In what order does ATC prioritize its duties?

The correct sequence of ATC priorities is rooted in the fundamental principle of maintaining safety in the National Airspace System. Prioritizing the separation of arrivals and departures is critical as it ensures that aircraft operate safely in the controlled airspace, minimizing the risk of collisions. Handling emergencies takes precedence as the primary focus is always the safety of life; when an emergency occurs, all available resources and attention are redirected to assist the aircraft in distress.

Following these priorities, providing services to VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic is next. While VFR traffic does not require the same level of control as IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic, ATC still maintains a responsibility to provide separation and assistance wherever possible. Finally, accommodating requests for deviations, although important for operational efficiency, is considered a lower priority compared to the aforementioned duties. This order ensures that safety is upheld while effectively managing traffic within the airspace system.