Small Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 8
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface; Distraction; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
I was conducting training. Aircraft X was level at 12;000 feet. The trainee noticed Aircraft X was about to enter into a higher Minimum IFR Altitude (MIA) due to Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) alert. Unfortunately a minute passed before he noticed due to handling a new VFR flight following on the other side of the scope. At the time I was on the information display looking up an approach plate. The nearest display was not configured for use so I was with my back to the scope on an adjacent sector. My trainee issued a 15 degree turn and climb to 13;000 feet and then issued a low altitude alert. The pilot unfortunately did not appear to begin his turn or climb for approximately 40 seconds. The turn is first seen on the radar right before the aircraft enters the 12;700 foot MIA at 12;100 feet and the trainee turned the aircraft an additional 30 degrees (45 total degrees) and the pilot complied immediately. Separation from the MIA was reestablished.With the help of the radar replay we identified that when the training team had pulled up the route to check the MIAs; the route line obscured the '27' of 127 and unfortunately we didn't notice and we both individually believed the route and altitude were safe. If either one of us had immediately observed the MSAW or if the pilot turned and climbed in a timely manner instead of delaying; I believe the aircraft wouldn't have entered the higher terrain box. As an aside; the event occurred before a position relief briefing had begun; but the relieving Controller was plugged into the position. I will use this as a reminder to carefully check routes for minimum safe altitudes and keep in mind that the route line can cover the text. I will and remind my CPCIT to use the phraseology 'immediately' for pressing clearances. I will remain vigilant; especially during times when I am training.
ZLC Center Controller conducting training reported he and the trainee did not realize an aircraft was on a route that placed it below the Minimum IFR Altitude.