Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 17
Communication Breakdown; Troubleshooting; Confusion; Time Pressure
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Weather; Human Factors
Aircraft X deviating for weather in Sector 44. Aircraft were supposed to be AOB [at or above] FL280 entering ZLA. This aircraft was above military airspace that was active FL300 and below. ZLA refused a hand off because they claimed they were unable to get the aircraft down for landing LAS. Controller called me over asking what she should do. I told the D-Side to call Nellis for a point out descending. Nellis said unable. I told the Radar Controller to declare a weather emergency and descend the aircraft to FL280. We advised Nellis of this. There were no other options. The aircraft was unable to turn due to severe weather and needed to continue forward.ZLA take the aircraft hand off and descend the aircraft when clear of Nellis airspace. In this instance the 3;000 difference was not that big of deal but refusing a hand off was not the best or safest option.
ZLC Controller reports where a ZLA Controller refused to accept the aircraft because of its altitude.