Chapter 1. General

Section 1. Introduction

1-1-1. PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER

This order prescribes air traffic control procedures and phraseology for use by persons providing air traffic control services. Controllers are required to be familiar with the provisions of this order that pertain to their operational responsibilities and to exercise their best judgment if they encounter situations that are not covered by it.

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 JO 7110.65S, Air Traffic Control, dated February 14, 2008, 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. (See TBL 1-1-1.)

TBL 1-1-1
Publication Schedule

1-1-7. DELIVERY DATES

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

b. If a military facility has not received the order/changes at least 30 days before the above effective dates, the facility shall notify its appropriate military headquarters. (See TBL 1-1-2.)

TBL 1-1-2
Military Distribution Contacts

1-1-8. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROCEDURAL CHANGES

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 to Headquarters, FAA, Vice President, Mission Support Services, attention: Airspace Services.

1-1-9. PROCEDURAL LETTERS OF AGREEMENT

Procedures/minima which are applied jointly or otherwise require the cooperation or concurrence of more than one facility/organization must be documented in a letter of agreement. Letters of agreement only supplement this order. Any minima they specify must not be less than that specified herein unless appropriate military authority has authorized application of reduced separation between military aircraft.

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-1, ATC Service.
FAAO JO 7210.3, Para 4-3-1, Letters of Agreement.

1-1-10. CONSTRAINTS GOVERNING SUPPLEMENTS AND PROCEDURAL DEVIATIONS

a. Exceptional or unusual requirements may dictate procedural deviations or supplementary procedures to this order. Prior to implementing supplemental or any procedural deviation that alters the level, quality, or degree of service, obtain prior approval from the Vice President, Mission Support Services.

b. If military operations or facilities are involved, prior approval by the following appropriate headquarters is required for subsequent interface with FAA. (See TBL 1-1-3.)

TBL 1-1-3
Military Operations Interface Offices

NOTE-
Terminal: Headquarters USAF has delegated to Major Air Command, Directors of Operations (MAJCOM/DOs) authority to reduce same runway separation standards for military aircraft. These are specified and approved by affected ATC and user units. When applied, appropriate advisories may be required; e.g., “(A/C call sign) continue straight ahead on right side; F-16 landing behind on left.” “(A/C call sign) hold position on right side; F-5 behind on left.”

REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-3, Use of Active Runways.

1-1-11. 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 SMS and its application can be found in the FAA Safety Management System Manual and FAA Order 1100.161. The SMS 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.)

1-1-12. REFERENCES TO FAA NON-AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATIONS

When references are made to regional office organizations that are not part of the Air Traffic Organization (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.

1-1-13. DISTRIBUTION

This order is distributed to selected offices in Washington headquarters, regional offices, service area offices, the William J. Hughes Technical Center, and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. Also, copies are sent to all air traffic field facilities and international aviation field offices; and to interested aviation public.