Merging Target Procedures and Safety Alerts

Merging Target Procedures

In the following ATCast video, brought to you by SATCA and the University of North Dakota, you will learn about Merging Target Procedures.

Review - Merging Target Procedures

Why do Merging Target Procedures exist?

Merging Target Procedures exist to provide the pilot with an extra layer of safety by pointing out nearby traffic to a pilot to ensure the pilot that appropriate separation is being applied. Applying merging target procedures and issuing traffic calls are two of the most common procedures utilized in the real world and on VATSIM.

What is a Merging Target?

The FAA Order JO 7110.65 defines the term "Merging Target" as the following:

From The FAA – FAA Order JO 7110.65S § 5-1-8

So essentially, Merging Targets are aircraft that will pass over, or under, and are separated by the minimum required vertical separation. This does not include aircraft that are established in a holding pattern.


When do we apply Merging Target Procedures?

You will want to apply Merging Target Procedures to any aircraft in the following situations:

• All aircraft at or above 10,000 feet.

• To all turbojet aircraft at any altitude.

• To all presidential aircraft at any altitude.

What do Merging Target Procedures consist of?_

Merging Target Procedures consist of two things: A mandatory traffic call and vectors around the traffic if requested by the pilot.

Let's look at what a Traffic Call Consists of.

Traffic Calls

Traffic Calls are required to be issued to the aircraft listed above if the aircraft is radar identified. A Traffic Call consist of six elements which must be stated in the following order:

• The phrase "TRAFFIC".

• Clock Position - Advise the aircraft of the position of the traffic relative to the aircraft. This is given as a clock position. "TRAFFIC (position) O'CLOCK"

• Distance - State the distance of the merging target to the aircraft. Give this information in miles. "(number) MILES"

• Direction - State the direction of the traffic in reference to a cardinal direction (Northbound, Southbound, etc). For aircraft approaching each other, you may say "OPPOSITE DIRECTION", or "SAME DIRECTION" for aircraft headed in the same direction.

• Aircraft Type, if known - State the type of aircraft if known. If the aircraft is a heavy state the word "HEAVY"~~ before the type. Note that if one aircraft is a heavy, it may be appropriate to issue a Wake Turbulence Cautionary Advisory.

• Altitude, if known - State the altitude of the aircraft if known. If the traffic is level say, "LEVEL AT (altitude)". If the traffic is climbing or descending say,"CLIMBING/DESCENDING THROUGH (original altitude) FOR (final altitude)". If the target is not radar identified, but is showing a Mode-C altitude, then state "ALTITUDE INDICATES (altitude)" If the target is not showing any altitude information say, "ALTITUDE UNKNOWN".

Vectors Around Traffic

The second element of merging target procedures is to issue vectors around the traffic is a pilot requests it. Keep in mind that it is up to the pilot to request this service. When issuing a Traffic Call, be sure to issue it with enough time so that the pilots can determine if a vector is necessary.

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Safety Alerts

A Safety Alert is a first priority duty. This means that issuing these are just as important as separating traffic. You issue a safety alert to an aircraft if you are aware the aircraft is in a position/altitude which, in your judgment, places it in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft. Once the pilot informs you action is being taken to resolve the situation, you may discontinue the issuance of further alerts. Do not assume that because someone else has responsibility for the aircraft that the unsafe situation has been observed and the safety alert issued; inform the appropriate controller. There are two types of safety alerts: A Traffic Alert, and a Terrain/Obstruction Alert.

Traffic Alert

You should issue a Traffic Alert anytime you feel an aircraft is in close proximity to another aircraft. You need to make sure you issue an alternate course of action, and end with the word “immediately”. The phraseology would be as follows:

TRAFFIC ALERT (call sign) (position of aircraft) ADVISE YOU TURN LEFT/RIGHT (heading),

and/or

CLIMB/DESCEND (specific altitude if appropriate) IMMEDIATELY.

“Traffic Alert, American 113. Five miles north of you, level at 5,000. Advise you turn left heading 180”

Terrain/Obstruction Alert

This is issued to warn a pilot that they are in unsafe proximity to terrain and/or obstructions. Once the alert is issued it is solely the pilots prerogative to determine what course of action, if any, is to be taken. The phraseology would be as follows:

LOW ALTITUDE ALERT (call sign),

CHECK YOUR ALTITUDE IMMEDIATELY.

THE (as appropriate) MEA/MVA/MOCA/MIA IN YOUR AREA IS (altitude),

or if an aircraft is past the final approach fix (nonprecision approach), or the outer marker, or the fix used in lieu of the outer marker (precision approach), and, if known, issue:

THE (as appropriate) MDA/DH IS (altitude).

“American 113, Low Altitude Alert, Check your Altitude Immediately. The Minimum En-Route Altitude in your area is 4,000”

NEXT: Radar Identification and Termination

PREVIOUS: Separation Requirements

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