The following is the text of a memorandum to all controllers at the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZTL ARTCC) regarding implementation of the "Catch A Bad Altitude" program.
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Memorandum Atlanta ARTC Center 299 Woolsey Road Hampton, Georgia 30228 |
| Subject: ACTION: Test Program for Readbacks | Date: May 6, 1999 |
| From: Assistant Air Traffic Manager, ZTL-2 | Reply to Attn. of: |
To: All Personnel
Beginning May 9 and continuing through at least September 2, 1999, we will run a test program designed to catch and correct erroneous altitude readbacks. Whenever a controller identifies and corrects a bad altitude readback by a pilot (prior to any loss of separation or pilot deviation), the controller will have the option of completing a C.A.B.A. (Catch a Bad Altitude) form (a sample is attached). Each area will have a supply of forms. The form will ask for basic information, i.e., controller’s name, date of the catch, sector, time, call signs, etc. Anyone working the sector (R, D, or Tracker) who had a part in catching and correcting the readback can submit his or her own form. Once completed, the supervisor signs the form and it is placed in a box (labeled C.A.B.A.) at the Watch Desk. ZTL-505 will collect the forms and verify the information. A tape will be made to send to the airline/pilot involved so they can use it in their own pilot training/awareness programs. The second and last Friday of each month (beginning with Friday, May 28 then June 11, June 25, etc.), the forms received and verified, up to noon on Wednesday of that week, will be put in a bowl and one will be drawn. The one controller selected will have the choice of a $50.00 gift certificate to Rich’s, Target, The Olive Garden, Rio Bravo, Red Lobster, or The Home Depot You are not limited to the number of times you’re eligible to enter and win. Example: If you catch and fix five bad altitudes in one week, you can enter those five times. If you catch two more the next month, you’re still eligible. You might win every drawing!!!!!!!
The purpose of this program is three-fold. First and foremost, it is to promote awareness on the part of controllers to listen and correct altitude readbacks which should reduce operational errors, Second, it is hoped that we will get enough data to see how big a problem this is for us each day and we can develop some strategies to deal with it. Third, it will provide feedback to pilots on their performance and, hopefully, promote awareness in the air.
<signed>
Elizabeth L. Ray
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