Center Sector 'D'

POC: Facility Advisory Board	Date: 2008-01-31
Code: ZLA-801	Version: 1.30

1. PURPOSE

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures to be used by controllers working Center positions to ensure that handoffs to approach sectors are done in as efficient and timely a manner as possible. By specifying standard handoff points, and arrival routes, coordination between the two sectors can be greatly minimized.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

The Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for this SOP is the ZLA Facility Advisory Board. This SOP was originally signed by David Hendleman, ZLA Facility Chief on January 20, 2003. This SOP shall be maintained, revised, updated or cancelled by the ZLA Facility Advisory Board or any organization that supersedes, replaces or assumes the FAB responsibilities. Any suggestions for modification/amendment to this SOP should be sent to the FAB for review.

3. DISTRIBUTION.

This SOP is intended for use by controllers staffing CTR positions at ZLA, as well as controllers working at LAS Approach and Departure positions.

4. BACKGROUND.

Over time, controllers have found that having aircraft arrive between CTR and APP via pre-approved arrival points (or "gates") provides for a more orderly traffic flow, and reduces the need for communication between CTR positions and APP positions. It is also vitally important that both facilities understand what an airplane is going to do (i.e., what altitude he has been cleared to) when he approaches an adjoining controller's airspace. These procedures outline what instructions pilots will be issued as they go from CTR to APP.

5. REQUIREMENTS

a. Frequency:

D_CTR shall use 135.25 as its normal frequency.

b. Airspace:

D_CTR shall own all airspace depicted on the L.A. Center Sector Map, except for airspace owned by LAS_APP if it is open. If LAS Approach is open, LAS Approach/Departure own the airspace within its lateral boundaries and up to and including FL190.

c. Special considerations:

LAS Arrivals and Departures will need to be kept separated in the area South East of BTY.

d. LAS Arrivals:

(1) Routing:

Aircraft inbound to KLAS from BTY shall be issued the FUZZY or SUNST STARS.

Aircraft inbound to KLAS from the North East shall be issued the LUXOR or GRNPA STARS.

Aircraft without the published STARs shall be manually read the routing, or issued vectors to follow the appropriate STAR route.

(2) Altitudes:

Aircraft inbound via FUZZY shall be instructed to cross FUZZY at and maintain 16000 and 250 KTS.

Aircraft inbound via LUXOR shall be instructed to cross LUXOR at and maintain 12000 and 250 KTS.

(3) Handoffs:

Aircraft shall be handed off and shall have radio communications transferred to LAS Approach prior to reaching FUZZY or LUXOR.

(4) Sequence:

Aircraft landing LAS shall be speed matched, and 10 miles in trail at the time of handoff to LAS Approach.

e. LAS Departures:

LAS Departures should be on course by the time they are handed off from LAS Departure. If not, they shall be vectored to their departure transition, and climbed to their cruising altitude.

f. LAS_APP sectorized

When LAS_APP is sectorized, see the LAS_APP SOP for information on handling arrivals and departures.