Document Information
Version 1
Created 03/19/2016 03:55
Last Updated 05/28/2023 04:48
by Jon Owens
  1. Training
  2. Center
  3. Oceanic Clearances

Oceanic Clearences

 

In this Step by step guide to an oceanic clearance, we will discover How to give one, How to talk to ZAK oceanic and how to relay that information to the pilot.

  • The "Clearance" portion of the flight, really starts at the moment they get their clearance. Clearance Delivery reads the pilot the clearance and puts an estimated departure time (zulu) on their flight strip. They then send the Center controller a copy of the flight strip. With that copy, the Center can now make an estimated time for the aircraft to reach the TCP (transfer control point), and can relay that information to the San Francisco Radio. 

 

  • "The request for clearance shall consist of the callsign, TCP fix or route number, cruise altitude, and estimated time the flight will reach the TCP fix or ARTCC boundary" as quoted in the ZAK oceanic SOP's

 

  • In English all you have to do is say "AAL1028 SEDAR FL350 2312z" 

 

  • The Oceanic Controller will then (if they can accept the aircraft) reply with their initials, and you with yours. If they cannot accept the request then they will reply another Zulu time as in 2325z and it will now be your job NOT to have that aircraft cross the TCP before 2325z. 

 

One more thing

Since ZAK is Non-radar-controlled then when you hand off the aircraft to Oceanic, you would "radar service terminate" them and tell them to squawk 2000 (oceanic squawk) then to "call San Fransisco radio on <frequency>"

 

Information for Seattle ARTCC

SUMMARY:

  • Clearance Delivery gives Center a copy of the flight strip.
  • Center contacts ZAK with an OC request "AAL1028 SEDAR FL350 2312z"
  • ZAK either accepts or gives you a new Zulu time
  • Once the plane hits the TCP, "radar service terminated, squawk 2000 call San Fransisco radio".
  • Done!!!