Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I was working the R-Side at Spartanburg High. I accepted the hand off on a CRJ2 from Sector 50 with the aircraft showing at FL270 descending to FL250 in the Data Block. The SOP between Sector 50 and Sector 32 requires these aircraft to be level at FL250 when they cross the boundary. The aircraft checked on my frequency at FL270 with no clearance for lower. I had to call and get control and expedite the aircraft through FL260 because I had crossing traffic at FL270. The aircraft missed by six miles. 'Dressing up' Data Blocks is rampant at ZTL. I don't know for sure that the Sector 50 Controller did this. Perhaps the pilot of the aircraft missed a clearance. I'm pretty sure the Data Block was dressed up. If so; this is intentional violation of the 7110.65. Why is it any different than intentionally violating separation standards? It can lead quite quickly to a loss of separation.
ZTL Controller voiced concern regarding an adjacent controller allegedly 'dressing-up' a Data Block to indicate procedures were being issued/followed when in fact had not; compromising airspace integrity.