If an aircraft is crossing the boundary while in a climb/descent, what should ZAE do for altitudes below 10,000'?

If an aircraft is crossing the boundary while in a climb/descent, what should ZAE do for altitudes below 10,000'?

• A. Immediately handoff without coordination
• B. Request a point out before the transition
• C. Inform the pilot of continuous climb or descent
• D. Assign a new flight plan for the approach

Answer: (B)

The correct answer involves requesting a point out before the transition when an aircraft is crossing a boundary while in a climb or descent. This procedure aligns with standard air traffic control protocols, ensuring that all necessary coordination is completed before handing off an aircraft to a different control sector. When dealing with altitudes below 10,000 feet, safety and communication are paramount. A point out serves as a formal notification to the receiving sector, allowing them to have situational awareness of the aircraft's altitude and status. This coordination helps in maintaining safe separation between aircraft and supports effective air traffic management. The other options would not comply with best practices in air traffic control. For instance, an immediate handoff without coordination could lead to a loss of situational awareness for the receiving controller, potentially compromising safety. Informing the pilot of a continuous climb or descent may not provide the necessary context about the traffic situation as they transition sectors. Assigning a new flight plan for the approach might be required under certain conditions, but it does not address the immediate need for coordination when crossing the boundary in the given situation.

The correct answer involves requesting a point out before the transition when an aircraft is crossing a boundary while in a climb or descent. This procedure aligns with standard air traffic control protocols, ensuring that all necessary coordination is completed before handing off an aircraft to a different control sector.

When dealing with altitudes below 10,000 feet, safety and communication are paramount. A point out serves as a formal notification to the receiving sector, allowing them to have situational awareness of the aircraft's altitude and status. This coordination helps in maintaining safe separation between aircraft and supports effective air traffic management.

The other options would not comply with best practices in air traffic control. For instance, an immediate handoff without coordination could lead to a loss of situational awareness for the receiving controller, potentially compromising safety. Informing the pilot of a continuous climb or descent may not provide the necessary context about the traffic situation as they transition sectors. Assigning a new flight plan for the approach might be required under certain conditions, but it does not address the immediate need for coordination when crossing the boundary in the given situation.