What is the first duty priority of the air traffic controller?

The first duty priority of the air traffic controller is to maintain separation and issue safety alerts. This is critical because ensuring that aircraft are safely separated is essential to prevent collisions and accidents in both the air and on the ground. By maintaining appropriate distances between aircraft, air traffic controllers help ensure the safety of all personnel involved in aviation, including pilots, crew members, and passengers. Issuing safety alerts is also a vital part of this responsibility, as it involves notifying pilots of potential hazards or changes in conditions that could affect their flight operations. This priority fosters a safe operational environment, which is the foundation of air traffic management.