Who establishes an ACA?

• A. Appropriate commander
• B. Air Traffic Control
• C. Civil Aviation Authority
• D. Regimental Staff

Answer: (A)

An ACA (Airspace Control Authority) is the framework for coordinating all airspace activities within an operation. The authority to establish that framework rests with the appropriate commander—those in command of the area of operation—because they hold the authority to designate control measures, authorize airspace restrictions, and assign responsibility to airspace-control assets. Air Traffic Control provides the day-to-day management of aircraft within defined airspace under established procedures, but it does not create the overarching airspace-control framework. The Civil Aviation Authority is a civilian regulator and does not establish military airspace control in a combat or joint setting. Regimental Staff coordinate at the unit level but do not have the authority to set up the airspace-control architecture across a theater. Therefore, the appropriate commander establishes an ACA.