VRC Documentation

Handoffs

When working a radar position, you will be "tracking" aircraft. (See "Tracking Targets") Usually, you will end up passing control of each aircraft to another controller in an adjacent sector. The act of passing control of an aircraft is called a "handoff".

Handing Off a Target

To handoff a target that you are currently tracking, press the F4 key followed by the Sector ID of the controller you wish to handoff to, followed by slewing the target or pressing the ASEL key if the aircraft is already selected. The Sector ID for any controller is listed to the left of the controller's callsign in the controller list. For active controller positions, this is always a two-character ID. (See "The Controller List")

This will initiate a handoff to the receiving controller, who will be notified of the handoff request in some manner, depending on which radar program he/she is using and which radar mode he/she has selected. In VRC handoff requests are indicated by a sound and either a flashing datablock or a colored datablock, or both. This notification will continue on the receiving controller's scope until it is either accepted or refused. (See below.)

Note that the datablock on your scope will change to reflect the pending handoff. It will show the sector ID or sector tag that you are attempting to hand the aircraft off to. (See "The Various Radar Modes" for details.)

Cancelling a Handoff

If you initiate a handoff, then change your mind, you can cancel the handoff. This is done by re-tracking the target. To do so, press F3 then slew the target or press the ASEL key if the aircraft is already selected. The datablock will return to normal, and the other controller will be notified that the handoff was cancelled.

Receiving a Handoff

If another controller initiates a handoff of an aircraft to you, you will see a notification (either a flashing datablock or colored datablock or both) and optionally hear a sound. Refer to "The Various Radar Modes" to see how handoff requests are indicated depending on your selected radar mode. See "Configuring Sounds" for details on selecting a handoff notification sound.

If you wish to accept the handoff, simply track the target by pressing the F3 key followed by either slewing the target or pressing the ASEL key if the aircraft is already selected. The datablock will switch to a normal tracked aircraft datablock.

Refusing a Handoff

In some cases, you will need to refuse a handoff. This could happen if a controller is attempting to send you an aircraft that isn't entering your airspace, or you might be logging off soon and don't want to take any more aircraft, or you might even be too busy to handle any more targets.

To refuse a handoff request, press the the F4 key followed by either slewing the target or pressing the ASEL key if the aircraft is already selected. The aircraft datablock will revert to showing it as tracked by the other controller, and he/she will receive a notification that the handoff was refused. It is a good idea to send the other controller a message to let him/her know why you refused the handoff.

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