Transfer of Control

Definition

The action whereby responsibility for separation of an aircraft is transferred from one controller to another, with both controllers having coordinated and agreed on the transfer before it takes place.

Plain English

When one air traffic controller hands off responsibility for an aircraft to another controller, after both have agreed on the handoff.

Context Anchor

Seen in air traffic control procedures when an aircraft moves from one controller’s area to another, such as from tower to departure control or from one center sector to the next.

Derivation

Transfer comes from Latin words meaning “to carry across.” That fits this aviation use because the responsibility for controlling and separating the aircraft is carried across from one controller to another.

Why Pilots Care

It ensures continuous, uninterrupted separation services as an aircraft moves from one controller's airspace to the next.

Intuition Check

Do not read this as the pilot giving up physical control of the airplane. Here, control means air traffic control responsibility for the aircraft, especially separation from other traffic.

Example Sentence 1

After transfer of control, the pilot was instructed to contact the next sector on a new frequency.

Example Sentence 2

Pilots may be instructed to contact a new frequency during a transfer of control, but the coordination between controllers happens first.

Definition

The action by which responsibility for providing air traffic control services to an aircraft is passed from one controller, sector, or facility to another. The transfer is not complete until the receiving controller has accepted the aircraft and the transferring controller has confirmed the handoff with the pilot, typically by instructing the pilot to contact the new frequency.

Plain English

The moment when one air traffic controller hands an aircraft off to another controller, who then takes over talking to and directing that aircraft.

Context Anchor

Pilots encounter this during air traffic control services, especially when moving from one controller or radio frequency to another.

Why Pilots Care

Ensures continuous safe separation with no gaps in oversight as flights cross multiple control areas.

Intuition Check

This does not mean the pilot gives up control of the aircraft. It means responsibility within the air traffic control system moves from one controller or facility to another.

Example Sentence 1