC, which stands for “air traffic controller. An ATC clearance means an authorization by ATC, for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed under specified conditions within controlled airspace. It functions and is used the same way as the ATC, except it has an additional loop for belaying in guide mode. 5 mm range. The ATC has two main uses: belaying a climber to safely stop any potential fall, and abseiling or doing a rappel down the route. Those who are extra concerned about this issue often look to the ATC to operate with a little bit more give. The ATC and ATC-XP are not brake-assisted, as the Gri Gri is, meaning that if you are not paying attention or giving a proper brake for your climber, your climber could fall to their death. I also leave out “climb” and just say Nov 12, 2019 · When an air traffic controller needs you to climb or descend quickly, they pepper their phraseology with “immediately,” “expedite,” or “no delay. In determining the minimum climb profile, TERPS uses a "standard" climb rate of 200 ft/NM, normally beginning at the departure end of the runway (DER). With it you can belay on top rope and lead in sport and trad climbing, as well as rappel from the top of a route. Items in italic need to be replaced by the relevant information. Tube devices are superior to plates for rappelling since they allow precise control of your descent speed. ATC The ATC is virtually the most basic belay device you can find these days, if not the cheapest as well. This well-rounded belay device doubles as a rappel device, and its capacity makes it our best bet for multi-pitch climbing. It is popular for its simplicity, versatility, and lightweight design. They may allow Aug 20, 2024 · In Lead climbing and Sports climbing, an "ATC Tube" refers to a type of belay device. Belay devices act as a Aug 2, 2025 · There's a big difference between ATC issuing you an "immediate" vs. Oct 1, 2021 · The ATC is a belay device used by a person on the ground – the belayer – to manage the rope attached to the climber and catch falls. The ATC system must provide certain additional services to the extent permitted The ATC is a dynamic belay device. Jul 8, 2021 · Every tube-like belay device produced after the ATC by other brands was also called an ATC, just like every tissue paper is called Kleenex by most people. ATC clearance to climb on a SID which has published level and/or speed restrictions, where the pilot is to climb to the cleared level and comply with published level restrictions, follow the lateral profile of the SID and comply with published speed restrictions or ATC issued speed control instructions as applicable: Oct 12, 2024 · Depending on ATC constraints and permissions, a step climb may or may not be permitted to an aircraft. Is an ATC better than a Grigri? We break down the differences between the types of belay devices and share our favorites for different types of climbing. NO. All published IFR departure procedures are created using criteria that incorporate either a route and/or a minimum climb profile to avoid terrain, obstacles, or air traffic lanes. 00 NBAA 14 Feb 2014 Dec 16, 2022 · The best belay device for multi-pitch climbing is an auto-blocking belay device when the device is set up in guide mode, such as the Black Diamond ATC Guide or the Petzl Grigri. Sorta like how you can ask for a “Coke” and people know you mean soda. General ATC SERVICE The primary purpose of the ATC system is to prevent a collision involving aircraft operating in the system. Here's how to handle these 8 common phrases. Section 1. [1] It is designed to improve belay safety for the climber by allowing the belayer to manage their duties with minimal physical effort. It allows both lead and top-rope belaying, and it is compatible with a wide What is an ATC An ATC is used to feed rappel or climbing rope through in a controlled manner.

Atc climbing meaning. It secures a climber as they are going up or down the wall.