MBI 07-04: Use of the Guard Frequency and ATC Channel

[Mariano Buitrago]

Finally, VATUSA came up with a clear and reasonable policy for the use of the Guard Frequency (121.5) and the ATC Channel:

Policy Number: 040907

Subject: VATUSA Use of the ATC Channel and Guard Frequency Clarification

Effective: April 9th, 2007
Purpose

This policy is to clarify the Division rules on the use of the ATC Channel and Guard frequency in the Division. This policy serves as a local clarification of the CoC C.9.

Policy

Use of the Guard Channel (121.5)The use of the Guard Frequency is prohibited at all times within VATUSA.

Use of the ATC (/) Channel

Use of the ATC Channel is authorized within VATUSA under the following situations:

Opening a position [Position] is open [Frequency]

Closing a position [Position] closing at XXXXZ[Position] is closed

Or an extreme emergency where a private message may not get to the recipientfast enough such as during large events or trouble with inter-ARTCC coordination.

Comment

While an emergency situation cannot be easily defined in every single circumstance, ageneral rule of thumb is to use common sense. Please exercise the use of the feature with care.

Signed

Matthew Temple
Director
VATUSA Division - VATSIM