Airport Control Areas (CTAs) are specific blocks of controlled airspace extending upward from a specified limit above the Earth's surface, designed to protect aircraft arriving at or departing from one or more major airports. Unlike a Control Zone (CTR), which starts at the ground, a Control Area usually has a defined lower floor (often 700 or 1,200 feet AGL) to allow VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic to operate underneath it without needing a clearance. Within a CTA, all pilots must follow the instructions of Air Traffic Control (ATC) and adhere to specific equipment requirements, such as carrying a functioning transponder with Altitude Reporting (Mode C or S). These areas are often shaped like an "inverted wedding cake" to accommodate the glide paths of heavy jets. In 2026, the management of these areas is increasingly integrated with NextGen technology, allowing for "Continuous Descent Approaches" that save fuel. For a pilot, entering a Control Area without the proper clearance or communication is a serious "airspace deviation" that can result in an FAA enforcement action, as these zones are high-density environments where separation between commercial airliners and general aviation is of paramount importance for safety.
Midland International Air and Space Port is in the city limits of Midland, Texas, United States, about midway between Downtown Midland and Downtown Odessa, owned and operated by the City of Midland. In September 2014, it was licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to serve commercial spaceflight.