- Purpose
- This agreement prescribes transfer of control procedures, radar handoff procedures, route/altitude assignments, and delegation of airspace between New York ARTCC (ZNY) and Boston ARTCC (ZBW).
- Scope
- The procedures contained herein must apply unless prior coordination is effected.
- Disclosure
- vZNY and any other facilities mentioned in this document are affiliated with the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation (VATSIM) network. The procedures outlined in this document are intended exclusively for use in the VATSIM flight simulation environment and must never be used for actual flight or air traffic control operations. vZNY and any other facility mentioned in this document are not affiliated with the FAA in any manner.
1. Purpose
This agreement defines the necessary pre-defined air traffic control procedures and coordination responsibilities between the Virtual New York ARTCC (vZNY) and Boston Virtual ARTCC (BVA).
2. Scope
The procedures contained herein must apply unless prior coordination has been effected.
3. Disclosure
BVA and vZNY are affiliated with the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation (VATSIM) network. The procedures outlined in this document are intended exclusively for use in the VATSIM flight simulation environment and must never be used for actual flight or air traffic control operations. BVA and vZNY are not affiliated with the FAA in any manner.
4. General Procedures
- BVA/vZNY ATC must at all times:
- Coordinate and resolve, in a practical manner that provides the smoothest experience to the pilot, all deviations from, and situations not addressed by, this document (e.g., non-standard sectorization, holding, pilots unable to accept LOA routes, aircraft above/below LOA altitudes, etc.).
- Ensure that all aircraft are at a 1X simulation rate prior to initiating handoff.
- Unless otherwise stated in this document or coordinated via verbal or textual means, aircraft must be climbing to, descending to, or level at the correct altitude for direction of flight prior to any handoff.
- Ensure that aircraft on the same route segment at the same altitude (or different altitudes, but same destination airport within ZBW or ZNY) are separated by not less than 10 nm (steady or increasing) or other value specified herein unless greater MIT separation is requested real-time by BVA/vZNY.
- NOTE: Separation of less than 10 nm is permitted provided the trailing aircraft is operating at a speed that will permit it to overtake the lead aircraft, and both are vertically separated.
- Ensure that handoff requests are made at least 10nm prior to the relevant airspace boundary unless otherwise specified in this document. Handoff requests may be initiated up to 50nm without prior coordination.
- NOTE: Transfer of radio communications can be delayed no later than the lateral boundary.
- Ensure that all conflicts, imminent situations, and MIT separation issues are resolved prior to handoff.
- Ensure the data block is formatted as follows:
- The altitude status (e.g., assigned and/or interim altitudes) will always reflect the actual/cleared status of the aircraft.
- Fourth line data block usage as authorized in the 7110.65, plus the following entries are authorized:
- A## - the aircraft has been approved to step away. The expected return time is indicated by ##.
- NORDO - The aircraft type and equipment suffix must match the aircraft and equipment capability.
- NORDO - the aircraft is unresponsive to multiple handoff attempts and has been messaged to contact the new frequency.
- Except for aircraft originating in ZBW or ZNY, controllers must not be required to change or issue routing to aircraft as long as the routing is satisfactory to the first fix in the receiving facility’s area.
- For aircraft originating in the transferring facility’s area, a centralized preferred routes database is accessible through both organizations’ websites. Preferred routes as published in our unified database must be used wherever possible, with FAA/FlightAware routes used as a secondary source.
- Any direct clearances to points located in the receiving facility’s airspace require the transferring facility to delete the flight plan up to that point.
- Each facility has control for beacon code changes on contact.
- KMTP is a ZBW airport (PVD_APP when online). N90 must coordinate with ZBW (or PVD_APP) prior to issuing VOR or GPS RWY 6 Approach to KMTP.
5. ZBW to ZNY
- Traffic southbound on J6, Q75, Q406, Q448, and Q480:
- Must enter ZNY airspace at or above FL240.
- ZNY will have control for turns up to 30° left or right of course when within 10nm of the ZNY/ZBW high boundary.
- ZBW may clear aircraft routed via Q406 and Q448 direct DBABE without coordination.
- ZBW may clear aircraft routed via Q480/J6 direct JEFFF without coordination.
- ZBW may clear aircraft routed via Q75 direct JERSY without coordination.
- Traffic destined to KDCA routed via Q167 ZIZZI and the DEALE STAR arrival will pass south of ZNY and is a direct handoff for ZDC. When ZDC is offline, DCA traffic may be routed via PATSS NELIE CMK Q75 MXE CLIPR STAR and will pass through ZNY. These aircraft must enter ZNY between FL240-FL340.
- ZBW may clear aircraft direct MANTA without coordination.
- ZBW must route aircraft to remain clear of that Special Use Airspace, shared with ZNY, that is designated as “hot” as determined by network coordination.
- Turbojet departures from KSWF/SAT routed via LAAYK with requested altitudes at or above 13000 must be transferred to ZNY AOA 13000, climbing to 17000. ZBW may clear aircraft direct LAAYK from north of T216.
6. ZNY TO ZBW
- The ORW and ROBUC procedures apply to turbojet aircraft only. Non-turbojet traffic destined KBOS and satellites must be routed via:
- From the N90 area: MERIT ORW WOONS STAR
- From all other areas: ORW WOONS STAR
- Traffic departing KACY, KDOV, KWRI, KPHL, and satellites of those airports routed via JIMEE WAVEY SHLEP and Q439 requesting FL230 or above must be handed off to ZBW climbing to FL230. ZBW must point-out to ZDC and climb traffic above FL230 as soon as practical.
- Traffic departing KITH requesting AOA FL180 must be transferred at 17000.
- Eastbound aircraft north of ULW may be cleared direct HINGZ. ZBW has control for left turns on these aircraft north of a ULW-HNK line.
- Without coordination, ZNY may clear eastbound traffic direct to:
| Via… | Required Route | May Be Cleared Direct |
|---|---|---|
| ZNY-56 | None | HTO, ACK, PUT |
| ZNY-66 | CCC or ORW AOA 130 | CCC or ORW |
| None | SARDI, RICED, HTO | |
| ZNY-68 | None | HTO |
7. ZBW TO N90
- Must handoff and transfer communications:
- At or prior to VALRE for V157 LGA arrivals.
- At least 5nm prior to all other arrival fixes.
- EWR terminal airspace is considered part of N90 on VATSIM. Traffic crossing the green line shown below, including LEMOR@6000 and CRANK@7000 handoffs, shall be instructed to contact:
- When the airspace is controlled top-down by ZNY: “New York Center”.
- When the airspace is controlled by NY_APP or a sector-specific position using the handoff code ‘N4’: “Newark Approach”.
8. N90 to ZBW
- Must ensure all departures are on course to the first fix depicted in the flight plan unless a heading is specifically coordinated verbally or via text prior to communications transfer.
- Must not reduce the IAS of an arrival below 250 kts until the aircraft is within 10nm of the arrival fix (i.e., CCC, VALRE, NOBBI).
- May vector TRESA and FILPS arrivals up to 30° south within 5nm of the fix.
- May vector JFK arrivals up to 30° left or right of course west of the CCC R-170.
- May vector HPN/ISP north area arrivals to the right at RICED.
- May descend arrivals via RICED 5nm southwest of RICED. N90 is responsible for altitude separation between SARDI and RICED arrivals.
- May vector LGA arrivals via V157 VALRE up to 45° right of course, south of VALRE.
- May vector LGA arrivals via NOBBI up to 45° right of course, south of NOBBI.
- May vector ISP arrivals to the left direct ISP after KOPPY.
- Must climb propeller aircraft filed over GREKI, MERIT, and BAYYS requesting 17,000’ and above to 16,000’. ZBW has control for climb east of a CMK-DPK line.
- ZBW has control for climb:
- BETTE/HAPIE departures cleared to 11,000’, east of V229.
- KFRG/KISP departures cleared to 10,000’, east of the CCC/ROBER line.
- KJFK GREKI and MERIT departures assigned 17,000’, east of JFK R-010.
- Propeller aircraft filed over GREKI, MERIT, and BAYYS assigned 16,000’ east of a CMK-DPK line.
- ZBW has control for right turns on MERIT and BAYYS traffic at 13,000’ and above.
- N90 must transfer communications for departures no later than 2 ½ nm prior to the ARTCC/TRACON boundary.
9. Airspace Delegation
- Center
- N90
- ZBW to N90 Handoffs:
- The N90 area may be consolidated in multiple ways. Generally, a controller working a specific area only (e.g., Newark) will use the callsign EWR_APP, while a controller working more than one area (e.g., Newark and LaGuardia) would use NY_APP.
- The entire TRACON is normally operated as NY_APP on 128.125.
- ZBW controllers are encouraged to check the Controller Information published by N90 controllers to determine which airports/sectors they are working.
- Aircraft entering N90 airspace at or below depicted altitudes and not at a crossing fix specified in Attachment 3 will be transferred as shown below.
10. ZNY Sector Splits
- When New York Center is combined, it will be operated as NY_CTR on 125.325.
- New York Center splits will be coordinated with adjacent facilities using the air traffic control channels. Current sector splits will be published at nyartcc.org/airspace.
- New York Center may open ZNY west areas as NY_W_CTR on 132.175 either alone or as a split with NY_E_CTR on 125.325.
- When only 132.175 is open, this position:
- Handles traffic on and west of Q75 including IGN STAR arrivals.
- Does not provide services in N90.
- Does not provide services in N90.
- When 132.175 (Area C) and 125.325 (Area B) are both open in a split configuration, the airspace is divided as depicted below.
11. ZBW Sector Splits
- When Boston Center is combined, it will be operated as BOS_CTR on frequency 134.700 (CON37).
- Boston Center splits will be coordinated with adjacent facilities using the air traffic control channels. Current/in-use sector splits will be published at the following URL: airspace.bvartcc.com
Attachment #1: Satellite Airports
| SATELLITE AIRPORTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| N90 Airports: | Satellite Group | Airport Codes |
| KLGA Satellites | KDXR, KHPN | |
| KJFK Satellites | KFRG | |
| KEWR North Satellites | 12N, 1N7, KCDW, 4N1, N05, N07, KMMU, 3N5, KFWN, KTEB, 13N | |
| KEWR South Satellites | 47N, KLDJ, 39N, N51, KSMQ | |
| KISP Satellites | KHWV, 23N | |
| KISP East Satellites | KHTO, KFOK, 21N, KMTP, 87N, 1N2, 03NY | |
| KISP North Satellites | KSNC, 42B, KBDR, KJSD, KHVN, KOXC | |
| KSWF Satellites | KPOU, N89, 20N, KMGJ, 44N, 46N, KMSV, N82 | |
| ZBW Airports: | Satellite Group | Airport Codes |
| KBOS North Satellites | KBVY, KFIT, KBED, KLWM, 9B1, 6B6 | |
| KBOS South Satellites | 1B9, KCHG, KOWD | |
| KMHT West Satellites | KASH, KCON, 8B1, KLCI | |
| KMHT East Satellites | 7B3, 3B4, KPSM, KDAW | |
| KPVD Satellites | KBID, KLZD, 08B, KGON, KEWB, KUUU, KSFZ, KTAN, KWST, KPYM | |
| CAPE Airports | KACK, KFMH, KPVC, KHYA, KMVY, KCQX | |
| KBDL Satellites | KBAF, KCEF, KHFD | |
| Other Airports: | Satellite Group | Airport Codes |
| KBWI Satellites | W29, KDMW, 2W2, W50, KESN, W48, W42, MD31, KFDK, 0W3, KANP, KMTN, KGAI, KAPG, W18, KFME, KEDG | |
| KIAD Satellites | KCJR, KFRR, KJYO, KHEF, KMRB, KNYG, KEZF, KRMM, 2VG2, KHWY, KOKV | |
| KDCA Satellites | KADW, KCGS, KNDY, KDAA, W00, W32, KVKX, 2W5 | |
| KDOV Satellites | 0A8, 33N, KGED | |
| KPHL North Satellites | KDYL, KPTW, KPNE, KCKZ, N10, N47, KUKT, KTTN, 9N1, KLOM | |
| KPHL South Satellites | KOQN, 58M, KMQS, 17N, KILG, N57, NJ74, 7N7, KEVY | |
| KEWR Satellites | 19N, N14, N12, KBLM, 3N6, N73, KMJX, KVAY, N87 | |
| KACY Satellites | KWWD, N87, KMIV, 26N, KOBI | |
| KPIT Satellites | KAGC, KBVI, KBTP, 02G, 5G8, 2G2, 9G1, KFWQ, KAFJ, KHLG, KPJC | |
Attachment #2: N90 Departure Procedures
| Departure Fix | Min Cross Altitude | Cleared Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| GREKI, MERIT, BAYYS | 12000 | Between 13000 - 17000 |
| SOARS | 6000 | Between 7000 - 17000 |
| STUBY | 5000 | 5000 |
| HTO | 10000 | 10000 |
| BEADS | 8000 or 10000 | 8000 or 10000 |
| BETTE, HAPIE | None | Between 7000 - 11000 |
| WEARD | 6000 | 6000 |
Attachment #3: ZBW Procedures for N90 Arrivals
NOTE: The “Frequency” column presents the appropriate N90 sector for handoffs. The frequencies are presented in the order of precedence. The bold frequency indicates the most common handoff (as normally sectors are consolidated to this frequency). N90 sometimes combines the entire TRACON to one position. If the entire TRACON is combined, the handoff must be initiated to the consolidated position.
NOTE: HPTP refers to high performance turbo-prop aircraft: BE30, B350, C130, CVLT, G159, IL18, L1888, P3, P180, SW3, SW4, D328, DH8D.
| Airport(s) | Aircraft | Arrival Fix | Altitude | Associated Procedure / Routing | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEWR | JETS HPTP | CRANK | 7000 | SHAFF or FLOSI STAR ZBW may clear direct SAX |
N4A 120.150 N4P 128.550 |
| KEWR SAT | PROPS | LEMOR | 6000 | V489 COATE | N4S 123.775 N4U 127.600 N4P 128.550 |
| KSWF/SAT, inc. KPOU | FILPS | 7000 | N5H 132.750 N1V 120.800 N4P 128.550 | ||
| TRESA | 6000 | Direct TRESA or HUD STAR | |||
| KHPN | FARAN | 4000 | When Runway 16 in use, aircraft may be vectored direct FARAN or join the Runway 16 localizer at 4000 | N1X 126.400 N1V 120.800 | |
| JETS HPTP | VALRE | 6000 | VALRE STAR | ||
| KHPN KDXR | PROPS | NOBBI | 6000 | NOBBI STAR | N3H 120.050 N2K 125.700 N2G 128.125 |
| RICED | 9000 | RICED STAR | |||
| HTO | 11000 | Via HTO from East | |||
| KHPN | DPK | 15000 | BOUNO STAR |
| Airport(s) | Aircraft | Arrival Fix | Altitude | Associated Procedure / Routing | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLGA | JETS HPTP | BASYE | 8000 | HAARP STAR or IGN V157 LGA Aircraft may be cleared direct BASYE |
N1V 120.800 |
| KLGA | PROPS | NOBBI | 8000 | NOBBI STAR | |
| KISP | HPTP PROPS | LOVES | 6000 | N3H 120.050 N2K 125.700 N2G 128.125 | |
| KISP | SARDI | 7000 | Q439/V268 Arrivals may be cleared direct CCC between KOPPY and SARDI |
N3H 120.050 N2K 125.700 N2G 128.125 | |
| KISP | Boundary | 8000 | V46 CCC | ||
| KISP | Boundary | 8000 | NELIE STAR | ||
| KISP NORTH SATS | LOVES | 6000 | BDR STAR, DENNA STAR, direct LOVES | ||
| KFOK KJPX KHTO | RICED | 7000 | |||
| KJFK KFRG | JETS HPTP | CCC | 12000, 250 kts | PARCH or ROBER STAR ZBW may clear direct ROBER, arrivals must join between CCC and the HTO R-260 |
N2K 125.700 N2G 128.125 |
| KJFK KFRG | Unable 250 kts. | Boundary | 10000 | V46 | N3H 120.050 N2K 125.700 N2G 128.125 |
| KJFK KFRG | PROPS | LOVES | 6000 | PWL STAR |
Attachment #4: ZBW to ZNY Altitude and Routing Requirements
| Arrival Airport | If Entering/Exiting Via… | Type | Required Route | Required Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KACY/SAT | AOA FL190 DNY | FL190 | |||
| KACY/SAT | AOA FL190 Q439 | FL200 | |||
| KAVP | LAAYK, LVZ, or east of T291 | AOB 140 | |||
| KAVP | On or west of T291 | AOB 160 | |||
| KBWI/SAT | Q75 | AOB FL340 | In trail, and either below or in trail other Q75 traffic | ||
| KDCA/SAT | Q75 | AOB FL340 | In trail, and either below or in trail other Q75 traffic, except for KBWI/SAT arrivals | ||
| KDOV | Q439 | AOB FL220 | |||
| KIAD/SAT | HYPER STAR | RNAV | AOB FL360 | In trail. ZBW may clear direct KEA/VR. ZNY has control for left/right 30° turns within 10nm of the high boundary | |
| KIAD/SAT | J49 | Non-RNAV Jet | HNK PSB PRIVO STAR | AOB FL280 | |
| KIAD/SAT | HNK V576 or CFB V423 FQM | Props | AOB FL220 | ||
| KIAD/SAT | RBV | RNAV | AOB FL300 |
| Arrival Airport | If Entering/Exiting Via… | Type | Required Route | Required Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KJFK/SAT | IGN STAR | Able >250 KIAS | LOLLY @ FL200 | ZNY has control for right turns up to 30° and/or direct LENDY within 10nm of the high boundary. Handoff to N90 (128.125) if ZNY offline. | |
| KPHL/KPHL South SAT | AOA FL190 DNY | FL190 | |||
| KPHL/KPHL South SAT | AOA FL190 Q439 | FL200 | |||
| KPHL/KPHL South SAT | Q439/V139 | Props | AOB 160 | ||
| KPHL North SAT | AOA FL190 DNY | FL190 | ZBW may clear KPHL arrivals direct LVZ from DNY | ||
| KPHL North SAT | Q439/V139 | AOB 160 | |||
| KPIT/SAT | HNK | AOB FL280 | |||
| KWRI/SAT | AOA FL190 DNY | FL190 | |||
| KWRI/SAT | Q439/V139 | AOB 160 |
Attachment #5:ZNY to ZBW Altitude and Routing Requirements
| Arrival Airport | If Entering/Exiting Via… | Type | Required Route | Required Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KALB/KSCH | On or west of J190 | AOB FL240 | |||
| KALB/KSCH | East of J190 | RKA, HNK, or DNY | AOB 170 | ZBW control for left turns up to 45° at and northeast of LGA | |
| KALB/KSCH | ZNY-56 | LGA TRUDE V487 CANAN ALB | LGA @ FL240 | ||
| KBOS | RNAV | ROBUC STAR | AOB FL270 | In trail, wrong-way altitudes approved. ZBW control for descent 5nm south of NEWES. ZNY may clear direct FEXXX and must enter ZBW airspace north of DPK. | |
| KBOS | Non-RNAV Jet | ORW STAR | AOB FL270 | ||
| KBOS | Non-Jet | WOONS STAR | AOB FL270 | ||
| KBOS SAT | ZNY-65, 85, 86 | FERNZ, LFV, or HTO | Descending to FL280 | ||
| KBOS SAT | ZNY-56 | DPK MAD | DPK AOB FL230 | ||
| KBOS SAT | ZNY-65, 85, 86 | Descending to FL280 | |||
| CAPE Flights | ZNY-34 | ENE V167 LFV | |||
| CAPE Flights | ZNY-56 | RBV RIFLE | KMVY AOB FL330 | ||
| CAPE Flights | ZNY-65, 85, 86 | V139 | Descending to 160 | ||
| KFRG | Jets | AOB 090 | |||
| KFRG | ZNY-34 AOA FL240 | HNK or CFB | AOB FL270, descending FL240 |
| Arrival Airport | If Entering/Exiting Via… | Type | Required Route | Required Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KHPN | BOUNO STAR | BOUNO @ 170 | |||
| KHPN | ZNY-34 AOA FL240 | HNK or CFB | AOB FL270, descending FL240 | ||
| KHPN | ZNY-85/86 W105 Active | FATON HOFFI KEYED RICED STAR | AOB 110 | ||
| KHPN | ZNY-85/86 W105 Inactive | HOFFI KEYED RICED STAR | AOB 150 | Aircraft’s track must be over or east of MONEY. ZBW has control for descent to 110 within 10nm of the boundary | |
| KHPN | V139 | Props | AOB 110 | ||
| KISP/KISP SAT/KISP East SAT | V139 | AOB 090 | |||
| KISP North SAT | ZNY-34 | HNK NELIE STAR | AOB FL370 | ||
| KISP North SAT | V139 | AOB 110 | |||
| KISP North SAT | HNK or CFB AOA FL240 | AOB FL270, descending FL240 | |||
| KMHT/SAT | ZNY-56 | Jets | DPK MAD JFK SMYTH ROZZE STAR | DPK AOB FL230 | |
| KMHT/SAT | ZNY-34 | AOB FL370 |
| Arrival Airport | If Entering/Exiting Via… | Type | Required Route | Required Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPVD/SAT | ZNY-56 | RBV HTO | AOB FL270 | ||
| KPVD/SAT | ZNY-65, 85, 86 | Descending to FL260 | KGON, KBID, KWST only | ||
| KPVD/SAT | V139 | AOB 110 | |||
| KPVD/SAT | ZNY-34 | HNK WIPOR STAR | AOB FL370 | ||
| KPVD/SAT | DPK | DPK @ FL190 | |||
| KSWF/SAT | LAAYK | T295 PRNCE V34 FILPS | AOB 130, descending 110 | KSWF arrivals may be cleared to FL200, vertically separated from Y90 arrivals at FL190 | |
| KSWF/SAT | HNK, CFB | HNK DNY V483 FILPS | AOB 130 | ||
| KSYR | DPK | DPK @ FL190 | |||
| KSYR | 35nm from SYR or CORTA at 110 | Handoff to SYR_APP when online. ZBW/SYR has control for left/right 30°. | |||
| Y90 KBDL/SAT | RKA | STELA STAR | AOB FL370, descending FL330 | ||
| Y90 KBDL/SAT | HNK | STELA STAR | AOB FL270 | ||
| Y90 KORH | ZNY-56 | DPK MAD | DPK AOB FL230 | ||
| Y90 KORH | RKA | STELA STAR | AOB FL370, descending FL330 | ||
| Y90 KORH | HNK | STELA STAR | AOB FL270 |
