How many minutes before an aircraft is estimated to enter a receiving facility's area must flight progress data be forwarded?

The requirement to forward flight progress data before an aircraft enters a receiving facility's area is essential for effective air traffic control and ensuring safety and efficiency in managing airspace. The guideline specifies that this data must be transmitted 15 minutes in advance of the aircraft's estimated entry into the new control area.

This time frame allows the receiving facility adequate opportunity to prepare for the aircraft's arrival, assess its traffic situation, allocate resources appropriately, and coordinate any necessary actions or communications with the aircraft or other nearby facilities. It ensures a seamless transfer of control and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings or errors that could arise with insufficient lead time.

Adhering to this 15-minute window helps maintain orderly aircraft flows and optimizes the performance of air traffic operations, enabling controllers to effectively manage multiple aircraft within their airspace.