What is the effect of procedural control on traffic sequencing?

Procedural control involves using established rules and procedures to manage and direct air traffic. While this method of control ensures safety and adherence to regulations, its application can sometimes interfere with the natural flow of traffic sequencing and separation. This is because procedural control is often rigid and may not accommodate the dynamic nature of aircraft movements effectively. For instance, in situations where a controller must strictly adhere to specific procedures, this can lead to delays in allowing aircraft to adjust their sequences according to real-time changes in conditions, such as weather or unexpected events.

In contrast, other approaches—like radar-based or flexible flight operations—may allow for more adaptive traffic management, enabling controllers to make quicker decisions based on current traffic patterns. Therefore, while procedural control aims for safety and order, it can inadvertently complicate the efficient sequencing and separation of aircraft, resulting in possible conflicts or delays.