Which of the following is a traffic management initiative used by the FAA to manage capacity and delay?

• A. Mile-in-trail
• B. Ground delay
• C. Ground stops
• D. Sequencing

Answer: (B)

Managing capacity and delay relies on tools that adjust demand to fit available space in the system. Ground delay is FAA’s method of slowing departures on the ground when forecast arrival capacity at busy airports would be exceeded. By assigning scheduled delay times to flights before they depart, the flow into congested areas remains smooth, reducing the need for airborne holds and large, unpredictable delays. This proactive approach helps maintain safety and predictability for arrivals and departures.

Mile-in-trail is about maintaining a specific spacing between aircraft, which is an operational separation guideline rather than a program to adjust overall flow. Ground stops halt operations at a gate or in the airspace in extreme situations, and sequencing is about the order in which flights are given priority, not a broad capacity-management tool. Ground delay specifically targets managing capacity and delay at the network level, which is why it’s the best choice.