Thunderbolt II (Warthog A-10)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors
I was working RADAR at the FNT/LAN Sectors. There was weather in the sector. The Steelhead MOA was active from 060B220. AIRCRAFT X took off from MTC into the MOA. On departure aircraft X was given a block altitude 070B080; and a deviation west of course and direct to the entry point when able. About 10 miles south of the entry point; I cleared aircraft X into the MOA and switched communications. About 2 minutes later we noticed that aircraft X was 1;000-2;000 FT above his block. Coordination was accomplished. It is my opinion that the way we clear the military into the MOA is an unsafe situation. The way we are required to clear an aircraft is to issue an altitude to maintain after the aircraft is inside the MOA. The phraseology is; 'Aircraft X is cleared into the Alpena complex via the Steelhead MOA/ATCAA maintain 060B210 while within the confines of Steelhead; RADAR service is terminated contact BLACK TALON.' It is easy to see how this can add to the confusion of an already work intensive flight. Recommendation; the phraseology should be changed to give the aircraft the altitude to maintain until entering the MOA. The aircraft already are told the altitudes of the MOA/ATCAA before takeoff. Recommendation; 'Aircraft X is cleared into the Alpena complex via the Steelhead MOA/ATCAA maintain (aircraft altitude) until inside the confines of Steelhead RADAR service is terminated contact BLACK TALON. I think this change will save a lot of confusion and increase safety.
Aircraft X was en route to enter Steelhead MOA. Aircraft initially was deviating for weather and was cleared to an entry point when able. Pilot appeared to be direct entry point and was confirmed in block 70B80. RADAR Controller terminated RADAR service approximately 10 miles South of Steelhead MOA and stated; 'Aircarft X cleared into the Alpena complex via the Steelhead maintain block 60B210 while within the confines of the Steelhead; RADAR service terminated; contact Black Talon.' This phraseology is posted at the sector and is the approved phraseology provided by our airspace and procedures office. Aircraft X; after RADAR service was terminated; deviated off course and began climbing prior to entering Steelhead. Appropriate coordination was accomplished with MBS Approach and aircraft X eventually entering Steelhead. Recommendation; advising military aircraft what altitudes to maintain while within a SUA area is ill-advised. Many of the controllers in my area; including me; do not read verbatim from the phraseology card for this clearance. We need a clarification of the appropriate way to issue clearance. I advise what altitude to maintain UNTIL within the confines NOT what to maintain IN the confines. Hopefully events like these can help identify safety risks and mitigate future safety events.
ZOB Controller voiced concern regarding the facility phraseology used to inform military aircraft of MOA entry instructions. The reporter noted that the phraseology is confusing for the pilots and indicates an altitude assignment; which is not the case.