03.1 Controller Responsibilities
Training Objective
To define the core responsibilities of an Area Controller in a radar environment.
Key Knowledge
- Legal and operational responsibility of ATC
- Scope of control within a sector
- Obligation to maintain separation
- Duty of care
Operational Application
Controllers shall:
- Provide a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of traffic
- Maintain separation at all times
- Issue clear and timely instructions
- Monitor aircraft continuously
1. Overview
The Area Controller is responsible for the safe and efficient management of all aircraft within their assigned sector.
2. Core Content
2.1 Safety Responsibility
- Safety is the primary responsibility at all times
- No operational decision shall compromise separation
2.2 Control Responsibility
- Applies to all identified aircraft within the sector
- Includes monitoring, instruction, and intervention
2.3 Duty of Care
- Controllers shall act to prevent unsafe situations
- Early intervention is required where risk is identified
3. Procedures
3.1 Provision of Control
- Aircraft shall not be left unmanaged
- Instructions shall be issued proactively
4. Standards
- Separation minima shall be maintained at all times
- Controllers are accountable for instructions issued
5. Notes
- Passive control leads to conflict development