Retention and Disposal Standards
Retention standards for records and data that relate to the daily management of air
traffic are established as follows:
Daily Record of Facility Operation and Position Logs 6 months
Flight Plans 6 months
Flight progress strips 6 months
Records and data that relate to mishaps involving Navy ATCFs or Department of the
Navy (DON) aircraft must be retained until one of the following events has occurred:
The claim/complaint has been adjudicated
The 2-year statute of limitations has expired
The records and data are released as directed by higher authority
ATC CONTINGENCY PLAN
The military has developed a contingency plan in coordination with the FAA to provide
continuity of flight operations within the National Airspace System in the event of a
significant disruption of ATC service.
The FAA controllers' strike in the early 1980s is a prime example of what happens when
a contingency plan was needed and used. When this occurred, the system backed up
and there was very little movement of air traffic. The military stepped in and gave the
FAA a hand at various civilian airports. This step allowed air traffic to continue.
ATC Contingency Plan Process
Managers and supervisors at an ATCF must know the procedures to follow when a
significant disruption occurs in the FAA's ability to provide ATC services. Some
controllers may have to be assigned to assist at FAA airports and centers. In such
cases, managers and supervisors must have a plan of action to ensure the facility can
provide the needed ATC services in support of the airfield s military mission.
Disruption to the FAA ATC System
Examples of significant disruptions of the FAA system include loss of ATC services
caused by events like the following:
Power failures
Earthquakes
Floods
Hurricanes
Fires
Civil disturbances
Personnel absenteeism
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