Order 7110.65P, Air Traffic Control, with changes

2/19/047110.65PAppendix D.Standard Operating Practice (SOP) for theTransfer of Position Responsibility1. PURPOSEThis appendix prescribes the method and step−by−step process for conducting a position relief briefingand transferring position responsibility from onespecialist to another.2. DISCUSSIONa. In all operational facilities, the increase intraffic density and the need for the expeditiousmovement of traffic without compromising safetyhave emphasized the importance of the position reliefprocess.b. The contents, methods, and practices used forposition relief and briefings vary among personnel,and pertinent information is often forgotten orincompletely covered. Major problems occur wheneverthere is a heavy reliance upon memory,unsupported by routines or systematic reminders.This SOP addresses the complete task of transferringposition responsibility and the associated reliefbriefing.c. Position relief unavoidably provides workloadfor specialists at the time of relief. The intent of thisSOP is to make the transfer of position responsibilitytake place smoothly and to ensure a complete transferof information with a minimum amount of workload.The method takes advantage of a self−briefingconcept in which the relieving specialist obtainsneeded status information by reading from the StatusInformation Area/s to begin the relief process. Up tothe moment information related to the control ofaircraft or vehicular movements requires verbalexchanges between specialists during the reliefprocess. The method also specifies the moment whenthe transfer of position responsibility occurs.d. In the final part of the relief process, thespecialist being relieved monitors and reviews theposition to ensure that nothing has been overlookedor incorrectly displayed and that the transfer ofposition responsibility occurred with a completebriefing.3. TERMSThe following terms are important for a completeunderstanding of this SOP:a. Status Information Area (SIA). Manual orautomatic displays of the current status of positionrelated equipment and operational conditions orprocedures.b. Written Notes. Manually recorded items ofinformation kept at designated locations on theposition of operation. They may be an element of theStatus Information Area/s.c. Checklist. An ordered listing of items to becovered during a position relief.4. PRECAUTIONSa. Specialists involved in the position reliefprocess should not rush or be influenced to rush.b. During position operation, each item of statusinformation which is or may be an operational factorfor the relieving specialist should be recorded as soonas it is operationally feasible so that it will not beforgotten or incorrectly recorded.c. Extra care should be taken when more than onespecialist relieves or is being relieved from a positionat the same time; e.g., combining or decombiningpositions. Such simultaneous reliefs should beapproached with caution.Standard Operating Practice (SOP) for the Transfer of Position ResponsibilityD−1