Aircraft Control Transfer Protocol

• The transfer of control of an aircraft between two adjacent control towers or air traffic control (ATC) agencies can be carried out without prior coordination provided that the following conditions are met:
• Up-to-date flight information is provided to the accepting control tower before the transfer, including the discrete flight code assigned to the aircraft or, in the case of Mode S and ADS-B, the aircraft's identification.
• The covering surveillance system of the accepting control tower enables the controller to observe the aircraft in question on the display of situation before the transfer is carried out and to identify it as soon as it is received.
• If the accepting control tower does not occupy adjacent control towers, it is continuously able to radio voice contact directly to the controllers.
• The accepting controller is informed of any level, speed or guidance instructions given to the aircraft before the transfer and which modify the planned flight path from the transfer point.
• The minimum separation between aircraft being transferred and other controlled aircraft is agreed between the concerned control agencies beforehand.
• In cases where radar primary surveillance is used, another type of surveillance system may be employed but the provisions of § 8.7.4.2 do not apply. In such cases, the transfer of control of an aircraft between two adjacent control towers or air traffic control (ATC) agencies can be carried out in the following manner:
• The aircraft's identification is transferred to the accepting controller or it is established directly by the controller.
• If the accepting control tower does not occupy adjacent control towers, it is continuously able to radio voice contact directly to the controllers.
• The accepting controller is informed of any level, speed or guidance instructions given to the aircraft before the transfer and which modify the planned flight path from the transfer point.
• The minimum separation between aircraft being transferred and other controlled aircraft is agreed between the concerned control agencies beforehand.
• In cases where radar primary surveillance is used, another type of surveillance system may be employed but the provisions of § 8.7.4.2 do not apply. In such cases, the transfer of control of an aircraft between two adjacent control towers or air traffic control (ATC) agencies can be carried out in the following manner:
• The aircraft's identification is transferred to the accepting controller or it is established directly by the controller.
• The accepting controller is informed of any level, speed or guidance instructions given to the aircraft before the transfer and which modify the planned flight path from the transfer point.
• The accepting controller is continuously able to radio voice contact directly to the controllers.
• The aircraft is transferred to the accepting controller upon receipt of an initial call.

Test your knowledge on the conditions and protocol for transferring control of aircraft between control towers or air traffic control agencies. Learn about the requirements for providing flight information, surveillance systems, communication, and minimum separation between aircraft.