- Purpose
- This agreement prescribes transfer of control procedures, radar handoff procedures, route/altitude assignments, and delegation of airspace between New York ARTCC (ZNY) and Washington ARTCC (ZDC).
- Cancellation
- New York ARTCC (ZNY) and Washington ARTCC (ZDC) Letter of Agreement, dated This Letter of Agreement cancels and supersedes the ZNY & ZDC LOA dated 23 April 2015. This LOA further cancels and incorporates the following LOAs into this agreement: New York ARTCC & Atlantic City TRACON dated 23 April 2015, and Philadelphia TRACON & Dover RAPCON dated 23 April 2015., is hereby cancelled.
- Scope
- The procedures contained herein must apply unless prior coordination is effected.
- Disclosure
- vZNY and any other facilities mentioned in this document are affiliated with the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation (VATSIM) network. The procedures outlined in this document are intended exclusively for use in the VATSIM flight simulation environment and must never be used for actual flight or air traffic control operations. vZNY and any other facility mentioned in this document are not affiliated with the FAA in any manner.
1. PURPOSE
This Letter of Agreement (LOA) prescribes airspace delegation, operational procedures, and coordination requirements between Virtual New York ARTCC (ZNY) and Virtual Washington ARTCC (ZDC).
2. SCOPE
All ZDC and ZNY facilities are subject to the requirements of this agreement. This agreement is applicable to all ZDC and ZNY controllers and facilities. This LOA incorporates PCT and N90 coordination and routing restrictions.
2. DISCLAIMER
This publication is for VATSIM, VATUSA, and the Virtual New York ARTCC and Virtual Washington ARTCC subdivisions use on the simulated VATSIM network. This agreement and its associated organizations have no affiliation or association with any Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control facility.
3. CANCELLATION
This Letter of Agreement cancels and supersedes the ZNY & ZDC LOA dated 23 April 2015. This LOA further cancels and incorporates the following LOAs into this agreement: New York ARTCC & Atlantic City TRACON dated 23 April 2015, and Philadelphia TRACON & Dover RAPCON dated 23 April 2015.
4. AIRSPACE DELEGATION
a. Assumption of Airspace
Washington and New York Centers shall assume control of TRACON airspace within their respective ARTCCs if the TRACON position is not manned. When this occurs, all airspace and altitude restrictions apply.
b. Opening
ZNY or ZDC may establish contact and provide enroute air traffic service to aircraft prior to entering the respective facility's airspace when the other facility is not open to provide better workload management. Upon opening, any aircraft already receiving service may remain with the controlling facility and the controlling facility will utilize an automated point out to indicate that aircraft is already on their frequency. If control of that aircraft is required the opening facility will coordinate with the other facility to handoff the aircraft.
5. PROCEDURES
a. Separation Minima
Minimum lateral separation between aircraft shall be 5nm constant or increasing except that aircraft FL230 and below may be laterally separated by 3nm if separation is increasing to 5nm.
b. Miles In Trail (MIT) Restrictions
ZDC will provide ZNY the following MIT for aircraft on the same or geographically similar route:
- Kennedy Area Arrivals: 10 MIT minimum.
- LaGuardia Area Arrivals : 10 MIT minimum.
- Newark Area Arrivals: 10 MIT minimum.
- Philadelphia Area Arrivals: 10 MIT on JIIMS-STAR. Note: ZDC will sequence IROKT and HEKMN as one.
- Aircraft on the same route segment and at the same altitude shall be separated by no less than 5 miles, and increasing, regardless of cruise altitude. Aircraft destined to the same airport need not have in trail spacing applied if altitude separated unless otherwise required by this agreement or active traffic management initiatives are in effect.
c. Altitude Assignment
Unless otherwise required or coordinated by this agreement, aircraft must be climbing to, descending to, or level at the correct altitude for direction of flight prior to any handoff.
d. Dover AFB and Satellite Departures
Departures from DOV RAPCON entering PHL TRACON will be cleared on course at or below 7000, appropriate altitude for direction of flight. Controllers will exercise good judgement and ensure any necessary coordination is accomplished to facilitate orderly traffic flow between facilities.
e. Atlantic City TRACON
Departures entering ZNY will be climbed to 7000 and cleared on course. Aircraft landing JFK or JFK satellites will be routed via ACY V184 PANZE V44 CAMRN. Arrivals to ACY may be cleared by ZNY direct to KACY without prior coordination and will be assigned 8000 prior to communications transfer. ACY has control for descent on contact and turns of 30 degrees left or right of course south of the CYN R-100.
6. COORDINATION
a. Automated Point Outs
Use of the automated point out function without further coordination (verbal or textual) is authorized when the datablock accurately reflects the aircraft's current clearance. If an interim altitude is entered in the datablock then approval of the automated point out releases control for climb or descent to the entered flight plan altitude, or the top or bottom of the approving sector's altitude stratum.
b. Consolidation and Deconsolidation
Prior to consolidating or desconsolidating (or opening or closing) any position within a facility that shares a mutual boundary, or otherwise required by this agreement, coordination with all affected controllers in the neighboring ARTCC must be accomplished. Use of general ATC chat or private chat is acceptable.
c. Holding
When holding is required at arrival fixes, ZDC or ZNY shall retain communications and control of the holding patterns within their delegated airspace. During periods of airborne holding, ZDC and ZNY will hold at published holding fixes at all times unless coordinated otherwise.
d. Routing
Use of the FAA's Preferred Route Database (PRD) should be used for all originating and terminating aircraft in either ZNY or ZDC. If routing requirements in this agreement differ from the PRD, the routing in this LOA supersedes the PRD requirement.
e. Handoffs
Automated handoffs will be initiated only after all conflicts are resolved and no further control instructions will be given to the aircraft.
- The datablock and flight plan must accurately reflect the clearance given to the aircraft. Route amendments (QU or AM) must be made anytime a route clearance amendment is made (i.e. "CLEARED DIRECT <FIX>").
- Aircraft climbing to reach their requested cruise altitude that have not been cleared to the requested final cruise altitude will be climbed to the highest interim altitude available based on traffic, airspace, or LOA requirements. Use of "QQ" for the assigned altitude will be used and constitutes a coordinated altitude when an automated handoff is utilized.
- Aircraft descending to a new assigned altitude will have their flight plan altitude (QZ) updated to reflect the new altitude assignment. Use of interim altitudes for descending aircraft should generally not be used unless the pilot requested lower altitude is not available and an interim altitude is given as the lowest possible altitude available with that controller.
- ERAM fourth line entries made in accordance with FAAO 7110.65 are authorized for coordination. The receiving controller should not accept a handoff and initiate coordination if there is any doubt about the fourth line entries' intended meaning.
7. TRANSFER OF CONTROL PROCEDURES
- Aircraft enroute between centers must be transferred at specified altitude/flight levels as per Attachment 1 and 2 unless otherwise coordinated.
- One center must not require the other to change or issue routing to aircraft if the routing is satisfactory to the first route fix in the receiving center's area.
- ZNY shall have control for turns 20 degrees or less, north of V268, for traffic routed J220/Q221/Q227 or Hagerstown VOR.
- ZNY shall have control for turns 20 degrees left or right of course north of Woodstown VORTAC for traffic routed Q22.
- ZNY may clear traffic routed via Q437/Q409 direct VILLS without prior coordination.
- ZDC may clear traffic routed via Q22 or west direct JFK without prior coordination.
- Unless otherwise specified in this agreement, ZDC and ZNY each have control for turns up to 15 degrees within 15 miles of the common center boundary for aircraft in level flight, and for aircraft climbing or descending if the turn will be accomplished within the altitude stratum of the transferring controller.
- Turbojet traffic northeast bound on Q22 shall be at or above FL230.
- ZDC will not route aircraft destined to SWF and SWF area airports departing the Washington metro area via Q221.
8. Closed Facility Service Continuity
a. ZNY Closed Procedures
When ZNY is closed ZDC may handoff directly to any N90 position that would otherwise have received a handoff from ZNY. Unless otherwise specified in this agreement, ZDC will assign the lowest usable flight level based on the ACY altimeter setting and N90 shall have control for turn and descent. N90 and PHL may handoff departures via J6/J48/Q75, DIXIE, or WHITE, to ZDC, and will be assigned the appropriate top altitude that would have been assigned for a handoff to ZNY. ZDC shall have control for turn and climb.
b. ZDC Closed Procedures
When ZDC is closed, ZNY may handoff directly to any PCT position that would otherwise have received a handoff from ZDC or other PCT area. Aircraft may be given descend via clearance or 10,000 as appropriate. PCT may handoff departures departing the PCT terminal area to the north or east to ZNY and will assign the appropriate top altitude. ZNY shall have control for turn and climb.
9. ATTACHMENTS
- ZNY to ZDC Altitude Restrictions & Routing Requirements
- ZDC to ZNY Altitude Restrictions & Routing Requirements
- ZNY Sectors 82, 83, and 86 and associated Warning Areas
- Overview of Center Airspace Sectorization
Attachment 1. ZNY to ZDC Altitude Restrictions & Routing Requirements
Departures (ZNY to ZDC)
| Dept Airport | Route Segment | Altitude | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDT + SATs | J6/J48 | AOA FL180 climbing to FL230 or lower requested altitude | Aircraft requesting AOA FL180 |
| EMI HAMMZ Q75 GVE | |||
| HGR | Climbing to FL210 or lower requested altitude | ZNY may clear aircraft direct HGR without coordination | |
| Southbound (N90) | WAVEY/Q167 | Climbing to FL230 | Aircraft requesting AOA FL240 |
| FL220 or lower requested altitude | DCA/ADW arrivals | ||
| WHITE/Q409 | FL240 or lower requested altitude | ZNY may clear traffic direct VILLS. ZDC has control for turns up to 30 degrees. | |
| RINOE HAMMZ Q75 | FL180 |
Arrivals/Overflights (ZNY to ZDC)
| Arrival Airport | Route Segment | Altitude | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACY | DQO V29 ENO SIE | Boundary AOB FL190, descending to 150 | |
| ADW | CYN V1 LEEAH CHOPS BILIT | AOB 160 | Props |
| ZIZZI KNUKK ATR LAFLN SPISY-STAR | AOB FL220 | Jets | |
| SIE ATR LAFLN SPISY-STAR | AOB 160 | JFK & satellite jet departures requesting 160 or below | |
| FISSH ZIZZI KNUKK ATR LAFLN SPISY-STAR | AOB FL220 | Arrivals from New York Oceanic (ZWY) | |
| BWI | CYN V1 LEEAH V268 BAL | AOB 160 | Props |
| V139 AVALO V268 BAL | |||
| FISSH ZIZZI KNUKK ATR LAFLN MIIDY-STAR | AOB FL220 | Arrivals from New York Oceanic (ZWY) | |
| NUGGY TRISH-STAR | TROYZ at 120 | Jets only at 250KTS. Must be sequenced in trail with arrivals over LRP. CHP has control for turns 30 deg L/R. | |
| LRP TRISH-STAR | 25 S LRP or 40 NE BAL at 120 | Jets only at 250KTS. Must be sequenced in trail with arrivals over NUGGY. | |
| DOV (continued) | CYN V1 LEEAH V268 ENO | ||
| B24 SIE | Arrivals from New York Oceanic (ZWY) | ||
| Q439 BRIGS SIE | |||
| CHO | RINOE HAMMZ Q75 GVE or J48 CSN | AOB FL230 | |
| DCA | CYN V1 LEEAH CHOPS BILIT | AOB 160 | Props |
| ZIZZI KNUKK ATR LAFLN DEALE-STAR | AOB FL220 | Jets | |
| SIE LAFLN DEALE-STAR | AOB 160 | JFK & satellite jet departures requesting 160 or below | |
| FISSH ZIZZI KNUKK ATR LAFLN DEALE-STAR | AOB FL220 | Arrivals from New York Oceanic (ZWY) | |
| MXE CLIPR-STAR | CLIPR at 120 (Jets) TROYZ at 110 (Prop) | Must be sequenced in trail with arrivals over PSB/LRP. | |
| LRP/PSB SKILS-STAR | SKILS at 120 (Jets) LRP at 100 (Prop) | Must be sequenced in trail with arrivals over MXE. | |
| DOV | V139 SIE | AOB 160 | |
| HSP/LWB | J48 MOL | AOB FL320 | |
| IAD | MXE/LRP DELRO-STAR and HYPER-STAR | LIRCH at 140 | Jets only. PCT has control for turns up to 45 degrees right of course. |
| 10NM NE LIRCH at 120 | Props only. | ||
| PSB WAYNZ-STAR and PRIVO-STAR | DAFIX at 120 | ||
| PRTZL-STAR and SEG-STAR | 90 | Non-turbojet capable of 180kts or greater | |
| ORF and SATs | AR8 ECG | AOB FL300 | Arrivals from New York Oceanic (ZWY) |
| PHL and SATs | BRIGS VCN STAR or JIIMS-STAR | AOB 140 | Arrivals from New York Oceanic (ZWY) |
| B24 DASHA VCN STAR or JIIMS-STAR | AOB 160 |
Attachment 2. ZDC to ZNY Altitude Restrictions & Routing Requirements
Departures (ZDC to ZNY)
| Dept Airport | Route Segment | Altitude | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACY | DQO | AOB FL230 | |
| DCA, IAD, ADW, BWI, and Sats | J220/Q221/Q227 | Climbing to FL270 or lower filed altitude | Jets |
| Climbing to FL210 or lower filed altitude | Props | ||
| DOV | T320/Q439 | Climbing 170 |
Arrivals/Overflights (ZDC to ZNY)
| Arrival Airport | Route Segment | Altitude | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABE | COURG SCAPE V377 HAR V162 DUMMR | AOB FL230 DSDG FL190 | Crossing at REEES or LOYDD at FL190 satisfies this restriction |
| ALB | Q22 RBV LGA TRUDE V487 CANAN | AOB FL350 | |
| JAMIE CONFR Q133 LLUND TRUDE V487 CANAN | |||
| BRIGS T320 SARDI V91 BDR V487 CANAN | BRIGS AOB FL210 | ||
| BDL | JAMIE CONFR Q481 DPK DPK-STAR | ZIGGI AOB FL250 | |
| BRIGS Q439 SARDI DPK-STAR | BRIGS AOB FL210 | ||
| RBV Q419 DPK MAD HFD DREEM-STAR | AOB 310 | ||
| BOS | RBV Q419 JFK ROBUC-STAR | AOB 370 | |
| JAMIE CONFR Q133 JFK ROBUC-STAR | AOB 370 | ||
| BOS N SATS | RBV Q419 DPK MAD HFD DREEM-STAR | AOB FL310 | |
| JAMIE CONFR Q481 DPK MAD HFD DREEM-STAR | |||
| BRIGS Q439 SARDI T320 GON ORW WOONS-STAR | BRIGS AOB FL210 | ||
| BOS S SATS | BRIGS Q439 SARDI T320 GON ORW V16 WOONS | ||
| EWR | PHBLO-STAR | Descend Via | |
| EWR Sats (CDW, LDJ, MMU, TEB) | JAIKE-STAR | JAKIE at 130 | Handoff to PHL |
| OTT SWANN DQO FROSE V3 SBJ | 10NM N of DQO at 130 | Handoff to PHL | |
| HPN | SIE BOUNO-STAR | BECKR AT 240 | |
| BESSI CYN BOUNO-STAR | BESSI AT 230 | ||
| BRIGS Q439 SARDI RICED RICED-STAR | BRIGS AOB 210 | ||
| BRIGS Q439 RICED RICED-STAR | PCT departures | ||
| ISP | BRIGS Q439 SARDI CCC | BRIGS AOB 210 | |
| ISP E | BRIGS Q439 SARDI T320 ORCHA | BRIGS AOB 210 | |
| ISP N | BRIGS Q439 SARDI RICED KEYED | ||
| JFK/FRG | SIE CAMRN-STAR | LUFL | Jets |
| CAMRN at 110/250 KTS | When ZNY offline | ||
| DONIL T315 PANZE V44 CAMRN JFK | AOB 170 | Jets, PCT departures | |
| CAMRN at 110/250 KTS | When ZNY Offline | ||
| BRIGS Q439 SARDI CCC DPK | BRIGS AOB 210 | Jets FRG only | |
| DONIL T315 ACY V184 ZIGGI | AOB 150 | Turboprops | |
| LGA | PROUD-STAR | Descend Via | |
| MDT, CXY, LNS, RDG | COURG BAMMY T299 HAR | AOB FL230 DSDG 150 | Cross REEES at 150 satisfies this restriction. |
| PVD | Q22 RBV HTO JORDN-STAR | AOB 330 | |
| BRIGS Q439 SARDI T320 ORCHA JORDN JORDN-STAR | BRIGS AOB FL210 | ||
| SYR | J220/Q221/Q227 | AOB FL310 | |
| SWF | RBV Q419 DPK HUD# | AOB FL270 | |
| BRIGS T320 SARDI RICED MAD BRISS PWL TRESA | BRIGS AOB 170 | ||
| BRIGS Q439 SARDI RICED MAD BRISS PWL TRESA | BRIGS AOB FL210 | ||
| JAMIE CONFR Q481 DPK HUD# | ZIGGI AT FL250 |
Attachment 3. ZNY Sectors 82, 83, and 86 and associated Warning Areas
Attachment 4. Overview of Center Airspace Sectorization
