| Version | 1 |
| Created | 01/01/2016 00:39 |
| Last Updated | 11/24/2020 22:35 by Finn Hutter |
There are two transitions over KSEA: the Seahawk and the Mariner. The Seahawk is the North Transition used when landing/departing South Ops. Mariner is the South Transition used when landing/departing North Ops. VFR traffic will request one of these to overfly KSEA. You, the controller, will assign an altitude between 1500 - 2500 feet; either direction.
The following is a scenario between VFR pilot wanting the SEAHAWK transition; WEST to EAST. The proper phraseology is all there to give proper clearance to either of these transitions; in either direction. Just modify phrasing to fit the appropriate situation:
PILOT: “Seattle Tower, N57SF is a Beech1900, VFR at 3,500 feet; 10 miles WEST of Seattle/Tacoma requesting transition through the Class Bravo via the SEAHAWK route.”
SEA TWR: “N57SF, Seattle Tower, squawk 1524.
[pilot resets transponder to squawk 1524]
[SEA TWR observes pilots beacon code 1524 on the radar display and picks up the track and initiates a point-out and coordinates with appropriate S46 radar controller.]
SEA TWR: “N57SF, radar contact 10 miles WEST of Seattle/Tacoma at 3,500. Cleared through the Seattle-Tacoma Class Bravo Airspace via the Seahawk transition, maintain [assign altitude] feet; SEATTLE altimeter [give reading]; report clear of the Class Bravo to the EAST.” [give traffic advisories as needed while the pilot is with you]
[pilot reports clear of the Class Bravo flying along the assigned/requested transition route]
SEA TWR: “N57SF, radar services terminated, remain clear of the Seattle-Tacoma Class Bravo airspace, maintain VFR at all times; resume own navigation, frequency change approved 122.8; squawk VFR; enjoy your flight.”
Remember, SEATTLE Tower, APPROACH, or CENTER are responsible for this airspace. So the phrasing is still the same for either position. Also remember, that to pick-up flight following is more WORKLOAD on you as the controller; so don’t be too eager to offer it to aircraft that have slow speed flight capabilities. It is more appropriate for aircraft capable of 200KIAS or greater; as this speed needs extra eyes – YOURS, along with theirs. Let's give our VFR pilots our very best and let them enjoy a close-up view of the ground and/or arrival traffic at KSEA via these transition routes.