U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Air Traffic Organization Policy

Part 1. BASIC

Chapter 1. General

Section 1. Introduction

1-1-1. PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER

This order provides instructions, standards, and guidance for operating and managing air traffic facilities.

a. Part 1 contains information generally applicable to two or more options.

b. Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 prescribe instructions unique to each discipline:

1. Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC).

2. Terminal Air Traffic Control Facilities.

3. Flight Service Stations.

c. Part 5 prescribes the instructions for traffic management applicable to the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), center, and terminal facilities.

d. Part 6 is regulatory information concerning waivers, authorizations, exemptions, and flight restrictions.

e. Part 7 provides the overview concerning System Operations Security, Strategic and Tactical Operations, which are further delineated in FAAO JO 7610.4, Special Operations. Part 7 explains Air Traffic's role in the security realm, military activities, and other events which have impact on facilities and the NAS.

1-1-2. AUDIENCE

This order applies to all ATO personnel and anyone using ATO directives.

1-1-3. WHERE TO FIND THIS ORDER

This order is available on the FAA Web site at http://faa.gov/air_traffic/publications and http://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices/.

1-1-4. WHAT THIS ORDER CANCELS

FAA Order 7210.3X, Facility Operation and Administration, dated February 9, 2012, and all changes to it are canceled.

1-1-5. EXPLANATION OF CHANGES

The significant changes to this order are identified in the Explanation of Changes page(s). It is advisable to retain the page(s) throughout the duration of the basic order.

1-1-6. SUBMISSION CUTOFF AND EFFECTIVE DATES

This order and its changes are scheduled to be published to coincide with AIRAC dates.

1-1-7. DELIVERY DATES

If an FAA facility has not received the order/changes at least 30 days before the above effective dates, the facility must notify its service area office distribution officer.

1-1-8. recommendations for PROCEDURAL CHANGES

Any recommended changes to this order must be submitted to the Vice President, Mission Support Services, Attn: ATC Procedures Office.

a. Personnel should submit recommended changes in procedures to facility management.

b. Recommendations from other sources should be submitted through appropriate FAA, military, or industry/user channels.

1-1-9. CONSTRAINTS GOVERNING SUPPLEMENTS AND PROCEDURAL DEVIATIONS

a. Exceptional or unusual requirements may dictate procedural deviations or supplementary procedures to this order. The written approval of the Vice President of System Operations Services must be obtained prior to issuing a supplemental or procedural deviation to this order which decreases the level, quality, or degree of service required by this order.

b. Prior approval by the following appropriate military headquarters is required for subsequent interface with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if military operations or facilities are involved. (See TBL 1-1-1.)

TBL 1-1-1
Military Headquarters

1-1-10. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SMS)

Every employee is responsible to ensure the safety of equipment and procedures used in the provision of services within the National Airspace System (NAS). Risk assessment techniques and mitigations, as appropriate, are intended for implementation of any planned safety significant changes within the NAS, as directed by FAA Order 1100.161, Air Traffic Safety Oversight. Direction regarding the Safety Management System (SMS) and its application can be found in the FAA Safety Management System Manual and FAA Order 1100.161. The Safety Management System will be implemented through a period of transitional activities. (Additional information pertaining to these requirements and processes can be obtained by contacting the service area offices.)

1-1-11. REFERENCES TO FAA NON-AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION

When references are made to regional office organizations that are not part of the ATO (i.e., Communications Center, Flight Standards, Airport offices, etc.), the facility should contact the FAA region where the facility is physically located - not the region where the facility's Service Area office is located.

1-1-12. DISTRIBUTION

This order is distributed to selected offices in Washington headquarters, Service Area offices, regional offices, the William J. Hughes Technical Center, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, all air traffic field facilities, international aviation field offices, and interested aviation public.