Document Information
Version 2
Created 12/28/2015 02:13
Last Updated 11/24/2020 22:17
by Finn Hutter

Shift Procedures

 

SOP-002

ZSE Senior Staff

Version 2

 

Amended 2018-10-25, changes noted in bold font.

 

1. PURPOSE:

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) sets forth procedures to be used when assuming a position, ending a shift, or turning over control to a relief controller. Controllers will be required to understand and comply with these procedures.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This SOP shall be maintained, revised, updated, or canceled by the ZSE Senior Staff, and shall be effective unless there is a conflict with the VATUSA/VATSIM policies in which case they shall supersede these procedures.

3. DISTRIBUTION:

This SOP is to be read and used by all ZSE controllers.

4. BACKGROUND:

Several procedures should be followed by controllers when assuming a shift to ensure that appropriate facilities are manned in priority. Also, an orderly transfer of control should occur at the termination of a shift to ensure pilots and adjacent controllers maintain situational awareness. Also, at times unauthorized controllers may attempt to assume positions, and this can lead to operational problems. This SOP shall set forth these procedures.

5. SHIFT PROCEDURES:

Shift Supervisor Definition:

When any ZSE controller is logged on to a ZSE position, a Shift Supervisor is assigned as follows. The Shift Supervisor is defined as the highest-ranking position online. Generally speaking, the Shift Supervisor will be the Center, if he/she is online. If he is not online, it shall move down the list to the next position, which would be Approach, then to Tower, and then to Ground. If two positions are online at the same rank, then the one who has the higher controller rank (If this is the same) then the one, who has been online the longest, shall assume the Shift Supervisor position. When this person leaves, the next person shall take over. 

1.  During Events, there shall be a designated Shift Supervisor, usually the Event Coordinator or their designee.

2.  ATM, DATM, and TA can be referred to shift supervisors if controllers online do not want the position or one of the staff members request to be shift supervisor but the order listed above shall be during normal operations. 

A. The shift supervisor is responsible for:

a.  Assigning controllers to positions appropriate to meet traffic needs. 

b.  Validating that controllers meet certification requirements for positions. 

c.  Contacting network Supervisors in the event of conflicts or disputes. 

d.  Approving special situations, such as runway or airport closures, as permitted by APS_009. 

B.  Prior to assuming a position

a.  When logging on to work a position, a controller must log on as an observer prior to assuming an active position.  

b.  If the controller will become the new shift supervisor, because of grade or staff position, he shall inform the current shift supervisor that he will assume that role, and advise him which position he will be taking. 

1. Staff Instructors and Mentors must inform the shift supervisor of any training activity on manned positions prior to starting the training and/or moving students to new positions. 

C. Splitting Positions

a. Positions may be split under any of the following conditions:

i. A VATUSA Seattle ARTCC Sponsored event is in progress, and it is deemed necessary by the acting CIC to split the position due to traffic conditions.

ii. As authorized by the Air Traffic Manager, Deputy Air Traffic Manager, or Training Administrator

b. Positions shall not be split unless one of the above conditions as denoted in section a is met.

D.  Closing a position without relief

a.  A controller shall make a call-for-relief from observers or adjacent controllers as appropriate, prior to closing the position. The call should be made in accordance with the Communications Equipment Procedures SOP. If a higher facility will be assuming control of the airspace, the procedures for turnover described below should be followed. If no relief is obtained, and no higher facility will be assuming control of the airspace, all pilots should be informed via text and voice, that: 

- The position is being closed. 

- Frequency change is approved. 

- Radar service is terminated (if applicable). 

E.  Turning over control of a position

a.  A controller turning over operational control of his position shall conduct a position turnover briefing giving all important information to the next controller.  The preferred method for this is on Discord. Here is the format:

b. Prior to assuming control, controllers shall

i. Observe the operational situation.

ii. Listen to voice communications and observe other operational actions.

iii. Observe current and pending aircraft and correlate with flight and other information. In a high traffic environment, this may take some time.

iv. Indicate to the controller being relieved that the position has been reviewed and that the verbal briefing may begin.

c. A controller turning over operational control of his position shall

i. Brief the relieving control on any abnormal status and any items of special interest calling for verbal explanation or additional discussion.

ii. Brief on reported weather and other weather-related information.

iii. Brief on traffic if applicable.

iv. Brief communication status of all known aircraft

v. Answer any questions the relieving controller may have.

vi. (If on a radar position) Handoff aircraft individually.

vii. Notify adjacent sectors of the controller change.

 

 

6. Unauthorized Controllers

At times, controllers may attempt to assume positions for which they are not authorized. This situation is the responsibility of the shift supervisor only. The shift supervisor should follow these steps:

1.  Verify appropriate certification based on the roster information. 

2.  Contact the controller, and determine whether the controller meets certification requirements per SOP and policy. 

3.  If it has been determined that the controller does not meet requirements, ask the controller to disconnect, and review the appropriate web-based SOP and policy pages. Report this information directly to the ATM or DATM as soon as possible. 

4.  If the controller does not comply with this request, the shift supervisor should seek to turn the situation over to the ATM, DATM, or TA if available, or call for a VATSIM Supervisor via the ATC Channel, or WALLOP command. 

5.  If none of these resources are available, the shift supervisor should take no further online action but should record the controller's name and time of the occurrence, and forward this information to the ATM or DATM, immediately. 

6.  The shift supervisor must remain professional and courteous in all interactions.