5.2 Coordination

5.2.1 Coordination between ATSUs providing flight information service in adjacent FIRs shall be effected in respect of IFR and VFR flights, in order to ensure continued flight information service to such aircraft.

5.2.2 This information shall be forwarded to the ATS unit in charge of the next FIR in which the aircraft will operate prior to the aircraft entering such FIR.

5.2.3 When so required, flight plan and flight progress information for flights along specified routes or portions of routes in close proximity to FIR boundaries shall be provided to the ATSU’s in charge of the FIR adjacent to such routes or portions of routes.

5.2.4 If the departure aerodrome of an aircraft is not a sufficient distance from the boundary of an adjacent control area to permit transmission of the necessary control information, the transferring unit shall, prior to clearing the aircraft, forward the data required to the accepting unit together with a request for acceptance of such flight.

5.2.5 In the case of an aircraft in flight requiring an initial clearance at a similar distance from the boundary of an adjacent control area, the aircraft shall be held within the transferring unit’s area until control information can be forwarded and coordination can be effected with the adjacent unit.

5.2.6 In the case of an aircraft requesting a, or a transferring unit proposing to change the current flight plan of an aircraft in the vicinity of the boundary in circumstances similar to that described, the revised clearance shall be withheld pending acceptance of the proposal by the adjacent unit.

5.2.7 With regard to the information provided by the transferring unit, the accepting unit shall notify the transferring unit either that it is able to accept the aircraft concerned under the conditions specified or it shall specify to the transferring unit the changes to the flight plan which are required so that the aircraft can be accepted; however, where special arrangements exist between the ATSUs concerned (Division ATC procedures), this notification shall only be required if the aircraft cannot be accepted as offered by the transferring unit.

5.2.8 The primary responsibility for the control of air traffic remains with the ACC in whose control area the aircraft is operating until the time the aircraft cross the boundary of that control area, even when control of one or more aircraft is exercised under delegation by other air traffic control units. It is emphasised that the accepting unit which is in communication with an aircraft not yet having reached the incoming transfer of control point shall not alter the clearance of such aircraft without prior approval of the transferring unit.

Note: When so agreed between the ACC units concerned, the transfer of control point may be a point other than the control area boundary.