Handoffs

JackSingh

Hey guys, I am still a bit new to London control, just got a quick question, how do you know when to handoff an aircraft to the next controller. E.g., an aircraft is descending into Birmingham, how will I know when to hand them off, or do I jsut hand them off when they are approaching their exit flight level? Because if an aircraft is very close to the airport and hasn't come close to the exit level, is it still okay to hand them off?

Many thanks,
Jack Singh (Mr)

CloggyUk

The most important thing is that traffic is clean. This means that there are no more conflicts with any traffic known to you. Regarding when/where the general rule of thumb is: if the transfer is lateral, wait till near the sector boundary. If vertical, transfer when it is approaching the exit level. If you are handing over to an approach unit, traffic has to be cleared to the coordinated release level. On track to the holding fix or in the hold.

Regarding your question about Birmingham traffic, that depends what sector you were controlling to be able to give you the correct answer for that. So if you can give some more info, I’ll get back to you on that.

Cheers, C

JackSingh

I was controling the WELIN sector 🙂

CloggyUk

As long as it is cleared to (coordinated)exit level and on track to HON I would say transfer it just before the sector boundary.