Finding Sectors on Charts

[TerryPavlick]

Omissions? Errors? I guess they can't get in trouble if they just don't update the information. The reason for that statement. They specifically mention a Canberra.

Omissions and Errors on the part of the FAA for forgetting to update frequencies and other data in their publications. They finally updated New York Oceanic frequency from 132.150 to the 133.500 (it has only been changed for 10 years). Publication errors are human......with the amount of data in the publications - errors and omissions come in. The only way to verify the information (for us - not the pilots) is by listening and tracking. If ARTCC tells a pilot to switch to 133.500 when they are headed to Bermuda - they will switch to 133.500 and not say but the publication lists 132.150 for that area. In reality - we are more picky about the information since we are doing this for a hobby - pilot's job is to fly the aircraft.

 

[TerryPavlick]

I was able to catch a few snippets of this flight on LiveATC archives, they were using the standard ARTCC Sectors and VHF frequencies. Clearance was to Block FL550 to FL650.

When SpaceX launches something from their site in Boca Chica Texas - NASA provides a WB57 for imagery as well. Plus for Dragon manned missions returning to Earth. The special frequencies are available if needed - some flights just do not require the special attention and operate normally (just like everyone else at altitude 5 miles below them.

 

[spanky15805]

Learned something new today, did not know the Canberra was still flying.

 

[TerryPavlick]

Learned something new today, did not know the Canberra was still flying.

Differnet older aircraft have special abilities - that cannot be replaced by newer aircraft or spacecraft.

 

[alcahuete]

What got me thinking there might be, was this from the Boston (ZBW) SOP.

View attachment 113805

While they don't specifically mention FL600 and above they do single out the U-2 and B-57 and mention it's not to be used in other SUA areas. Also the location of the RCAGs are strategiaclly placed so that they would give complete coverage of all ZBW airspace from those altitudes. So while maybe not technically a "Sector" it does seem like it might be set up to cover that airspace ?

Sorry, was on vacation for a few days. Those frequencies are what I mentioned above. Tactical/Special Use frequencies exist largely so that single-pilot aircraft above FL600 don't have to change frequencies, and don't have to listen to ATC/other pilots while they are up doing their mission.

There is no sector. The frequency can be selected by every high altitude sector throughout the ARTCC. And yes, the RCAGs are set up to provide full ARTCC coverage.

Interesting. Looking at the FAA ARTCC Facilities (AFF) File you can see how these 4 frequencis have been "assigned to ARTCCs in such a manner that adjacent ARTCCs will not have the same frequency."

269.700 = ZDC, ZDV, ZMA, ZME, ZOA
321.300 = ZBW, ZHU, ZSE
364.800 = ZAU, ZFW, ZJX, ZLC, ZNY
369.900 = ZLA, ZOB, ZTL

ZAB, ZAN, ZID, ZMP don't show a listing for one of the 4 above. That might be because the AFF, which is known for many errors and omissions, just forgot to include them ? ZAN could be any of them, but using the "can't be adjacent rule" could only give this result.

321.300 = ZID, ZMP
364.800 = ZAB

ZAB's has been broken for a couple years. My understanding is that they just aren't going to fix it, for who knows what reason.

 

[andy51edge]

@AirScan if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the FOIA requests? Is the "SOP" the correct document to ask for?

 

[AirScan]

@AirScan if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the FOIA requests? Is the "SOP" the correct document to ask for?

Not much, around $30. Asking for the Standard Operating Procedures Manual seems to work.

 

[spanky15805]

Well, goofing around I found that the National Weather Service now shows ARTCC boundaries on their radar page. I know it's not sectors...

 

[andy51edge]

Not much, around $30. Asking for the Standard Operating Procedures Manual seems to work.

Perfect! Thank you.