Operations — ZME Center
Responsibilities
Section titled “Responsibilities”Air traffic personnel must comply with separation standards and procedures in FAA JO 7110.65, local directives, and letters of agreement to maintain a safe and efficient operation.
Airspace Delegation
Section titled “Airspace Delegation”All airspace delegation maps, definitions, and coordination requirements are outlined in applicable letters of agreement and/or this policy.
Altitude Assignment — V9 and J35
Section titled “Altitude Assignment — V9 and J35”| Direction | Required Altitude |
|---|---|
| Northbound (000°–179°) | Altitude appropriate for 000–179° |
| Southbound (180°–359°) | Altitude appropriate for 180–359° |
Exception: Memphis arrivals on the SQS transition of the MARVELL or HOBRK STARs, or direct routes overlying these routes, need not be coordinated for direction-of-flight altitude between Sector 66 and Sector 15.
Intra-Facility Coordination of Altitude Information
Section titled “Intra-Facility Coordination of Altitude Information”When making a radar handoff, point-out, or issuing traffic restrictions, automated means may relay altitude information in lieu of verbal means, provided:
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Aircraft will be at, climbing to, or descending to the altitude displayed in the full data block. Aircraft with a pilot’s discretion climb or descent must be verbally coordinated (except as specified in AITs).
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For aircraft changing stratums, controllers must clear aircraft to the lowest or highest altitude in their jurisdiction (weather/traffic permitting), coordinate with adjacent sectors, and transfer the flight for climb/descent.
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Transfer of Communications releases an aircraft established at or descending to the bottom of a stratum for pilot’s discretion descent, unless otherwise coordinated.
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When the receiving controller accepts a handoff, this means:
- Climbing aircraft: Receiving controller must clear to an altitude in their stratum on initial contact, or verbally coordinate before accepting.
- Descending aircraft: Receiving controller must clear to an altitude in their stratum when within lateral confines of their airspace, or verbally coordinate before accepting.
- If, after accepting, the receiving controller delays climb/descent, they must immediately advise the transferring controller. The transferring controller remains responsible for coordination within their stratum until complete.