atc

atc [-u?lstp] [-gf game] [-r seed]

atc is a classic text-based air traffic control simulation game from the BSD games collection. Players guide jets and propeller planes to their destinations via exits and airports while avoiding collisions, managing multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Jets move every update tick while prop planes move every other tick. Planes enter the airspace at 7,000 feet and must leave via exits at 9,000 feet or land at airports. The game ends if two planes get too close. Score is based on the number of planes safely handled.

-g game, -f game

Select a specific game/airport layout to play

List available game files

Display high score rankings

Set random seed for reproducible games

Print the path to the game's private files directory

Display usage information

Commands are entered as sequences:
- Letters select aircraft
- Numbers and letters control actions (altitude, turns, direction)
- Airport/beacon letters for navigation targets

Requires terminal with character-based display. Steep learning curve. Game over if planes collide or get too close. Part of the bsd-games package on most systems.

atc was written by Ed James at UC Berkeley and has been included in BSD games collections since the 1980s.

nethack-console(6), adventure(6)