Oceanic ATC Clearance

[Sammy]

Reference: North Atlantic MNPS Airspace Operations Manual

para 5.1.12 gives the following example to request an oceanic clearance:

"ACA 865 request oceanic clearance. Estimating 56N010W at 1131. Request mach .80, FL 350, able FL360, 2nd choice track charlie."

para 5.1.4 "At some airports situated close to oceanic boundries, the oceanic clearance must be obtained before departure."

Question: The above format/request can be/is used while enroute to "request oceanic clearance." Is this the same format you would use when on the ground at an airport situated close to oceanic airspace? Do you request the clearance from ground control, clearance delivery or is there a separate oceanic clearance delivery frequency used while on the ground? Curious how this all works. Do you actually get 2 clearances- domestic and oceanic or is it all lumped together in 1 reading?

Thanks

 

[GREAT LAKES]

Oceanic Clearances

Sammy,

If you look at Gander or Shannon charts they have separate frequencies for oceanic clearances. Domestic and Oceanic clearances are 2 separate clearances. They will give you a time to be at the oceanic entry point, and of course a speed/altitude. It is now your responsibility to be at the specified point at the time, altitude and speed. If you are not at the specified altitude as an example, you must prompt ATC for the altitude specified in the oceanic clearance. If your time to the oceanic entry point exceeds + or - 3 minutes you are required to notify ATC.

 

[Sammy]

thanks great lakes

 

[avbug]

Sometimes ATC will provide the oceanic when being given your initial, sometimes one calls for it separately.

Likewise, often enroute I've been contacted by ATC without any initiation on my part and have been read my oceanic clearance.

You should also be aware that your clearance may be your requested track, but may not include the track name; it may simply cite the points enroute, instead. You should have them written down in advance or printed so that you can reference them and verify. You should also be prepared to read back the valid information number for your track sheet (especially if you're just cleared for the track without further definition...it ensures that everyone is on the same page).

If your time to the oceanic entry point exceeds + or - 3 minutes you are required to notify ATC.

The same is also true of each reporting point on the way across, two. Once you've given your estimate for the next point, you're expected to cross that point within three minutes of your ETA, or provide an ammended ETA go Shanwick or Gander at least 10 minutes prior.

 

[dispatchguy]

No matter what, you should ALWAYS have a copy of the current track message...even if not planned along a track.