ATSAP ALERT

April 8, 2010

MSAW – Entering “000” as Assigned Altitude

Background

This ATSAP Alert Bulletin for En Route is a result of several ATSAP reports filed by
controllers at various facilities which are using “000” as a hard assigned altitude for
aircraft when issuing approach clearances. In some cases this technique is used to
visually indicate to the controller that an approach clearance has been issued.

The problem

The host computer does not recognize “000” as an IFR altitude and treats the altitude as
“VFR.” This disqualifies it from MSAW processing; therefore MSAW alerts will not be
provided.

The Solution

A patch has been developed, and you can expect it to be installed after it’s been
coordinated and scheduled locally by your facility. Depending on local schedules and
workload, installation typically requires several weeks or more.
Below are the 7110.65 requirements for suppressing and issuing E-MSAW alerts.

REFERENCE:
FAAO 7110.65
5-14-2. EN ROUTE MINIMUM SAFE ALTITUDE WARNING (E-MSAW)

a. When an E-MSAW alert is displayed, immediately analyze the situation and take the
appropriate action to resolve the alert.

NOTE-
Caution should be exercised when issuing a clearance to an aircraft in reaction to an E-
MSAW alert to ensure that adjacent MIA areas are not a factor.

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REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-6, Safety Alert.
b. The controller may suppress the display of an E-MSAW alert from his/her control
position with the application of one of the following suppress/inhibit computer functions:

1. The specific alert suppression message may be used to inhibit the E-MSAW alerting
display on a single flight for a specific alert.

2. The indefinite alert suppression message shall be used exclusively to inhibit the
display of E-MSAW alerts on aircraft known to be flying at an altitude that will activate
the alert feature of one or more MIA areas within an ARTCC.
NOTE-
1. The indefinite alert suppression message will remain in effect for the duration of the
referenced flight's active status within the ARTCC unless modified by controller action.
2. The indefinite alert suppression message would typically apply to military flights with
clearance to fly low-level type routes that routinely require altitudes below established
minimum IFR altitudes.
c. The computer entry of a message suppressing or inhibiting E-MSAW alerts constitutes
acknowledgment for the alert and indicates that appropriate action has or will be taken to
resolve the situation.

This ATSAP Alert is intended to raise awareness within the workforce in an

effort to improve safety– please distribute within your facilities.

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