Handoffs/ Point Outs Flashcards
Define Handoff
An action taken to transfer radar identification of an aircraft from
one controller to another controller if the aircraft will enter the
receiving controller’s airspaces and radio communications with
the aircraft will be transferred
Define Radar Contact
The phrase used to inform the controller initiating the handoff
that the aircraft is identified and approval is granted for the
aircraft to enter the receiving controller’s airspace
Define Point Out
A physical or automated action taken by a controller to transfer
radar identification of an aircraft to another controller if the
aircraft will or may enter the airspace of protected airspace of
another controller and radio communications will not be
transferred
Define Point Out Approved
The phrase used to inform the controller initiating a point out that
the aircraft is identified and that approval is granted for the
aircraft to enter the receiving controller’s airspace, as
coordinated, without a communications transfer or the
appropriate automated system response
Define Traffic
• The term used to transfer radar identification of an aircraft to
another controller for the purpose of coordinating separation
action
• Traffic is normally issued in: response to a handoff or point out,
anticipation of a hand off or point out, conjunction with a request
for control of an aircraft
Define Traffic Observed
The phrase used to inform the controller issuing the traffic
restrictions that the traffic is identified and the restrictions issued
are understood and will be complied with
In what situation would a point out be more beneficial that a hand off?
When the aircraft will only go into the other controller’s airspace
from a short time or distance
In what type of situation would a receiving controller what to have
communication with an aircraft when a point out is attempted?
When traffic is present and it presents a conflict (separation or
busy traffic is involved)
In what order do you relay information to the receiving controller when
making a hand off or point out or issuing a traffic restriction?
• The target position relative to a fix, map symbol or radar target
which is displayed by both the receiving and transferring
controller (mileage from the reference point may be omitted
when relaying the position of a target if a FDB associated with
the target has been forced on the receiving controller display)
• Aircraft ID (call sign and or discrete beacon code during interfacility
point outs…both are required)
• Altitude information, except when inter/intra facility directives
ensure that the altitude information will be known by the
receiving controller (assigned altitude, appropriate restrictions, or
information that aircraft is climbing or descending) during inter
facility point outs include mode C information
When doubt exists as to target identification what should be done?
Use more than one method
If identification is questionable for any reason, take immediate action
to:
Re-identify the aircraft or terminate radar service
How is an aircraft identified during an inter facility handoff?
Call sign and beacon code
When must the handoff be completed by?
Before the aircraft enters the receiving controller’s airspace
After initiating a handoff, you must obtain the receiving controllers
approval before making changes to the aircrafts…
Flight path, altitude, or data block information unless otherwise
specified by an LOA or FD
What must be done prior to transferring communication?
• Resolve potential airspace violations and aircraft conflicts
• Coordinate with all controllers through whose airspace the
aircraft will pass before entering the receiving controller’s
airspace
• Relay any restrictions issued to ensure separation to the
receiving controller
___with restrictions issued by the receiving controller.
Comply
Transfer communication when?
The handoff has been accepted and before the aircraft enters
the receiving controllers airspace unless otherwise coordinated
Advise the receiving controller of what pertinent information not
contained in the data block for flight progress strip unless covered in
an LOA or FD?
Assigned heading, speed restrictions, altitude information
issued, observed track or deviation from the last route clearance,
revised beacon code, any other pertinent information.
Ensure that data block is associated with this appropriate ____.
target
What must be done when you use the automated hand off function on
primary or non discrete beacon codes?
Verbally coordinate to verify the position except from intra facility
handoffs and between ERAM sectors
What must be done when CST, FAIL, or NONE is displayed in the
data block?
Initiate verbal coordination before transferring control of a track
What must the transferring controller advise the receiving controller if
the aircraft is on a direct route initiated by ATC that exceeds NAVAID
distances?
That radar monitoring is required
When would you issue restrictions to the receiving controller?
When it is necessary to maintain separation from other aircraft
with in your area before releasing control
When is a hand off complete?
When the receiving controller acknowledges receipt verbally or
accepts an automated hand off
Radar hand off completed is signified by?
R circled
What must you do before accepting a hand off?
Ensure the target position corresponds with the position given by
the transferring controller or that there is an appropriate
association between an automated data block and the target
being transferred and issue necessary restrictions before
accepting the hand off
Comply with the restrictions issued by the transferring controller
unless…?
Otherwise coordinated
Obtain approval from the transferring controller and or any intervening
controller through whose area the aircraft will pass before changing
the aircrafts…?
Heading or route, altitude, speed, or beacon code
After accepting a hand off, confirm the identity of_____?
• A primary target by advising the aircraft of its position
• Beacon target by observing a code change, an ident reply, or a
standby squawk
Consider a beacon targets identity to be confirmed when?
• The associated data block indicates the computer assigned code
is being received
• You observer the deletion of a discrete code that was displayed
in your data black
• You observe a numeric display of a discrete code that an aircraft
has been instructed to squawk or report squawking
When must you initiate verbal coordination prior to accepting control
of a track?
When the data block displays CST, NONE, OLD, DATA, or MISM
MISM notify sup
What must you do if accepting a hand off that you will delay the climb
or the descent of an aircraft through the vertical limits of their
airspace?
Advise the transferring controller before accepting the hand off
unless covered in an LOA or FD (you now also have
coordination responsibility with any controller whose airspace is
affected by the delay unless covered in an LOA or FD)
When must the radar associate controller coordinate with the radar
controller after accepting a handoff or point out?
Immediately
Must you always transfer communications on an aircraft before it
enters the receiving controllers airspace?
No, not if it is coordinated
What are specific responsibilities assigned to each position?
To ensure all necessary tasks and duties are performed
Hand off Phraseology.
HANDOFF (position, A/C ID, altitude, restrictions and other
appropriate information if applicable)
How does the transferring controller “force” a data block on the
receiving controllers display and how does the receiving controller
accept it?
Computer entry
What is done if the receiving controller cannot accept an automated
handoff?
Receiving controller makes interphone connection and advises
the transferring controller necessary restrictions or states unable
In a handoff or what can be done instead of stating the aircrafts
position?
The transferring controller may physically point to the target on
the receiving controller display and makes the hand off
Obtain verbal approval before allowing an aircraft to enter the
receiving controllers_____?
Delegated airspace or protected airspace (2.5 miles)
Between ERAM facilities ______ the data block on the receiving
controller display for a ____.
Force/point out
After the point out has been approved, obtain the receiving controllers
approval before what?
Making any changes to the aircrafts flight path, altitude, or data
block information
After a point out it is your responsibility to….?
Make subsequent hand offs and communications transfer as well
as data revisions and coordination unless otherwise agreed to
by the receiving controller
What must be ensured before approving a point out?
The targets position corresponds with the position given by the
transferring controller or association exists between a computer
data block and the target being transferred, issue restrictions
necessary to provide separation from other aircraft within the
receiving controllers area of jurisdiction
After approving a point out, what is the receiving controller’s
responsibility?
The receiving controller is responsible for separation between
point out aircraft and other aircraft for which he/she has
separation responsibility
What must be stated by the receiving controller to the controller
initiating the point out if communications transfer is needed for control
purposes?
RADAR CONTACT
Point out Phraseology
POINT OUT (position, A/C ID, Altitude, restrictions, and other appropriate information if applicable)
What is a physical point out?
Transferring controller physically points to the target on the
receiving controllers display and makes a point out
What should be done when issuing traffic on a point out?
Controller issuing traffic shall provide appropriate restrictions and
she force the data block of the traffic to the other controllers
display when the point out is between ERAM facilities
After the traffic is accepted, who is responsible for separation?
The controller accepting restriction shall be responsible to
ensure approved separation is maintained
How would you advise a controller initiating a point out that you are
assuming track control of the aircraft and that communication should
be transferred?
Radar Contact
What are the four ways to transfer radar identification for hand offs?
Physically point, interphone (manual), automated (controller
generated), automatic (computer generated)
In general when can you transfer radar identification, altitude control,
and/or en route fourth line control information without verbal
coordination?
During radar handoff, via information displayed in full data
blocks, within the same facility (except as provided in the .65)
inter facility automated information transfer, and when following
procedures specified in your facility automated information
transfer directive
During inter facility transfer of radar identification, transfer radar
identification without verbal coordination when?
During radar hand off, via information displayed in full data
blocks, on aircraft at assigned altitude in level flight, only the first
sector within the receiving facility shall utilize the procedure,
when following procedures specified in your facility AIT directive
and LOA
What information can be forwarded in the fourth line of the data
block?
Only specified control information listed in the .65, any additional
control information shall be forwarded via other communication
methods
What is the rule for fourth line data between sector teams?
May be used for recording any additional information the team
deem appropriate from managing the sector but shall be
removed prior to initiation of identification transfer (headings,
speeds or deviations)
The acceptance of a handoff by the receiving controller shall
constitute approval of_____?
• The information contained within the en route fourth line data
block
• It is the responsibility of the receiving controller to advise the
transferring controller if any information is not understood or
need to be revised
• All other information shall be coordinated via other methods
