Positive Control
Positive control is a form of air traffic control in which the controlling agency has RADAR
and radio contact with the aircraft being controlled. Also, the published approach or
departure procedures are being complied with, or the specific assignments regarding
heading and altitude are being issued by the controller. Vertical separation is provided
by requiring pilots to maintain assigned altitudes or flight levels. Lateral and time
separation is the responsibility of the controller. Speed changes may also be directed by
the controller.
Positive control shall be used in any of the following conditions:
Ceilings of less than 1,000 feet for fixed-wing operations and less than 500 feet
for helicopters
Forward flight visibility of less than 5 miles for fixed-wing operations or 1 mile or
less for helicopters
Whenever flight operations are conducted between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2
hour before sunrise except as modified by the Officer in Tactical Command
(OTC) or the carrier commanding officer
During mandatory letdown in thunderstorm areas
Any other situation where supervisory personnel can anticipate weather
phenomena that might cause difficulty to pilots
Advisory Control
Advisory control is a form of control in which the controlling agency maintains radio and
RADAR contact with aircraft under its control and provides traffic advisories. The pilot
maintains traffic separation with the assistance of the controlling agency.
Advisory control shall be used when the traffic density in an operating area requires a
higher degree of control for the safety of flight than is provided under Visual Flight Rules
(VFR).
Normally, advisory control is limited to the following situations:
VMC
For all operations in or adjacent to oceanic control areas or routes
Monitor Control
Monitor control is the monitoring of RADAR and radio channels for emergency
transmissions.
Monitor control shall be utilized by aircraft:
Operating VMC outside controlled airspace
Separation from other traffic can be safely assumed by the pilot
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