Section 2. Procedures

8-2-1. SINGLE SITE COVERAGE STAGE A OPERATIONS

Facilities may adapt all sort boxes within 40 miles of the antenna to that site as preferred and with the single site indicator set to permit the use of 3 miles radar separation as defined in FAAO JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, subpara 5-5-4b3, Minima. This adaptation may be used provided:

a. A significant operational advantage will be obtained using single site coverage. Consideration must be given to such aspects as terminal interface, radar reliability, etc.; and

b. Facility directives are issued to:

1. Define areas within 40 NM of any radar site in which the adaptation has been modified.

2. Permit 3 NM separation in the modified area.

3. Accommodate local procedural changes.

8-2-2. ADAPTED ALTIMETER SETTINGS

Ensure a current altimeter setting from the adapted reporting station for each radar sort box or geographic area is input into the center's computer. When an altimeter setting for an adapted reporting station cannot be obtained, enter the altimeter setting from the appropriate alternate reporting station.

8-2-3. ADAPTATION OF EXTERNAL ALTIMETER SETTINGS

Adaptation of altimeter settings for reporting stations outside a facility's area is optional up to the maximum number listed in the NAS adaptation specifications.

8-2-4. CONFLICT ALERT FUNCTION PARAMETERS

a.  Use the nominal value of parameters specified in NAS Configuration Management Documents for the CA function unless a waiver to adjust parameter value is received from the En Route and Oceanic Safety and Operation Support Office.

b. Facility air traffic managers are authorized to inhibit the display of CA at specified sectors.

8-2-5. MODE C INTRUDER (MCI) ALERT PARAMETERS

a. Use the nominal value of parameters specified in the NAS Configuration Management Document for the MCI Alert function, except the base altitude parameter, unless a waiver to adjust parameter value is received from the En Route and Oceanic Safety and Operations Support Office.

b. MCI Alert base altitude must be set at any value between ground level and 5,000 feet MSL at the discretion of the facility air traffic manager. When a facility's or sector's ground level is above 5,000 feet MSL, base altitudes may be set to 1,500 AGL. Any instance of base altitudes above 5,000 feet MSL must be documented and forwarded to the En Route and Oceanic Safety and Operations Support Office through the respective Service Area Operations Directorate.

c. Facility air traffic managers are authorized to temporarily adjust the Mode C Intruder Alert base altitude at a sector(s) when excessive MCI alerts derogate the separation of IFR traffic. For the purpose of this section, temporary is considered to be of less than 4 hours duration, not necessarily continuous, during any calendar day. The following is required when MCI base altitude is adjusted:

1. Log each occurrence when this procedure is used on FAA Form 7230-4, including the sector and temporary altitude.

2. Documentation must be forwarded according to subpara b above, if it is determined that a temporary adjustment of the MCI base altitude does not meet the needs of the sector.

3. Facility air traffic managers are authorized to inhibit the situation display of MCI Alert at specified sectors.

8-2-6. E-MSAW ADAPTATION

Ensure that all internal airspace is adapted for E-MSAW processing. Ensure that the altitude information adapted in the polygons agrees with the MIA sector charts and that the automation is adapted in accordance with the appropriate NAS Management Documents.

8-2-7. WAIVER TO INTERIM ALTITUDE REQUIREMENTS

Where sector conditions; e.g., heavy traffic or sector complexity, preclude meeting the requirements of FAAO JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, subpara 5-14-3b, Computer Entry of Assigned Altitude, ARTCC air traffic managers may authorize the deletion of the requirements if an operational advantage is gained. A facility directive must be issued with instructions governing permissible procedures. It must contain:

a. Procedures/sectors where the waiver applies.

b. Coordination procedures if required.

c. Specific instructions to input a reported altitude for non-Mode C-equipped aircraft when it will operate at an altitude before proceeding to the assigned altitude.