9-3-1 Aircraft Carrying Dangerous Materials
a. Provide the following special handling to military aircraft
or military contracted aircraft carrying dangerous materials when:
1. The words "Dangerous Cargo," or "Inert Devices," or both
are contained in the remarks section of the filed flight plan, or
NOTE -
1 - Certain types of military flights carrying dangerous materials
require strict adherence to military regulations and flight planning along
carefully selected routes. These flights must avoid heavily populated areas.
2 - "Inert Devices" are devices containing no dangerous materials but
closely resembling nuclear or explosive items that are classified as dangerous
and could be easily mistaken for their dangerous counterparts.
2. The pilot uses these words in radio communication.
b. If it becomes necessary to issue a clearance to amend the
route/altitude, advise the pilot:
1. Of the proposed change, and
2. The amount of delay to expect if it is necessary to maintain
the present route/altitude.
c. When it becomes necessary for the pilot to refuse a clearance
amending his route/altitude, he will advise if the traffic delay is acceptable
or if an alternate route/altitude is desired. In such cases, offer all
possible assistance.
d. When the aircraft is provided an en route descent, do not
vector the aircraft from the planned route unless the pilot concurs.
e. Use special patterns and routings in areas where they have
been developed for these flights. If special patterns and routings have
not been developed, employ normal procedures.
9-3-2 Celestial Navigation Training
EN ROUTE
a. Approve flight plans specifying celestial navigation only
when it is requested for USAF or USN aircraft.
NOTE -
An ATC clearance must be obtained by the pilot before discontinuing
conventional navigation to begin celestial navigation training. The pilot
will advise when discontinuing celestial navigation and resuming conventional
navigation. Celestial navigation training will be conducted within 30 NM
of the route centerline specified in the en route clearance unless otherwise
authorized by ATC. During celestial navigation training, the pilot will
advise ATC before initiating any heading changes which exceed 20 degrees.
b. Within Conterminous U.S. airspace, limit celestial navigation
training to transponder-equipped aircraft within areas of ARTCC radar coverage.
c. Prior to control transfer, ensure that the receiving controller
is informed of the nature of the celestial navigation training leg.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, IFR Flight Progress Data, paragraph 2-2-6.
9-3-3 Department of Energy (DOE) Special Flights
a. Provide notification of possible route or altitude changes as far in advance as possible for "RAC" flights. The pilot will indicate if the proposed change is acceptable or if alternate routing or altitude will be requested.
NOTE -
DOE contracts for civil pilots to operate public aircraft to transport
radioactive or high explosive materials within the Conterminous U.S. These
flights operate on an IFR flight plan but principally during daylight hours
and VFR conditions. These flights require flight along carefully selected
routes and, in some instances, pilots will refuse clearances that require
reroute or altitude changes that would derogate their objective.
b. EN ROUTE: Approve pilot requests to leave center frequency
for operational purposes as traffic conditions permit.
c. Notify a supervisor in the event any of the following occurs
with "RAC" aircraft.
1. Loss of radio contact.
2. Loss of radar contact.
3. The flight is overdue at the destination.
d. If you receive information that a "RAC" aircraft is involved
in an accident, secure as much information as possible, particularly with
respect to location, and immediately notify the ARTCC operations manager.
NOTE -
There is a possibility of an explosive or radiation hazard of an "RAC"
aircraft involved in an accident.
9-3-4 Experimental Aircraft Operations
a. When notified that an experimental aircraft requires special handling:
NOTE -
CFR Part 91.319(d)(3) requires that each person operating an aircraft
with an experimental certificate shall notify the control tower of the
experimental nature of the aircraft when operating into or out of airports
with operating control towers.
1. Clear the aircraft according to pilot requests as traffic
permits and if not contrary to ATC procedures.
2. Once approved, do not ask the pilot to deviate from a planned
action except to preclude an emergency situation.
b. At locations where volume or complexity of experimental aircraft
operations warrant, a letter of agreement may be consummated between the
facility and operator.
9-3-5 FAA Research and Development Flights
When coordinated in advance and traffic permits, approve requests for special flight procedures from aircraft participating in FAA research and development test activities. These special procedures shall be applied to participating aircraft/vehicles.
NOTE -
Special flight procedures for FAA research and development test activities
must be approved by the facility air traffic manager prior to their use.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7210.3, Research and Development Flights, paragraph 5-2-4.
Provide expeditious handling for civil or military aircraft using the code name "Flynet." Relay the code name as an element in the remarks position of the flight plan.
NOTE -
The code name "Flynet" indicates that an aircraft is transporting a
Nuclear Emergency Team or a Disaster Control Team to the location of a
nuclear accident or a major accident involving chemical agents or biological
research materials. It is in the public interest that they reach their
destination as rapidly as possible.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Operational Priority, paragraph 2-1-4.
FAAO 7610.4, "Flynet" Flights, Nuclear Emergency Teams, paragraph 12-41.
9-3-7 IFR Military Training Routes
a. Except for aircraft operating in the same altitude reservation, clear aircraft into an MTR provided separation will be applied between successive aircraft unless otherwise covered in a letter of agreement between the military scheduling activity and the concerned ATC facility.
PHRASEOLOGY -
CLEARED INTO IR (designator).
MAINTAIN (altitude),
or
MAINTAIN IR (designator) ALTITUDE(S),
or
MAINTAIN AT OR BELOW (altitude),
or
CRUISE (altitude),
and if required,
CROSS (fix) AT OR LATER THAN (time).
b. Unless otherwise covered in a letter of agreement between
the military scheduling activity and the concerned FAA facility, clear
aircraft to exit an MTR.
PHRASEOLOGY -
CLEARED TO (destination/clearance limit) FROM IR (designator/exit fix)
VIA (route). MAINTAIN (altitude).
c. If the provisions of subparagraph a above cannot be accomplished,
MTRs may be designated for MARSA operations. To preclude an inadvertent
compromise of MARSA standards by ATC, appropriate MARSA application for
such routes shall be covered in a letter of agreement with the military
scheduling activity. Establish separation between aircraft as soon as practicable
after operation on the designated MARSA route is ended.
NOTE -
For designated MARSA routes, the military assumes responsibility for
separation for MTR aircraft that have passed the primary/alternate entry
fix until separation is established by ATC after operations on the MARSA
route are completed.
d. The lateral airspace to be protected along an MTR is the designated
width of the route.
e. Prior to an aircraft entering an MTR, request the pilot's
estimate for the route's exit/alternate exit fix, his requested altitude
after exiting, and, if applicable, the number of reentries on a Strategic
Training Range (STR).
PHRASEOLOGY -
(Call sign) CONFIRM YOUR EXIT FIX ESTIMATE AND REQUESTED ALTITUDE
AFTER EXIT,
and if applicable,
THE NUMBER OF REENTRIES.
f. Forward estimates for exit/alternate exit fixes, requested
altitude after exit, and, if applicable, the number of reentries on the
STR.
g. Apply the procedures of paragraph 6-1-2, Non Receipt of Position
Report, based upon the pilot's estimate for the route exit fix.
h. Clearance may be issued to amend or restrict operations on
a route for ATC considerations. Where a route has been designated MARSA
in accordance with subparagraph c, ATC shall not amend or restrict operations
in such a manner as to compromise MARSA provisions.
NOTE -
When MARSA is provided through route scheduling and circumstances prevent
the pilot from entering the route within established time limits, it shall
be the responsibility of the pilot to inform the ATC facility and advise
his intentions.
i. If an aircraft on an IR experiences a two-way radio communications
failure and you are unable to determine if the aircraft is proceeding VFR
in accordance with CFR Part 91.185(b) or the aircraft has not been positively
radar identified:
1. Provide separation to the destination airport based on the
aircraft complying with the following:
(a) Maintain to the exit/alternate exit fix the higher
of the following altitudes:
(1) The minimum IFR altitude for each of the remaining
route segment(s) remaining on the route.
(2) The highest altitude assigned in the last ATC
clearance.
(b) Depart the exit/alternate exit fix at the appropriate
altitude specified in subparagraph (a) above, then climb/descend to the
altitude filed in the flight plan for the remainder of the flight, or
NOTE -
In the event of a two-way communications failure, ATC will be based
on the following anticipated pilot action at the exit fix. Unless otherwise
covered in a Letter of Agreement, and if the pilot is unable to comply
with the VFR provisions of CFR Part 91.185/FLIP IFR Supplement, the pilot
will exercise his emergency authority, squawk transponder CODE 7700, depart
the exit/alternate exit fix and climb/descend (continuing to squawk 7700)
to the altitude filed in the flight plan. Subsequent transponder operations
will be in accordance with paragraph 10-4-4, Communications Failure. Air
traffic controller action from the exit fix is as prescribed in paragraph
10-1-1, Emergency Determinations.
(c) Proceed in accordance with the lost communication
procedure contained in Letters of Agreement.
2. Continue to monitor the last ATC assigned discrete code.
NOTE -
Pilots who experience a two-way radio failure will adjust their transponder
to Code 7700 during climb/descent to altitude filed for the next leg of
the flight plan; then change to Code 7600 for a period of 15 minutes. At
the end of each 15-minute period, he will squawk 7700 for a period of 1
minute; all other times he will squawk 7600.
j. Impose delays, if needed, to eliminate conflict with nonparticipating
IFR aircraft when necessary to preclude denial of IR usage. Advise the
pilot of the expected length and reason for delay.
Provide maximum assistance to expedite the movement of interceptor aircraft on active air defense (scrambles) missions until the unknown aircraft is identified in accordance with the policies and procedures published in FAAO 7610.4, Special Military Operations.
NOTE -
The FAA and the military have mutually agreed to the implementation
of policies and procedures for control of air defense interceptor operations.
Effective coordination and cooperation between FAA and the military at
all levels are essential if policy objectives are to be met.
a. The ADCF initiating the SCRAMBLE shall identify the mission
as an active air defense mission.
b. ATC services shall be used for active air defense missions
insofar as the circumstances and situation permits.
c. Upon request, the ATC facility shall expedite transfer of
the control jurisdiction of the interceptors to the requesting ADCF.
9-3-9 Law Enforcement Operations by Civil and Military Organizations
a. Law enforcement alerts.
1. Aircraft lookouts shall not be distributed outside the FAA.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 1600.29, Law Enforcement Alert Message System.
FAAO 7210.3, Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies, paragraph 2-5-7.
2. Stolen aircraft alerts, including stolen aircraft summaries,
may be distributed outside the FAA to: airport offices, air carriers, fixed
base operators, and law enforcement agencies.
3. Upon receipt of knowledge concerning an aircraft for which
a current law enforcement alert message is held, do the following:
(a) Forward any information on the aircraft to El Paso
Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the requester when specified in the message.
(b) Immediately notify the cognizant Air Transportation
Security division/staff by the most rapid means.
(c) DO NOT TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION AFFECTING THE AIRCRAFT,
CARGO, CREW, OR PASSENGERS NOT NORMALLY RELATED TO JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.
b. Special law enforcement operations.
1. Special law enforcement operations include in-flight identification,
surveillance, interdiction and pursuit activities performed in accordance
with official civil and/or military mission responsibilities.
2. To facilitate accomplishment of these special missions, exemptions
from specified Parts of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations have
been granted to designated Departments and Agencies. However, it is each
organization's responsibility to apprise ATC of their intent to operate
under an authorized exemption before initiating actual operations.
{New-98-3 Revised February 26, 1998}
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7210.3, Authorizations and Exemptions from Title 14, Code
of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR), paragraph 18-3-1.
3. Additionally, some Departments and Agencies that perform special missions have been assigned coded identifiers to permit them to apprise ATC of ongoing mission activities and solicit special air traffic assistance.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.67, Special Aircraft Operations by Law Enforcement/Military
Organizations.
NOTE -
As specified in paragraph 2-1-4, Operational Priority, priority of
handling for aircraft operating with coded identifiers will be the same
as that afforded to SAR aircraft performing a SAR mission.
c. Assistance to law enforcement aircraft operations.
1. Provide the maximum assistance possible to law enforcement
aircraft, when requested, in helping them locate suspect aircraft.
2. Communicate with law enforcement aircraft, when possible
and if requested, on a frequency not paired with your normal communications
frequencies.
3. Do not allow assistance to law enforcement aircraft to violate
any required separation minima.
4. Do not assist VFR law enforcement aircraft in any way that
will create a situation which, in your judgement, places the aircraft in
unsafe proximity to terrain or other aircraft.
9-3-10 Military Aerial Refueling
Authorize aircraft to conduct aerial refueling along published or special tracks at their flight plan altitude, unless otherwise requested.
PHRASEOLOGY -
CLEARED TO CONDUCT REFUELING ALONG (number) TRACK,
or
FROM (fix) TO (fix),
and
MAINTAIN REFUELING LEVEL (altitude),
or
MAINTAIN (altitude),
or
COMMENCING AT (altitude), DESCENDING TO (altitude).
NOTE -
1 - During aerial refueling, tanker aircraft are responsible for receiver
aircraft communication with ATC and for their navigation along the track.
2 - Aerial refueling airspace is not sterilized airspace and other
aircraft may transit this airspace provided vertical or lateral separation
is provided from refueling aircraft.
3 - MARSA begins between the tanker and receiver when the tanker and
receiver(s) have entered the air refueling airspace and the tanker advises
ATC that he is accepting MARSA.
4 - MARSA ends between the tanker and receiver when the tanker advises
ATC that the tanker and receiver aircraft are vertically positioned within
the air refueling airspace and ATC advises MARSA is terminated.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Use of MARSA, paragraph 2-1-11.
FAAO 7110.65, Additional Separation for Formation Flights, paragraph
5-5-7.
FAAO 7610.4, Chapter 10, Aerial Refueling.
a. Provide radar assistance to the rendezvous for participating
aircraft:
1. When requested, and
2. By providing vertical separation prior to MARSA declaration.
b. Do not request receiver aircraft that have been cleared to
conduct air refueling and have departed the ARIP to:
1. Make code changes when less than 5 miles from the tanker.
2. Squawk Standby when less than 1 mile or more than 3 miles
from the tanker.
NOTE -
Requests for receiver aircraft to make code changes during air refueling
diverts the receiver pilot's attention during a critical phase of flight.
c. When issuing an initial air refueling clearance, you may request
a receiver to squawk standby when the receiver reaches a point 3 miles
from the tanker.
NOTE -
1 - Receiver aircraft will squawk normal when separation from the tanker
is greater than 3 miles.
2 - Once rendezvous is completed, heading and altitude assignments
may be made with the tanker concurrence with MARSA remaining in effect.
3 - Upon rendezvous completion, the tanker shall keep receiver aircraft
within 3 miles of the tanker until MARSA is terminated.
d. After MARSA has been declared, you should avoid issuing course
or altitude changes prior to rendezvous.
NOTE -
Altitude or course changes issued will automatically void MARSA.
e. Do not use the altitude vacated during the refueling operation
until the refueling aircraft has reported reaching the next IFR altitude.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Exceptions, paragraph 6-6-2.
f. Approve requests by the tanker pilot for vectors or alternative
routes or altitudes as follows:
1. Furnish vectors or alternative altitudes at any time.
2. Furnish nonradar routes only after the refueling aircraft
have passed the ARCP.
NOTE -
1 - To meet a training requirement that aerial refueling be accomplished
in a nonradar environment, the military has requested that vectors be furnished
only upon request.
2 - The tanker commander is responsible for coordinating all in-flight
requests with other aircraft in the refueling mission before submission
of such requests to the center.
3 - Normally, aircraft conducting aerial refueling operations will
utilize at least three consecutive altitudes.
g. Unless a vector or alternative route has been furnished, clear
the aircraft to depart the refueling track at a navigational reference
point or egress fix.
h. Request an aircraft to report the ARIP, ARCP, or egress fix
as necessary.
PHRASEOLOGY -
REPORT:
ARIP,
or
ARCP
or
EGRESS FIX.
i. Expect the following procedures in addition to those required
by the appropriate Parts of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
in the event of two-way communications failure:
1. The tanker will depart the track from the highest altitude
in the block.
2. The receiver will depart the track from the lowest altitude
in the block.
3. Aircraft will squawk 7600 for at least 2 minutes prior to
departing the track.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Military Operations above FL 600, paragraph 9-3-11.
9-3-11 Military Operations Above FL 600
Control aircraft operating above FL 600 using the following procedures:
a. Flight plans involving supersonic flight are required 16
hours in advance of proposed departure times for processing and approval
by the ARTCCs concerned. The originating ARTCC, where the flight plan is
first filed, may waive the 16 hour advance filing requirement.
b. The route of flight shall be defined by at least one high
altitude fix within each ARTCC area without regard to the distance between
fixes. Additionally, the entry and exit points of turns of 90 degrees or
more will be designated.
c. Elapsed times from takeoff to the first fix in each ARTCC
area shall be included in the route of flight.
d. The ARTCC which originates the flight plan shall forward
departure times to all ARTCCs responsible for processing the flight plan.
e. Approval of the flight plan indicates approval of both route
and FLs (if stated) including operations below FL 600 (aerial refueling).
PHRASEOLOGY -
CLEARED AS FILED VIA ROUTE AND FLIGHT LEVELS.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Military Aerial Refueling, paragraph 9-3-10.
f. Separation. Use the following as minima in lieu of the corresponding
type of separation prescribed in:
NOTE -
The primary method described to provide separation between two supersonic
aircraft is to descend the aircraft at the lower FL and provide vertical
separation since the aircraft at the higher FL may not be able to climb
rapidly enough to establish the required separation. Another aspect which
should be considered is that supersonic aircraft during turns, either programmed
or as the result of vectors, will lose a few thousand feet. Vectoring supersonic
aircraft seriously affects the range and mission objectives. Radar separation
is the preferred method of separating a subsonic aircraft both from another
subsonic aircraft or from a supersonic aircraft.
1. Paragraph 4-5-1, Vertical Separation Minima - 5,000 feet.
NOTE -
1 - The security requirements of the military services preclude the
transmission of actual altitude information on the air/ground or landline
circuits. A classified document detailing the plan for ascertaining altitude
codes for the day should be readily available to the controllers at their
positions of operation.
2 - Pilots will report their altitude, using the coded plan, and intended
flight profile on initial contact with each ARTCC.
2. Paragraph 6-5-4, Minima Along Other Than Established Airways
or Routes - Protect the airspace 25 miles either side of the route centerline.
For turns by supersonic aircraft, protect the airspace 75 miles on the
overflown side and 25 miles on the other side. For turns by subsonic aircraft,
protect the airspace 34 miles on the overflown side and 25 miles on the
other side.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Abbreviated Departure Clearance, paragraph 4-3-3.
9-3-12 Military Special Use Frequencies
a. Assign special use frequency to:
NOTE -
Special use frequencies are assigned to ARTCCs in such a manner that
adjacent ARTCCs will not have the same frequency. They are to be used within
the ARTCC area jurisdiction from the established FL base of the high altitude
sectors and above. Each high altitude sector should have the capability
to use the special use frequency on a shared basis.
{New-98-8 Revised August 13, 1998}
1. USAF, U.S. Navy, and Air National Guard (ANG) single-pilot
jet aircraft formations operating at night or in instrument weather conditions.
Formations of five or more USAF aircraft deploying either to a Continental
U.S. staging base or nonstop to an overseas location are authorized to
use special use frequencies at any time. Normally these deployments will
be conducted within an altitude reservation.
2. U-2 and B-57 (pressure suit flights) aircraft at all altitudes/FLs
except where terminal operations require the assignment of other frequencies.
NOTE -
Aerial refueling operations may require that aircraft leave the special
use frequency for communications with the tanker. This will occur when
the receiver is approximately 200 miles from the ARCP. The tanker aircraft
will remain on the ARTCC assigned frequency and will relay clearances to
the receiver as required. An alternate means of communications between
the tanker and receiver is HF radio.
3. All aircraft during supersonic flight.
NOTE -
Pilots are expected to request assignment of the special use frequency
in the remarks section of the flight plan or before entering supersonic
flight. B-57 aircraft engaged in pressure suit operations will use the
static call sign KITE and flights will normally be conducted from Dover,
Eielson, Ellington, Hickman, Howard, Kirtland, and McClellan Air Force
Bases.
4. E-3A AWACS mission crews when operations are being conducted
as an MRU in accordance with appropriate letters of agreement.
b. The special use frequency may be assigned as "backup" for
the high-altitude sector when direct communications are essential because
of a potential emergency control situation.
c. Do not assign the special use frequency to the aircraft in
subparagraph a1 above when they will operate in airspace assigned for special
military operations.
9-3-13 Avoidance of Areas of Nuclear Radiation
a. Advise pilots whenever their proposed flight path will traverse a reported or forecasted area of hazardous radiation and reroute the aircraft when requested by the pilot.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7610.4, Avoidance of Hazardous Radiation Areas, paragraph 4-44.
b. Inform pilots when an airfield of intended landing lies within
a reported or forecasted area of hazardous radiation and request the pilot
to advise his intentions.
Provide special handling to USAF aircraft engaged in aerial sampling missions (atmospheric sampling for nuclear contamination). Honor in-flight clearance requests for altitude and route changes to the maximum extent possible. Other IFR aircraft may be recleared so that requests by SAMPLER aircraft are honored. Separation standards as outlined in this order shall be applied in all cases.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Operational Priority, paragraph 2-1-4.
FAAO 7110.65, Aircraft Identification, paragraph 2-4-20.
FAAO 7610.4, Avoidance of Hazardous Radiation Areas, paragraph 4-44.
9-3-15 AWACS/NORAD Special Flights
Do not delay E-3 AWACS aircraft identified as "AWACS/NORAD Special"
flights. The following control actions are acceptable while expediting
these aircraft to the destination orbit.
a. En route altitude changes ± 2,000 feet from the requested
flight level.
b. Radar vectors or minor route changes that do not impede progress
towards the destination orbit.
NOTE -
NORAD has a requirement to position E-3 AWACS aircraft at selected
locations on a time-critical basis. To the extent possible these flights
will utilize routes to the destination orbit that have been precoordinated
with the impacted ATC facilities. To identify these flights, the words
"AWACS/NORAD Special" will be included as the first item in the remarks
section of the flight plan.
9-3-16 Weather Reconnaissance Flights
TEAL and NOAA mission aircraft fly reconnaissance flights to gather
meteorological data on winter storms, (NWSOP missions), hurricanes, and
tropical cyclones (NHOP missions). The routes and timing of these flights
are determined by movement of the storm areas and not by traffic flows.
a. When a dropsonde release time is received from a TEAL or NOAA
mission aircraft, workload and priorities permitting, controllers shall
advise the mission aircraft of any traffic estimated to pass through the
area of the drop at altitudes below that of the mission aircraft. This
traffic advisory shall include:
1. Altitude
2. Direction of flight
3. ETA at the point closest to drop area (or at the fix/intersection
where drop will occur)
NOTE -
A dropsonde is an 18-inch long cardboard cylinder about 3 inches in
diameter, that weighs 3 and 1/2 pounds, and has a parachute attached. When
released from the aircraft it will fall at a rate of 1,000 feet per minute.
Controllers should recognize that a dropsonde released at flight level
310 will be a factor for traffic at flight level 210 ten minutes later.
It is the aircraft commander's responsibility to delay release of dropsondes
if traffic is a factor. Aircraft commanders will delay release of dropsondes
based solely upon traffic as issued by ATC.
b. When advised that an airborne TEAL or NOAA aircraft is requesting
a clearance via CARCAH, issue the clearance in accordance with Chapter
4. IFR, Section 2. Clearances.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Clearance Items, paragraph 4-2-1.
FAAO 7110.65, Clearance Prefix, paragraph 4-2-2.
FAAO 7110.65, Delivery Instructions, paragraph 4-2-3.
c. If a TEAL or NOAA mission aircraft must be contacted but is out of VHF, UHF, and HF radio range, advise the watch supervisor.
{New-98-3 Revised February 26, 1998}
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7210.3, Weather Reconnaissance Flights, paragraph 5-3-6.
FAAO 7110.65, Operational Priority, paragraph 2-1-4.
9-3-17 Evasive Action Maneuver
Approve a pilot request to conduct an Evasive Action maneuver only on the basis of a permissible traffic situation. Specify the following items, as necessary, when issuing approval:
NOTE -
The "Evasive Action" maneuver is performed by a bomber/fighter bomber
aircraft at or above FL 250 along a 60 NM long segment of the flight plan
route overlying a RBS or other site and includes:
1 - Flying a zigzag pattern on both the left and right side of the
flight plan route centerline. Altitude deviations are made in conjunction
with the lateral maneuvering.
2 - Lateral deviations from the route centerline will not normally
exceed 12 miles. Altitude variations shall not exceed plus or minus 1,000
feet of the assigned flight level; i.e., confined within a 2,000 foot block.
a. Specific route segment on which the maneuver will take place.
b. Distance of maximum route deviation from the centerline in
miles.
c. Altitude.
PHRASEOLOGY -
CLEARED TO CONDUCT EVASIVE ACTION MANEUVER FROM (fix) TO (fix),
and
(number of miles) EITHER SIDE OF CENTERLINE,
and
MAINTAIN (altitude) THROUGH (altitude),
and
COMPLETE MANEUVER AT (fix) AT (altitude).
9-3-18 Nonstandard Formation/Cell Operations
Occasionally the military is required to operate in a non-standard cell formation and controllers should be knowledgeable of the various tactics employed and the procedures used.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7610.4, Chapter 12, Section 13, Formation Flight.
a. Formation leaders are responsible for obtaining ATC approval
to conduct nonstandard formation/cell operations.
b. When nonstandard formation/cell operations have been approved,
controllers shall assign sufficient altitudes to allow intra-cell vertical
spacing of 500 feet between each aircraft in the formation.
c. Control nonstandard formation/cell operations on the basis
that MARSA is applicable between the participating aircraft until they
establish approved separation which is acknowledged by ATC.
d. Apply standard separation criteria between the approved nonstandard
formation/cell envelope and nonparticipating aircraft.
e. Clear aircraft operating in a nonstandard formation/cell to
the breakup fix as the clearance limit. Forward data pertaining to route
or altitude beyond the breakup point to the center concerned as a part
of the routine flight plan information.
f. EN ROUTE: If the breakup occurs in your area, issue appropriate
clearances to authorize transition from formation to individual routes
or altitudes. If a breakup cannot be approved, issue an appropriate clearance
for the flight to continue as a formation.
9-3-19 Open Skies Treaty Aircraft
a. OPEN SKIES aircraft will be identified by the call sign "OSY"
(OPEN SKIES) followed by two digits and a one-letter mission suffix.
EXAMPLE -
OSY12D
Mission suffixes:
*O = Observation Flights (priority)
*D = Demonstration Flights (priority)
*T = Transit Flights (Non-priority)
NOTE -
1 - Observation/Demonstration flights are conducted under rigid guidelines
outlined in the Treaty of Open Skies that govern sensor usage, maximum
flight distances, altitudes and priorities.
2 - Transit flights are for the sole purpose of moving an OPEN SKIES
aircraft from airport to airport in preparation for an actual OPEN SKIES
"O" or "D" mission.
b. Provide priority and special handling to expedite the movement
of an OPEN SKIES observation or demonstration flight.
REFERENCE -
FAAO 7110.65, Operational Priority, paragraph 2-1-4(n).
{New-98-3 Revised February 26, 1998}
FAAO 7210.3, Open Skies Treaty Aircraft, paragraph 5-3-7.
Treaty on Open Skies, Treaty Document, 102-37.
c. OPEN SKIES aircraft, while maintaining compliance with ATC
procedures, shall have priority over activities in Special Use Airspace
(SUA) and shall be allowed to transit such airspace as filed after appropriate
and timely coordination has been accomplished between the using agency
and controlling agency.
1. The controlling agency shall advise the using/scheduling
agency when the Open Skies aircraft is fifteen (15) minutes from the SUA
boundary to allow the using agency time to cease activity.
2. If the using agency has not confirmed that all operations
in the SUA have ceased, the Open Skies aircraft shall not be permitted
access to the SUA.
NOTE -
The Department of Defense policy is to return all SUA to the appropriate
controlling agency for the Open Skies flight. The flight cannot enter SUA
until the using/scheduling agency has released the area and has confirmed
that all operations in the airspace have ceased.
3. Return SUA to the using agency, if appropriate, within fifteen
(15) minutes after the Open Skies aircraft clears the SUA.
d. Clear the aircraft according to the filed flight plan.
1. Do not ask the pilot to deviate from the planned action or
route of flight except to preclude an emergency situation or other higher
priority aircraft.
2. Do not impose air traffic control delays except to preclude
emergency situations or other higher priority aircraft.
NOTE -
If for reasons of flight safety the route or altitude must be changed,
return the aircraft to the filed flight plan route as soon as practical.