Okay thanks. I'm confused because I have seen some ARTCC SOPs (ZOB for example) that seem to indicate their sectors only extend to FL600.
Finding Sectors on Charts
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Definitely odd. Aircraft are certainly controlled up there. U2s and such are flying all the time up there, either IFR or VFR-on-Top.
do other ARTCCs list another top altitude ? FL700 FL800 for example ?
Are some ARTCCs perhaps using dedicated frequencies/sectors specifically for above FL600 operations that are not publised in their SOPs or on their Sector Charts ? Might explain the ZOB example ?
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Most if not all ARTCCs have Super High and Ultra High frequencies and sectors assigned. Some are published and some are not. Consider two factors above FL600 - 1) aircraft is moving at high speed so changing frequencies less often makes it easier for the crew onboard 2) aircraft is loitering at high altitude and low forward speed so remains in the same area for a longer time.
Some list UNL (Unlimited), or FL240 and above, for example, without an upper cap. As well, the RADAR filters are always set (at high/ultra-high sectors) to 999, which is 99,900 feet.
As just mentioned by @TerryPavlick there are UHF tactical frequencies available at most ARTCCs. The intended purpose, as mentioned, is to avoid the pilot having to make a lot of frequency changes, and also so they don't have to hear the other ATC chatter, while conducting their missions. When on that frequency, they don't hear ATC or the pilots, unless ATC specifically keys up the transmitter on that frequency. Some aircraft choose to remain on the normal frequencies. Just depends on what the pilot wants.
I have never seen a specific sector devoted to FL600 and above ops. Just not enough traffic up there to warrant it.
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Note that the highest flying commercial aircraft was the Concord and its maximum was FL600. Today the highest flying commercial aircraft are to FL450 and most fighter jets generally will not be over FL600 although the Raptor F22 reportedly could go to about FL650. Anything over FL is not going to be under routine ATC planning as it is not needed. It is interesting to note that routinely radiosondes (weather balloons and thus not under anyone's control) go up to what would be about FL1150.
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What got me thinking there might be, was this from the Boston (ZBW) SOP.
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 ?
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Probably useful for any aircraft where changing frequencies as they cross Boston Center coverage area is work intensive - for the single pilot. So they can put 321.3 in and go from one end to the other (east to west for example) and stay on one frequency. As the aircraft moves - the RCAG may change but no change in frequency is required. They do not really need to mention the altitude since - the ARTCC and the aircraft operator know what it is to be used for.....it is just us who are asking the questions. They are the users and it is one of the tools in their toolbox.
And probably only used once every 10 years ? I've never heard ZBW using 321.300 myself or seen reports of it active. Anyone ? I'll keep watching for some NASA U-2s or B-57s up here, but I'm not holding my breath. Taking another look through the ZBW SOP I see they do indicate that some sectors, and I quote, "control to FL600", so I'm still skeptical how the sectorization actually works up there.
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Do you have a link to the Boston Center SOP you are referencing ?
Okay so just to confirm - the copy you have was obtained via FOIA ?
Additionally the document at this link starting at 9-2-13 (page 400 of the PDF) has some good information.
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Found this as well
6−4−3. SPECIAL USE FREQUENCIES
Special use frequencies (296.7, 321.3, 364.8 and 369.9MHz) are controller−to−pilot communication channels established to minimize frequency changes for certain military aircraft operating in the high altitude sectors. The specific frequencies must not be publicized. However, information concerning their authorized use may be published in official military documents or in agency directives
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
Yeah omissions and errors seem to be common.
spanky15805
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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.
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I was able to catch a few snippets of this WB-57 flight on the LiveATC archives, they were using the standard ARTCC Sectors and VHF frequencies. Clearance was to Block FL550 to FL650.
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