11. Coordination Principles

Question 1

As described in MATS 1, what fundamental co-ordination requirements between ACC’s or sectors is laid down for aircraft receiving an ATC or Advisory Service? Include details of responsibility for initiation and co-ordination.

Answer 1

Aircraft receiving an ATC or advisory service from one ACC or sector must not be permitted to penetrate the airspace of another ACC or sector unless prior co-ordination has taken place. The responsibility for initiating co-ordination rests with the controller of the unit or sector transferring control, who shall comply with any conditions specified by the accepting controller.

Question 2

State when the coordination process must be complete and when can it be said to have been achieved?

Answer 2

The complete process of co-ordination, which must precede transfer of control, has been achieved when:

1. notification, negotiation and agreement has taken place progressively, i.e. step by step;
2. it has been agreed that aircraft can proceed under specified conditions without the need for individual co-ordination. The principles of such agreements and controllers positions to which they apply shall be detailed in MATS Part 2;
3. An estimate message has been passed and no objection has been raised by the accepting ATC unit. This procedure must be approved by the CAA.

Question 3

As stated in MATS 1, which information must be re-coordinated if changes occur and by when?

Answer 3

Subsequent changes in flight level, routeing or revisions of 3 minutes or more are to be re-coordinated by the transferring controller and agreement reached before transfer of communication takes place.