Definition
An air traffic control action in which radar identification of an aircraft, along with control responsibility and radio communications, is transferred from one controller to another. The procedure is governed by a Letter of Agreement (LOA) between facilities or sectors, which specifies the conditions, altitudes, routes, and coordination requirements for the transfer.
Plain English
It is the agreed process by which one controller passes an aircraft to the next controller, including who tracks it on radar and who talks to the pilot.
Context Anchor
Seen in Letters of Agreement between air traffic control facilities, especially where one facility routinely transfers aircraft to another.
Derivation
From the everyday phrase 'hand off,' meaning to pass something directly to another person. In ATC, what is being passed is the responsibility for an aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
A properly executed hand-off prevents loss of separation, maintains continuous communication, and keeps the flight on its cleared route.
Intuition Check
Do not read hand-off as a casual or physical handover. In this context, it means a controlled transfer of responsibility between air traffic control positions or facilities.
Example Sentence 1
The hand-off procedure between Center and Approach is detailed in their Letter of Agreement, including the altitude at which control is transferred.
Example Sentence 2
Under the LOA, the hand-off procedure between adjacent sectors must occur at least ten miles before the boundary.