Small Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 5
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
As I was taking over for another CPC; less than five years of experience [as a] controller; I was witness to him issuing a clearance to this aircraft off the ground.  The MIA in the area is 140. The controller issued 120 direct to FFU.  I sat back and let him finish the briefing.  I asked him how the 120 altitude clearance will work.  His reply was something to the effect of the departure procedure.  I took over the position and I began to research where the obstacle departure clearance is for the airport.  I was only able to quickly find the departure procedure.  The pilot came off the ground; I radar identified and queried if the pilot was able to maintain his own terrain and obstacle clearance through 140.  The pilot stated he was so I issued the climb to 140.  The pilot later stated 140 would be too high for his airplane.  I told him I was unable to allow the IFR clearance due to terrain and suggested a VFR bearing due west to get in terrain that would allow IFR flight at a lower altitude.  The pilot seemed to like the idea and I asked if there was any issue of cloud avoidance with the plan we were executing.  At the appropriate altitude; I was then able to issue an IFR clearance.  Worth mentioning; the pilot originally filed 100; which is well below MIA altitudes along his route. Published obstacle departure clearance for such mountainous terrain.
ZLC Controller reports of another less experienced Controller issuing a clearance to an aircraft below a useable altitude. The ZLC Controller then took over the position and rectified the situation.