What does "ground control" manage?

The correct answer focuses on the specific responsibilities of ground control within aviation operations. Ground control is primarily tasked with managing the movement of aircraft on the ground, which includes directing vehicles and aircraft between various points such as taxiways, ramps, and terminals. This management excludes active runways to ensure that aircraft takeoffs and landings are handled separately by another set of air traffic control services.

By delineating these responsibilities, ground control helps maintain aircraft safety and efficiency on the ground, minimizing the risk of collisions and ensuring smooth operations. Their role is critical, particularly in busy airports where many aircraft may be taxiing at once.

The other options describe functions that fall outside the purview of ground control. For example, managing aircraft during flight pertains to airborne operations, while cargo logistics pertains to the handling of freight rather than aircraft movement directly. Air traffic management overall encompasses a broader integration of operations that includes both ground and airborne traffic, but ground control specifically focuses on ground-level movements, emphasizing its specialized role in aviation safety and efficiency.