Order 7210.3U
 

          Facility Operation and
         Administration

February 16, 2006

Includes Change 1 dated 8/3/06

Facility Operation and Administration

7210.3U

Foreword

This order provides direction and guidance for the day-to-day operation of facilities and offices under the administrative jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Organization. All concerned personnel shall familiarize themselves with the provisions pertaining to their responsibilities. When a situation arises that is not adequately covered, exercise good judgment.

This order consists of the following parts:

a. Part 1 contains information generally applicable to two or more types of facilities.

b. Parts 2, 3, and 4 contain instructions unique to center, terminal, or flight service facilities.

c. Part 5 contains information applicable to traffic management systems.

d. Part 6 contains regulatory information concerning waivers, authorizations, exemptions, and flight restrictions.



Michael A. Cirillo
Vice President, System Operations Services
 

Facility Operation and Administration
Explanation of Changes

Direct questions through appropriate facility/service area office staff
to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR)
 

a. 1-2-5. ABBREVIATIONS

This change replaces Legislative Council for Photogrammetry to Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS).

Also, this change adds acronyms for the National Airway Systems Engineering Group and Surface Movement Radar. The change cancels and incorporates Notice 7210.613, Abbreviations, dated October 1, 2005.

Additionally, this change updates the order to conform to OASIS specifications.

b. 2-1-27. REPORTING UNAUTHORIZED LASER ILLUMINATION OF AIRCRAFT

Increasing incidents of unauthorized illumination of aircraft by lasers dictates that the FAA take action to safeguard flights from these unauthorized illuminations. This new paragraph change cancels and incorporates, GENOT 6/10, N7210.620, Reporting Laser Illumination of Aircraft, dated February 14, 2006.

c. 2-4-3. TIME CHECKS;
3-1-5. CLEANING INSTRUMENT COVERS;
4-6-7. AUTOMATED POSITION SIGN ON/OFF;
13-1-1. OPERATING POSITION DESIGNATORS;
13-2-3. POSITIONS/SERVICES;
15-1-5. LEASED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES;
CHAPTER 16. FACILITY STATISTICAL DATA, REPORTS, AND FORMS, SECTION 6. AFSS PRINTING OF LISTS AND TALLIES, and SECTION 7. AFSS LISTS, LOGS, AND TALLIES (OASIS)

This change updates the order to conform to OASIS specifications and adds a new section.

d. 2-8-2. MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Quality Assurance and Training Specialist (QATS) positions are now referred to as Support Specialists (SP).

e. 5-4-6 PHOTOGRAMMETRIC FLIGHTS

This change replaces Legislative Council for Photogrammetry (LCP) with Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS).

f. CHAPTER 11. NATIONAL PROGRAMS, SECTION 9. AIRPORT MOVEMENT AREA SAFETY SYSTEM (AMASS) SUPERVISORY/CONTROLLER-IN-CHARGE (CIC) PROCEDURES

With the introduction of ASDE-3X into the National Airspace System, and the addition of safety logic to ASDE-X systems, it is necessary to rename this section to include all safety logic systems. The section changes incorporate ASDE-3X and ASDE-X by referring to Safety Logic Systems. The changes incorporates and cancels N7210.614, Safety Logic Systems Supervisor/CIC Procedures, dated October 1, 2005.

g. 17-12-2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY

This change places emphasis on facilities to consider options other than closing routes during periods of constraint. Significantly increased mile-in-trail/minutes-in-trail (mit/minit) in lieu of closing routes maximizes the use of airspace. Paragraph name changes to align with the content.

h. CHAPTER 17. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT NATIONAL, CENTER, AND TERMINAL, SECTION 15. ALTERNATIVE ROUTINGS

This change permits the creation and application of advanced navigational CDRs and increases to 20 the number of CDRs allowed per city pairs. The section title has been changed to reflect its content. In addition, the process for validation has been clarified.

i. 17-17-2. DEFINITION,
17-17-3. RESPONSIBILITIES, and
17-17-4. PROCEDURES

This change replaces the title ARTCC Operations Manager with the title Traffic Management Officer. Changes of an editorial nature have also been made. This change incorporates and cancels GENOT 5/64, N 7210.616, Operational Plan, dated January 6, 2006.

j. APPENDIX 2. AIR CARRIER POINTS OF CONTACT FOR AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION PROBLEMS

This change includes additional air carriers and updates names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail contacts.

k. Editorial/format changes were made where necessary. Revision bars were not used due to the insignificant nature of these changes.

Part 1. BASIC

Chapter 1. General

Section 1. Introduction

1-1-1. PURPOSE

This order provides instructions, standards, and guidance for operating and managing air traffic facilities.

a. Part 1 contains information generally applicable to two or more options.

b. Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 prescribe instructions unique to each discipline:

1. Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC).

2. Terminal Traffic Control Facilities.

3. Automated Flight Service Stations/Flight Service Stations.

c. Part 5 prescribes the instructions for traffic management applicable to the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), center, and terminal facilities.

d. Part 6 is regulatory information concerning waivers, authorizations, exemptions, and flight restrictions.

1-1-2. DISTRIBUTION

This order is distributed to selected offices in Washington headquarters, Service Area offices, regional offices, the William J. Hughes Technical Center, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, all air traffic field facilities, international aviation field offices, and interested aviation public.

1-1-3. CANCELLATION

FAA Order 7210.3T, Facility Operation and Administration, dated February 19, 2004, and all changes to it are canceled.

1-1-4. EXPLANATION OF CHANGES

The significant changes to this order are identified in the Explanation of Changes page(s). It is advisable to retain this/these page(s) until the next basic order is published.

1-1-5. EFFECTIVE DATE

This order is effective February 16, 2006.

1-1-6. CONSTRAINTS GOVERNING SUPPLEMENTS AND PROCEDURAL DEVIATIONS

a. Exceptional or unusual requirements may dictate procedural deviations or supplementary procedures to this order. The written approval of the Vice President of System Operations Services shall be obtained prior to issuing a supplemental or procedural deviation to this order which decreases the level, quality, or degree of service required by this order.

b. Prior approval by the following appropriate military headquarters is required for subsequent interface with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if military operations or facilities are involved. (See TBL 1-1-1.)

TBL 1-1-1

Military Headquarters

1-1-7. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SMS)

Every employee is responsible to ensure the safety of equipment and procedures used in the provision of services within the National Airspace System (NAS). Risk assessment techniques and mitigations, as appropriate, are intended for implementation of any planned safety significant changes within the NAS, as directed by FAA Order 1100.161, Air Traffic Safety Oversight. Direction regarding the Safety Management System (SMS) and its application can be found in the FAA Safety Management System Manual and FAA Order 1100.161. The Safety Management System will be implemented through a period of transitional activities. (Additional information pertaining to these requirements and processes can be obtained by contacting the service area offices.)

1-1-8. REFERENCES TO FAA NON-AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION

When references are made to regional office organizations that are not part of the ATO (i.e., Communications Center, Flight Standards, Airport offices, etc.), the facility should contact the FAA region where the facility is physically located - not the region where the facility's Service Area office is located.

Section 2. Order Use

1-2-1. POLICY

a. This order and its changes are scheduled to be published to coincide with AIRAC dates. The effective dates will be:

b. If a facility has not received the order/changes at least 30 days before the above effective dates, the facility shall notify its service area office distribution officer.

As used in this order, the following abbreviations have the meanings indicated: (See TBL 1-2-1.)

TBL 1-2-1

ABBREVIATIONS

Part 1, Chapter 2, Section 8, Medical

Section 8. Medical

2-8-1. GENERAL

The following explains methods and procedures for ensuring that employees engaged in the actual control of air traffic meet the medical requirements of the Office of Personnel and Management Qualification Standards as outlined by FAAO 3930.3, Air Traffic Control Specialist Health Program, and Title 14 CFR Part 65 and Part 67. The Regional Flight Surgeon/Assistant Regional Flight Surgeon (hereinafter referred to as Flight Surgeon) will perform required examinations or review reports of medical examinations and ancillary tests to make a determination as to whether medical requirements are met. Supervisors should obtain the medical opinion of the Flight Surgeon concerning any employee whose medical condition appears questionable; details of the problem should be presented to the Flight Surgeon for an evaluation and determination in accordance with FAAO 3930.3.

2-8-2. MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

a. Personnel actively engaged in the separation and control of air traffic must possess a current medical clearance. ATCSs assigned to AFSSs/FSSs also are required to be evaluated under and meet the requirements of FAAO 3930.3.

b. To be assigned to a Support Specialist (SP) position, an employee must possess a current medical clearance. If a SP subsequently becomes permanently medically disqualified, he or she may remain in the position, but not engage in traffic control.

c. If the service area office or the facility air traffic manager determines that the permanent SP shall be operationally qualified, then the employee must possess a current medical clearance.

d. Employees in supervisory or staff air traffic positions who do not engage in ATC need not be medically cleared; however, if any of these employees are required to infrequently operate a control position, they must possess a current medical clearance.

e. The Flight Surgeon in consultation with facility officials may make a determination that although medical requirements are met, an ATCS should be temporarily restricted from actual ATC duties. An employee temporarily prohibited from ATC duties because of required medication or other questionable medical status may be assigned to temporary administrative duties dependent upon availability of productive work and the capability of the employee to do the work.

f. Employees who possess a current medical clearance are responsible to comply with all restrictions, limitations, or cancellations of the certificate applicable to the performance of ATC duties.

2-8-3. SPECIAL MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

In some cases, the Flight Surgeon may require additional medical information to determine if the medical requirements are met and will provide information to facility officials to arrange appointments for special medical evaluations. Results of these evaluations will be forwarded to the Flight Surgeon by the consultant physician.

2-8-4. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

a. Personnel required to possess a current medical clearance may be granted special consideration if at any time it is determined that medical requirements are not met. Each case shall be considered on an individual basis. The Flight Surgeon in coordination with the Service Area Director will make a determination on which management officials may base administrative action.

b. The Service Area Director shall document all special consideration determinations and forward copies to System Operations and Safety, System Safety and Procedures.

2-8-5. USE OF DRUGS AND SEDATIVES

The following policy shall apply in regard to the use of drugs and sedatives:

a. Personnel may be assigned to their regular positions of operation within ARTCCs, terminal facilities, AFSSs/FSSs, even though they are taking innocuous medication, such as aspirin derivatives, vitamin preparations, nose drops, skin ointments, and routine immunizations.

b. Personnel taking either regular or prolonged antihistamines may be assigned to positions of operation provided individual special considerations are obtained. These special considerations may be granted on a permanent basis after it has been determined by the Flight Surgeon that there are no deleterious effects of the antihistamine or the condition for which it is being used.

2-8-6. RESTRICTED DRUGS

a. Personnel ordinarily assigned to an operating position, including those who have direct supervision of the specialists within the facility, shall not use the types of drugs listed below within a 24-hour period before assumption of duty:

1. Sedative type drugs.

2. Tranquilizers.

3. Any drugs, such as but not limited to antihypertensive agents or duodenal ulcer medications, which have an effect on the central or autonomic nervous system.

4. Any other drug and/or medication likely to affect the alertness, judgment, vision, equilibrium, or state of consciousness.

b. When the employee is advised by a physician that adequate treatment of an ailment will require use of the types of drugs or medication referred to above, the employee shall not perform control duties. If the period of required treatment by these types of drugs or medication is anticipated by the physician to exceed 2 weeks (especially if prolonged or permanent treatment is indicated), the supervisor should promptly obtain the opinion of the Flight Surgeon concerning the continued utilization of the employee. The medical determination as to continued operational duty by an ATCS on medication will be made by the Flight Surgeon after consultation with the supervisor on a case-by-case basis.

2-8-7. BLOOD DONORS

Personnel shall not be assigned to traffic control duties until at least 12 hours have elapsed after blood donation.

2-8-8. USE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

Standards of conduct for FAA employees regarding the use of intoxicants are contained in Human Resource Policy Manual (HRPM), Standards of Conduct. In addition to conforming to those standards, FG-2152s and FG-2154s shall not perform ATC functions (including FG-2154 duties) or directly supervise personnel performing these functions within 8 hours after partaking in intoxicants.

2-8-9. MEDICAL STATUS DETERMINATIONS ON FG-2154s

FG-2154s, Air Traffic Assistants (ATAs), are not subject to FAAO 3930.3, Air Traffic Control Specialist Health Program, and 14 CFR Part 65 and Part 67; however, FG-2154s, because of the importance of their duties, will have a medical opinion rendered on their abilities to perform the job. This opinion would be requested when the employee's medical condition appears questionable or when the individual is taking certain medication. For the purpose of securing these opinions, para 2-8-5 through para 2-8-8 apply to FG-2154s.