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

Chapter 2. Administration of Facilities

Section 1. General

2-1-1. INTERREGIONAL REQUIREMENTS

a. An air route traffic control center (ARTCC) is responsible to an En Route and Oceanic Operations Area Office. Terminal and Flight Services facilities located within an ARTCC operational area must comply with the En Route and Oceanic Operations Area Office directives governing interfacility operational requirements. Although these facilities are not under its administrative jurisdiction, the En Route and Oceanic Operations Area Office responsible for the administration of the ARTCC must provide these directives to the appropriate facilities in ARTCC operational areas. These facilities must coordinate directly on mutual procedural or operational requirements.

b. When resolution of procedural or operational problems is not possible or when the En Route and Oceanic Operations Area Office directives are incompatible with those published by the administratively responsible area office, the facility must notify its own Terminal Operations Area or Flight Services Operations Area Office for resolution.

2-1-2. FACILITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES DIRECTIVE

The air traffic manager must issue a Standard Operating Procedures Directive. The directive must specify, as a minimum, the required procedures for maintaining a safe and efficient operation and the jurisdictional boundaries for each operational position/sector.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 4-1-1, Correspondence Standards.

2-1-3. POSITION/SECTOR BINDERS

Air traffic managers must develop and maintain binders for each position/sector within the facility. In addition to the above, this must include a supervisor position binder. The supervisor position binder should address procedures which will enhance controller performance in areas such as scanning, coordination, use of proper phraseology, and proficiency/remedial training. The binders must contain as a minimum, but not be limited to, the information listed in the En Route, Terminal, Flight Service Option Specific Guidelines. The binder must contain information that is necessary for the safe and efficient operation of each position/sector, including examples and formats where appropriate. A copy of each binder must be in a location easily accessible by each position/sector. Data may be stored and displayed via electronic means on Information Display Systems (IDS) where available. Air traffic managers in terminal facilities may determine the need for individual binders for associated/coordinator positions.

2-1-4. REFERENCE FILES

Air traffic managers must maintain current sets of orders, facility directives, Letters of Agreement (LOA), aeronautical charts, pertinent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) documents and related publications so that they may be readily available for operational use and study by facility personnel. Also, the air traffic manager must maintain reference materials at appropriate work areas. These materials must consist of pertinent directives, agreements, emergency and overdue aircraft procedures, and a location listing of airports within the area of responsibility including runway alignment, lighting, surface, and length as a minimum. Current telephone numbers of user companies/organizations identifying the source who has the capability of contacting no radio (NORDO) aircraft may also be listed. Air traffic managers must determine the applicability of other materials to be included.

NOTE-
The air traffic manager will ensure that the user list is kept current.

2-1-5. RELEASE OF INFORMATION

a. It is FAA policy to make factual information available to persons, properly and directly concerned, except information held confidential for good cause.

b. Except as provided in this and other FAA orders, or when specifically authorized to do so by the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator, no agency employee must release information from any National Airspace System (NAS) database regarding the position, altitude, heading, flight plan, origination or destination of a single aircraft (“Flight Track Data”) upon the oral request of an individual outside of the FAA.

1. No request for Flight Track Data must be granted unless it is first determined that the request is being made in the interest of aviation safety or efficiency, or for an official purpose by a United States Government agency or law enforcement organization with respect to an ongoing investigation.

2. No Flight Track Data on aircraft conducting military, law enforcement, presidential, or other sensitive flights must be released except as operationally required to assist such flights.

3. Each request must be handled in the following manner:

(a) The agency employee must positively identify the requestor by name, organization or affiliation, and point-of-contact (including a telephone call-back number).

(b) The agency employee must inquire about the purpose of the request so as to determine whether the request is being made in the interest of aviation safety or efficiency, or for an official purpose.

(c) Except for requests received from any United States Government agency or law enforcement organization, the agency employee must enter into the facility Daily Record of Facility Operation, FAA Form 7230-4, a record of the request, including:

(1) The information obtained under subparas b3(a) and b3(b) above; and

(2) A summary of any information provided to the requestor, including the flight number or registration number of the aircraft in question.

(d) For requests received from any United States Government agency or law enforcement organization, the only information entered into the local facility log must be that called for by subpara b3(a) above, with a brief notation as to whether the request was granted or not.

4. If the request is from an individual and it is determined that the request, if granted, would not further aviation safety or efficiency, the employee must deny the request and may inform the requester that information may be sought under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A FOIA request should be filed in writing with the FOIA Officer, ARC-40, 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20591, or by email to 7-AWA-ARC-FOIA@faa. gov.

5. If it cannot be ascertained whether the purpose of the request, if from an individual, is in furtherance of aviation safety or efficiency, or if from a United States Government agency or law enforcement organization, is for an official purpose, the agency employee must contact facility management for guidance. If local management is unable to determine whether or not a request should be granted, the official should contact the Quality Assurance Investigator on-call in Washington headquarters. En Route and Oceanic Operations, Terminal Operations, and Flight Services Operations Area Offices may elect to process after-hour requests through the appropriate Service Area office Quality Assurance on-call specialist.

2-1-6. CHECKING ACCURACY OF PUBLISHED DATA

Air traffic managers and air traffic representatives (ATREPs) must, upon receipt of official publications, review data pertaining to their facilities and areas of concern to ensure accuracy and completeness. They must also initiate corrections as required.

2-1-7. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE DURING PLANNED AND UNPLANNED OUTAGES

Facilities must develop and maintain guidelines to provide continuity of required services during planned (for example, radar out for maintenance, frequency out for repair) or unplanned outages (for example, power failures, natural disasters).

a. For planned outages, facilities must maintain a checklist that provides guidance on approving shutdowns. This checklist should be maintained at an operational manager's position (for example, OMIC desk, FLM desk). Facilities should consider the following for inclusion on the checklist:

1. Traffic volume and complexity.

2. Weather.

3. Alternate means of providing air traffic services.

4. Procedures to notify affected facilities when planned outage begins and ends.

5. Other information related to the planned outage, as appropriate.

b. Facilities must develop and maintain operational plans for unplanned outages that provide continuity of services to the extent dictated by the outage (for example, power failures, fire, flood, storm damage, breakdown of critical system components, facility wide outages). The plans must be in accordance with JO 1900.47.

2-1-8. HANDLING BOMB THREAT INCIDENTS

Air Traffic facilities must establish procedures to carry out their functions in accordance with FAAO 1600.6, Physical Security Management Program. The following provisions must be incorporated into facility plans:

a. All air traffic facilities must notify the respective regional operations center and other appropriate Service Area office element when a bomb threat occurs.

b. All personnel in the facility will be advised when a bomb threat has been received and of pertinent information regarding the bomb threat.

c. The decision to evacuate a facility will be made by the air traffic manager or his/her designee.

d. If the decision is made to evacuate and air safety is not a factor, immediately release nonessential personnel, instruct aircraft to contact the appropriate facility designated in the facility contingency plan, advise adjacent facilities as appropriate (ARTCCs should advise the ATCSCC of pending evacuation), broadcast that the facility is being evacuated, and evacuate the building.

e. If the decision is made to evacuate and air safety is a factor, immediately release nonessential personnel, resolve traffic conflicts (aircraft on radar vectors should be cleared to resume normal navigation), instruct aircraft to contact the appropriate facility designated in the facility contingency plan, advise adjacent facilities (ARTCCs should advise the ATCSCC), broadcast that the facility is being evacuated, and evacuate the building as rapidly as personnel can be released. The appropriate actions should be accomplished quickly to minimize personnel exposure. Further, the air traffic manager or his/her designee will determine which personnel will remain on duty until the traffic situation is resolved. Personnel designated to perform this function normally will be selected from the supervisory ranks or persons volunteering temporary services. To be effective this action should be planned in advance. There are various ways in which this can be accomplished. One simple method is that at the beginning of each watch, supervisors will plan their watch coverage should the need to evacuate arise.

f. The evacuation plans will also include recall procedures.

g. Consideration should be given to establishing an alternate site to provide limited flight service or airport air traffic and approach control services.

h. During bomb threat situations, facility air traffic managers or their designees should exercise discretion regarding admittance of visitors to their facilities.

i. Facilities will take action to increase the security whenever such action is feasible. Measures to protect administrative and operational areas and equipment rooms should be taken. FAAO 1600.6, Physical Security Management Program, provides additional guidance for the protection of agency facilities, installations, equipment, etc. Examples are:

1. Increase security forces and measures.

2. Ensure that facilities are kept tidy so that out-of-place articles can be easily detected. This concept should be emphasized to all personnel including contractors and their employees.

3. Room or area monitors can be assigned to “look over” the area at frequent intervals for suspicious objects. In this regard, air traffic personnel assigned temporary administrative duties would be given building warden responsibilities.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 2-8-2, Medical Clearance Requirements.

4. Outside areas should be kept as neat as possible. Landscaping should, if possible, be done in a manner that will not enhance clandestine activities.

j. Although it is envisioned that the foregoing will be accomplished within existing resources, planning (including budgeting) should be initiated to establish a secure environment.

k. Release information on bomb threat incidents in accordance with the procedures established in current directives. Where no applicable procedures have been established, all information must be treated as “For Official Use Only.”

2-1-9. HANDLING MANPADS INCIDENTS

a. Air traffic managers must coordinate with federal, local, and other law enforcement agencies, as needed, to develop notification and contingency plans during a threat or attack from Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).

b. Air traffic managers must establish procedures to ensure the dissemination of level 2 or 3 MANPADS alerts via ATIS and/or controller-to-pilot transmissions. Report MANPADS threat/attack/post-event activity until notified otherwise by FAA national headquarters.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-9-3, Content.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 10-2-13, MANPADS Alert.

2-1-10. AIRPORT EMERGENCY PLANS

a. Operational instructions covering airport emergency service at airports served by an ATCT and/or FSS must be issued by the air traffic manager (the ATCT manager at airports with both facilities) in the form of a LOA. Procedures and/or LOAs for alerting airport emergency equipment at other public-use airports served by the ATCT and/or FSS must also be developed, if deemed appropriate.

NOTE-
Facility managers or their designee should meet with Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel on an annual basis to review the local airport emergency service LOA and the effectiveness of local procedures.

REFERENCE-
FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5210-7C, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Communications.

b. Responsibility for the prompt dispatch of equipment upon alert notice by the FAA ATCT or the FSSs is the joint responsibility of the airport management and the emergency equipment operator. The amount of equipment and number of personnel responding to the emergency will be determined by the equipment operator and should be kept to the minimum required. After receiving the alert and the route to be taken, the personnel operating the equipment are responsible for handling the emer-gency.

c. Procedures for alerting airport emergency equipment, including additional equipment which may be located off the airport, must consist only of:

1. Stating the nature and the location of the emergency by means of a signalling system; e.g., a siren and/or telephone. When required, the tower must indicate the route to be taken by the emergency equipment. FSSs must not specify such routes.

2. Specifying, when required, the category of alert applicable to the emergency.

3. Initiating the alert when, in the opinion of any of the following, a potential or actual emergency exists:

(a) The FAA specialists on duty.

(b) The pilot of the aircraft concerned.

(c) The operator of the aircraft or his/her representative.

(d) A representative of the airport management.

d. Alert Phases: Operations personnel may categorize local alerts if the category or phase designations have been coordinated locally and agreed to. It may be desirable for emergency equipment to be alerted on a standby or ready basis by use of a two-phase or three-phase alert system, but keep these actions as inconspicuous as possible without impairing efficiency. A three-phase alert may be set up as follows:

1. Alert I: Indicating an aircraft approaching the airport is in minor difficulty; e.g., feathered propeller, oil leak, etc. The emergency equipment and crews would standby at the equipment house for further instructions.

2. Alert II: Indicating an aircraft approaching the airport is in major difficulty; e.g., engine on fire, faulty landing gear, no hydraulic pressure, etc. This could mean emergency equipment would proceed to a predetermined location (end of runway, etc.) to await development of the potential emergency.

3. Alert III: Indicating an aircraft involved in an accident on or near the airport and emergency equipment should proceed immediately to the scene.

e. After alerting the emergency equipment, notify only the local aircraft operator or his/her representative and the airport management.

NOTE-
Airport management is responsible for notifying other agencies or personnel.

REFERENCE-
Advisory Circular AC 150/5210-7C, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Communications.

2-1-11. EXPLOSIVES DETECTION K-9 TEAMS

At many of our major airports a program has been established by the FAA and the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make available an explosives detection K-9 team. ATC facilities must take the following actions should they receive an aircraft request for the location of the nearest explosives detection K-9 team:

a. The facility will relay the pilot's request to the FAA Washington Operations Center, AEO-100, telephone: commercial (202) 267-3333; ETN 521-0111; or DSN 851-3750 providing the aircraft's identification and position.

b. AEO-100 will provide the facility with the nearest location. The facility will have AEO-100 standby while the information is relayed to the pilot.

c. After it has been determined that the aircraft wishes to divert to the airport location provided, the air traffic facility will ascertain estimated arrival time and advise AEO-100. AEO-100 will then notify the appropriate airport authority at the diversion airport. In the event the K-9 team is not available at this airport, AEO-100 will relay this information to the air traffic facility providing them with the secondary location. ATC will then relay this to the pilot concerned for appropriate action.

2-1-12. INTERSECTION TAKEOFFS

Air traffic managers at ATCTs and at FSS facilities that provide LAA will prepare an airport diagram showing intersection takeoff information as follows:

a. Indicate the actual remaining runway length from each intersection; round all actual measurements “down” to the nearest 50-feet. Obtain measurements from an authentic source and record them on the diagram.

NOTE-
Some airports publish “declared distances” for a particular runway. These are published in the Airport Facility Directory (A/FD) or the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), and there is no requirement that facility personnel be made aware of them. These distances are a means of satisfying airport design criteria and are intended to be used by pilots and/or operators for preflight performance planning only. There are no special markings, signage, or lighting associated with declared distances, and they do not limit the actual runway available for use by an aircraft. Therefore, they cannot be used for any air traffic control purpose. If pilots inquire about the existence of declared distances, refer them to the A/FD or the AIP.

b. If the airport authority requests that certain intersection takeoffs be denied, so indicate on the diagram.

EXAMPLE-
/NO TKOFF/

c. Indicate any access points to a runway from which an intersection takeoff may be made.

2-1-13. AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION PROBLEMS

To alleviate any potential misunderstandings of aircraft identifications caused by duplicate, phonetically similar-sounding, or hard to distinguish registration numbers or call signs operating in the same area, facility managers must ensure that operations supervisors report those occurrences to a facility officer and that the following actions be taken.

a. Scheduled air carrier aircraft: When two or more air carriers with duplicate flight numbers or phonetically similar-sounding call signs operate within 30 minutes of each other at the same airport or within the same sector and cause an identification problem on a recurring basis, request that the flight identification numbers be changed by:

NOTE-
Recurrent situations would be aircraft proceeding primarily the same direction through the same sectors three or more times a week, at least two weeks out of four consecutive weeks.

1. In the case of carriers listed in Appendix 2, Air Carrier Points of Contact for Aircraft Identification Problems, contact the appropriate airline office or officer.

2. If other than one of the carriers listed in Appendix 2, contact the operator or the chief pilot of the carrier concerned.

b. Military aircraft: Contact base operations of the departure airport and request that action be taken to have the flight identifications changed when duplicate, phonetically similar, or hard to distinguish call signs are causing a flight identification problem. If additional assistance is required, immediately advise the military representative assigned to the Service Area office.

c. Civil aircraft other than air carrier: Advise Mission Support Services, Aeronautical Information Management, when two or more designated call signs are found to be phonetically similar or difficult to pronounce and are causing a flight identification problem.

d. The designated facility officer must maintain a record of actions taken and provide feedback to operations supervisors. That record should include:

1. Date/time of occurrence.

2. Location (e.g., RUS VORTAC, sector 90,
Shannon Airport).

3. Call signs involved in the occurrence.

4. Date occurrence is reported by facility.

5. Office/person that facility contacted.

2-1-14. APPROACH CONTROL CEILING

The airspace ceiling of areas within which approach control service is provided should not exceed 10,000 feet AGL. Exceptions require a staff study and specific approval of the Vice President of System Operations Services.

NOTE-
Although en route ATS is a center function, terminal facilities may be expected to provide some en route service. There are some areas in which a center may not have adequate radar coverage or resources, and in these areas it may be necessary to expand the terminal airspace to provide service. Conversely, at locations with nonradar approach control facilities, centers may have radar coverage,and better service would be provided if some approach control airspace is recalled to the center. At certain locations, the center may be able to absorb all the airspace of a nonradar approach control. The Area Directors of En Route and Oceanic Operations and Terminal Operations must weigh all factors and provide optimum resolutions.

2-1-15. AUTHORIZATION FOR SEPARATION SERVICES BY TOWERS

a. Nonapproach control towers, not equipped with a tower radar display, may be authorized to provide appropriate separation between consecutive departures based upon time or diverging courses, and between arrivals and departures, provided:

1. A LOA exists with the IFR facility having control jurisdiction which authorizes the separation responsibilities and prescribes the procedures to be used;

2. The agreement has been approved by the Area Director of Terminal Operations; and

3. There is no delegation of airspace to the tower.

b. Towers equipped with certified tower radar displays (CTRD) may be authorized to provide separation services in accordance with para 10-5-3, Functional Use of Certified Tower Radar Displays.

c. An authorization for towers to provide separation services other than those prescribed in subparas a and b must be supported by a staff study prepared by the authorizing facility or the Terminal Operations Service Area office which addresses at least:

1. The proposed procedures.

2. Operational benefits.

3. Operational impact.

4. Why the IFR facility is unable to provide an equal or superior level of service without the delegation.

5. Improved services to users.

6. Additional radar training.

7. The measures taken to ensure that the local controller's ability to satisfy the FAA's air traffic responsibilities regarding aircraft operating on the runways or within the surface area is not impaired.

8. On-site spares, maintenance support/restoration requirements.

9. Savings and/or additional costs.

10. The number of additional people required.

d. The staff study must, following the Terminal Operations Service Area review and concurrence, be forwarded to Terminal Services through System Operations Planning, and System Safety and Procedures for approval. System Operations Planning will coordinate with all affected Technical Operations Services Area Service Directors prior to finalizing their comments and recommendations.

2-1-16. BIRD HAZARDS

The air traffic manager of the ATCT must establish procedures to:

a. Ensure that any reported bird strikes or trend toward an increase in bird activity on or around the airport served by the ATCT are reported to airport management.

b. Ensure that coordination will be accomplished with airport management for the possible issuance of NOTAMs when flocks of birds roost on the runways.

NOTE-
It is the responsibility of airport management to issue any such NOTAMs.

c. Participate in local bird hazard programs when established by airport management.

2-1-17. PROHIBITED/RESTRICTED AREAS AND STATIONARY ALTRVs

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, prescribes separation requirements from special use, ATC­assigned airspace, and stationary ALTRVs. In recognition of the fact that prohibited/restricted areas and stationary ALTRVs may be established for security reasons or to contain hazardous activities not directly involving aircraft operations, provision is made for exempting these areas from vertical and radar separation minima if the areas have been identified by facility management. The intent in prescribing separation requirements from special use, ATC­assigned airspace, and stationary ALTRVs is to establish a buffer between nonparticipating aircraft and aircraft operations inside special use, ATC assigned airspace, and stationary ALTRVs. As such, the buffer serves as an extra safety margin in consideration of possible operational, procedural, or equipment variances. Application of the separation prescribed in FAA Order JO 7110.65 is not considered necessary whenever the prohibited/restricted airspace and stationary ALTRV does not contain aircraft operations because these areas typically provide an internal buffer based upon the exact type of activity taking place. In making a determination to exempt specific areas, air traffic facility managers must be guided by the following:

a. Determine the exact nature of prohibited/restricted area and stationary ALTRV utilization through direct liaison with the using agency.

b. Coordinate with the Service Area office during the analysis of area utilization.

c. The following types of activity are examples of restricted area utilization which often will not require application of separation minima:

1. Explosives detonation.

2. Ground firing of various types.

3. Aircraft operations associated with the above in a safety, observer, or command and control capacity only; i.e., the aircraft is not directly engaging in activity for which the airspace was designated and is operating visual flight rules (VFR).

d. If area utilization varies between aircraft operations and other types of activity as described above, do not exempt the area from separation requirements unless a significant operational advantage can be obtained.

e. Restricted airspace with the same number but different letter suffixes are considered to be separate restricted areas. However, treat these types as one restricted area for the purpose of identifying areas for exemption from separation requirements in order to simplify application of separation minima unless a significant operational advantage can be obtained.

2-1-18. WASHINGTON, DC, SPECIAL FLIGHT RULES AREA (DC SFRA)/ATC SECURITY SERVICES

ATC security services are designed to support the national security mission of the FAA and other agencies. A designated security services position has area responsibility for the purpose of security service. Such positions do not have airspace jurisdiction and are not ATC operational positions for purposes beyond the scope of this section, for example, transfer of control, communications, point-out, etc.

a. The FLM/CIC must report all instances of loss of radio communication, intermittent transponder or transponder/Mode C failure, the inability to security track aircraft, and other unusual IFR/VFR flight information to the Domestic Events Network (DEN) through the appropriate lines of communication. Some examples are, but are not limited to; suspicious activities, deviation from assigned course/altitude, or other equipment malfunction that may cause an aircraft to operate in an unexpected manner. Relay all known information regarding the aircraft.

b. ATC Security Services Position: ATC Security Services Position is responsible for providing ATC security services as defined. This position does not provide air traffic control IFR separation or VFR flight following services, but is responsible for providing security services in an area comprising airspace assigned to one or more ATC operating sectors and as such, normal airspace jurisdictional constraints do not apply.

c. Facility manager must:

1. Designate in a facility directive which existing position(s) and frequencies will be utilized to provide Security Services when required and the transition procedures from the ATC operational status to the Security Services Position.

2. Ensure that contingency plan parent and support procedures are updated regarding operational capability level (OCL) changes that affect Special Security Areas.

NOTE-
The requirement to establish an ATC Security Services Position in addition to ATC operating position does not by itself constitute a need for additional staffing nor is its purposes intended to justify or deny facility staffing needs.

d. When the Security Services position and the ATC Operating position are both staffed, detailed position responsibilities must be defined in the facility directive.

NOTE-
Airspace sectorization and the workload associated with the normal use of that airspace may degrade the ability of an ATC operation position to provide security services. When this occurs, pilots must be held outside of the security services area in accordance with FAAO JO 7110.65 para 9-2-1, Aircraft Carrying Dangerous Materials, subpara b2.

1. When an ATC Security Services Position is not separately staffed, the appropriate ATC operating position responsible for that airspace will assume the security service responsibilities.

2. Requests for ATC services to VFR aircraft operating within the designated area to enter positive controlled airspace must be issued by the appropriate radar position in accordance with FAAO JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, and other applicable directives.

e. Adjacent Airport Operations

1. Aircraft that will enter the designated airspace after departing controlled airports within or adjacent to security areas must be provided security services by the appropriate ATC facility having jurisdiction over the affected airspace. Procedures for handling this situation must be covered in a Letter of Agreement (LOA) or facility directive as appropriate.

2. Aircraft departing uncontrolled airports within security areas must be handled using procedures contained in a NOTAM or rule designating the area where ATC security services are required.

2-1-19. AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERNS

a. The Area Directors of Terminal Operations are the focal point to review traffic patterns. Traffic patterns at airports without an operating control tower should be established in accordance with Advisory Circular, AC 90-66, Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns and Practices for Aeronautical Operations at Airports without Operating Control Towers.

b. FAAO JO 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, will be the source for handling technical matters pertaining to the establishment or the revision of traffic patterns.

2-1-20. OBSTACLE IDENTIFICATION SURFACES, OBSTACLE FREE ZONES, RUNWAY SAFETY AREAS, AND CLEARWAYS

a. Facility air traffic managers must monitor planned airport construction projects, work with the regional airports office and the airport manager in determining the need to modify any taxi routes normally used, and request notification from the airport manager when adequate signage and marking are completed on the new/different taxi routes, while ensuring that local procedures provide protected airspace from adjacent, nonintersecting runways and taxiways where simultaneous use could create hazards for arriving and departing aircraft. These procedures must be reviewed whenever new runways or taxiways are programmed or whenever new/different aircraft are scheduled to provide service to the airport.

b. Ensure that aircraft on the ground do not penetrate marked Obstacle Identification Surfaces, Obstacle Free Zones, Runway Safety Areas, or Clearways, or other airspace designed to provide protection for departures and arrivals.

c. At locations where potential for conflict exists, take action to rectify the situation by developing proposed solutions and establishing local procedures to define conditions when the approach and departure areas and other surfaces must be protected. These procedures must be included in a facility directive and the signage at the intended hold position must be consistent with the phraseology identified in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Paragraph 3­7­2, Taxi and Ground Movement.

d. ATMs must consult with the airport authority, Flight Standards, Airports, and the Regional Runway Safety Program Manager (RSPM) when developing proposed solutions and establishing local procedures. The RSPM will assist the ATM, as needed, in initiating contact with Flight Standards and Airports.

REFERENCE-
P/CG Term – Approach Hold

2-1-21. FACILITY IDENTIFICATION

a. Service Area Directors are the focal point to review/approve requests for waivers for facility identification changes in FAAO JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, para 2-4-19, Facility Identification, subparas a, b, and c, and FAAO JO 7110.10, Flight Services, para 14-1-14, Facility Identification, subparas a, b, and c. If the waiver request is approved, the Service Area Director must ensure that all aeronautical publications are changed to reflect the new identification, and that a Letter to Airmen is published notifying the users of the change.

b. Service Area Directors must forward a copy of the approval to System Operations Services.

2-1-22. DISPOSITION OF OBSOLETE CHARTS

a. Obsolete charts may only be disposed of by destroying, including recycling, or by giving to flight schools and other training institutions where the charts are to be used only for training in the classroom. Under no circumstances should obsolete charts be given to pilots or the general public, regardless if they are marked obsolete or not.

b. There are hundreds of changes that appear on each new edition of a chart. When pilots are given obsolete charts they are not aware of critical changes that have occurred. Further, the use of such a chart could result in a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) violation or an accident which would have serious legal implications for the agency.

2-1-23. OUTDOOR LASER DEMONSTRATIONS

a. The Area Directors of Terminal Operations Services are the focal point for reviewing/approving requests for outdoor laser demonstrations.

b. FAAO JO 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, is the source for processing outdoor laser demonstration requests.

2-1-24. COMBINE/RECOMBINE AN ATCT/TRACON

Prior to consideration for any ATCT/TRACON to combine or recombine, a detailed staff study will be required from the facility explaining the benefit to the agency and the customer. After the Terminal Operations Service Area office review, the staff study must be forwarded to the Director of Terminal Planning. A decision to combine or recombine an ATCT/TRACON will require coordination with the ATO Chief Operating Officer.

2-1-25. SUBMISSION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL ASSIGNED AIRSPACE (ATCAA) DATA

Submit data on all ATCAAs used on a continuing/constant basis, and any subsequent changes to the ATCAA database to System Operations Security; and System Operations Airspace and Aeronautical Information Management for the purpose of updating the Special Use Airspace Management System (SAMS) and Aeronautical Information System. Include the following as applicable:

a. An En Route and Oceanic Operations Area Office transmittal memorandum containing a brief overview of the ATCAA, and/or changes to, FAA headquarters, System Operations Security; and System Operations Airspace and Aeronautical Information Management. Summarize the ATCAAs or any amendments made to ATCAAs including additional changes, etc.

b. A separate attachment that contains a description of the area to include latitude/longitude points, boundaries, altitudes, times, controlling agency, using agency, and any other relative information.

NOTE-
If only part of the description of an existing area is being amended, the attachment should show just the changed information rather than the full legal description.

c. A sectional aeronautical chart depicting the final boundaries of the proposed area, including any subdivisions.

d. Any other information that should be considered by FAA headquarters.

NOTE-
ATCAA descriptive data will normally be submitted 9 weeks prior to the requested/required airspace effective date.

2-1-26. SUBMISSION OF SUA AND PAJA FREQUENCY INFORMATION

The Aeronautical Information Services maintain a national database of Special Use Airspace (SUA) and Parachute Jump Area (PAJA) controlling sector contact information. The database is used to publish frequencies for pilots to obtain status information for SUAs and PAJAs. Facility managers should ensure that the following information is forwarded to Aeronautical Information Services:

a. Contact frequencies for existing SUAs and PAJAs within your area of jurisdiction.

b. Any changes to contact frequencies for existing SUAs and PAJAs within your area of jurisdiction.

c. Contact frequencies for any new SUAs or PAJAs within your area of jurisdiction.

2-1-27. REPORTING UNAUTHORIZED LASER ILLUMINATION OF AIRCRAFT

All FAA Air Traffic Control facilities, Federal Contract Towers and Flight Service Stations must report unauthorized laser illumination incidents through the Domestic Events Network (DEN), providing the following information:

a. UTC date and time of event.

b. Call Sign, or aircraft registration number.

c. Type of aircraft.

d. Nearest major city.

e. Altitude.

f. Location of event (e.g., latitude/longitude and/or Fixed Radial Distance (FRD)).

g. Brief description of the event.

h. Any other pertinent information.

NOTE-
Facilities without direct access to the DEN should forward the information through the Washington Operations Center Complex (WOCC) to the DEN..

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-9-3, Content
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 10-2-14, Unauthorized Laser Illumination of Aircraft,.

2-1-28. SUSPICIOUS AIRCRAFT/PILOT ACTIVITIES

Facility air traffic managers must ensure that processes are in place to direct prompt notification to the DEN of any suspicious aircraft/pilot activities as prescribed in FAA Order JO 7610.4, paragraph 7-3-1.

2-1-29. REPORTING DEATH, ILLNESS, OR OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ON BOARD AIRCRAFT

a. When an air traffic control facility is advised of a death, illness, and/or other public health risk, the following information must be forwarded to the DEN:

1. Call sign.

2. Number of suspected cases of illness on board.

3. Nature of the illness or other public health risk, if known.

4. Number of persons on board.

5. Number of deaths, if applicable.

6. Pilot's intent (for example, continue to destination or divert).

7. Any request for assistance (for example, needing emergency medical services to meet the aircraft at arrival).

NOTE-
1. If the ATC facility is not actively monitoring the DEN or does not have a dedicated line to the DEN, they must call into the DEN directly via (202) 493-4170.

2. Except in extraordinary circumstances, such as a situation requiring ATC intervention, follow-on coordination regarding the incident will not involve ATC frequencies.

3. The initial report to a U.S. ATC facility may be passed from a prior ATC facility along the route of flight.

b. Once notification of an in-flight death, illness, and/or other public health risk is provided by an ATC facility, the DEN Air Traffic Security Coordinator must ensure the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) receives the following information:

1. Call sign.

2. Number of suspected cases of illness on board.

3. Nature of the illness or other public health risk, if known.

4. Number of persons on board.

5. Number of deaths, if applicable.

6. Departure airport.

7. Arrival airport.

8. Estimated time of arrival.

9. Pilot's intent (for example, continue to destination or divert).

10. Any request for assistance (for example, a need for emergency medical services to meet aircraft at arrival).

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 10-2-19, REPORTING DEATH, ILLNESS, OR OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ON BOARD AIRCRAFT

2-1-30. Opposite Direction Operations

a. The provisions of this paragraph are applicable to areas where radar service is provided. Nonradar procedures are contained in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, Chapter 6.

b. At locations that conduct opposite direction operations for aircraft receiving IFR separation services, facility directives must define minimum cutoff points identified by distances or fixes for same runway operations between:

1. An arrival and a departure.

2. An arrival and an arrival.

c. The cutoff points established under subparagraph b. must ensure that required longitudinal or lateral separation exists before any other type of separation is applied:

1. When a departing aircraft becomes airborne and has been issued a turn to avoid conflict; or

2. When the first aircraft has crossed the runway threshold for opposite direction arrivals.

NOTE-
If terrain and obstructions allow, the initial heading should meet the provisions of FAA Order JO 7110.65, Paragraph 5­5­7, Passing or Diverging.

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7110.65, Para 1­2­2, Course Definition
FAAO7110.65, Para 3­8­2, Touch and Go or Stop and Go or Low Approach
FAAO 7110.65, Para 3­8­4, Simultaneous Opposite Direction Operations
FAAO 7110.65, Para 4­8­11, Practice Approaches
FAAO 7110.65, Para 5­5­1, Application
FAAO 7110.65, Para 5­5­4, Minima
FAAO 7110.65, Para 5­5­7, Passing or Diverging
FAAO 7110.65, Para 5­6­3, Vectors Below Minimum Altitude
FAAO 7110.65, Para 7­2­1, Visual Separation

d. At a minimum, the following must be considered when developing cutoff points:

1. Aircraft performance.

2. Type of approach.

3. Operational position configuration.

4. Runway configuration.

5. Weather conditions.

6. Existing facility waivers.

e. Facility directives must:

1. Require traffic advisories to both the arriving and departing aircraft.

EXAMPLE-
opposite direction traffic (distance) mile final, (type aircraft).
opposite direction traffic departing runway (number), (type aircraft).

2. Restrict opposite direction same runway operations with opposing traffic inside the applicable cutoff point unless an emergency situation exists.

3. Ensure that opposite direction operations conducted from parallel runways provide for a turn away from the opposing traffic when inside of the cutoff point to the other runway.

4. Specify that towers not delegated separation responsibility are responsible to apply the cutoff points between arriving and departing aircraft.

f. Facility directives must contain the following minimum coordination requirements:

1. Define the position that is responsible for initiating coordination.

2. All coordination must be on a recorded line, state “opposite direction,” and include call sign, type, and arrival or departure runway.

3. The tower must verbally request opposite direction departures with the TRACON/ARTCC.

4. The TRACON/ARTCC must verbally request opposite direction arrivals with the tower.

NOTE-
Facilities that use opposite direction operations as a standard operation due to terrain constraints or noise abatement may be exempted from the provisions of subparagraph f. by the approval process in subparagraph g.

g. Terminal standard operating procedures orders and all letters of agreement addressing opposite direction operations must be approved by the Service Area Director of Terminal Operations.

2-1-31. SPECIAL INTEREST SITES

a. Supervisory/CIC personnel receiving any reports or information regarding unusual aircraft activities in the vicinity of special interest sites such as nuclear power plants, power plants, dams, refineries, etc., must immediately notify local law enforcement authorities of these reports/information and notify the overlying air traffic facility of any of these reports and the action taken. Supervisory/CIC personnel may receive reports/information from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or other sources.

b. Air traffic facilities must promptly advise the Domestic Events Network (DEN) of any actions taken in accordance with this paragraph.

c. Individual facilities must determine which special interest sites, if any, should be displayed on maps, charts, and video displays.