12. Coordination Definition

Question 1

What is co-ordination and when is it effected? Give any provisos for responsibility.

Answer 1

Co-ordination is the act of negotiation between two or more parties each vested with the authority to make executive decisions appropriate to the task being discharged. Co-ordination is effected when the parties concerned, on the basis of known intelligence, agree a course of action. Responsibility for obtaining the agreement and for ensuring implementation of the agreed course of action may be vested in one of the controllers involved.

Question 2

What conditions and/or precautions need to be taken into account when agreeing co-ordination between controllers or on behalf of another controller?

Answer 2

Controllers should be aware that co-ordination between the parties involved can be upon aircraft that are either in receipt of, or about to be in receipt of, an Air Traffic Service. A controller may carry out co-ordination on behalf of another controller, provided that the traffic situation and time available are such that the controller being represented can put into effect any agreed actions.