Air Traffic Controller how-to

How to Conduct a Position Relief Briefing

Good handoffs between controllers prevent errors.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good handoffs between controllers prevent errors. In short: review; brief; cover, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review the relief checklist.

  2. Brief current traffic and pending actions.

  3. Cover weather, runway status and equipment problems.

  4. Note special activities or restrictions.

  5. Let the relieving controller observe.

  6. Transfer the position only when both agree.

Safety reminders for air traffic controllers

  • Follow fatigue rules and required breaks
  • Use standard phraseology
  • Scan runways and radar continuously
  • Report errors and safety concerns

Separation · Clearance · Tower · TRACON · ARTCC · Phraseology: see the full air traffic controller glossary.

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