In this episode, I talk about one of the most important concepts in radar. The concept of P-A-L-M.

In the radar lab, you use PALM to identify actions that you need to take whenever an aircraft is changing a route or an altitude. You do this to ensure that you have covered everything that may happen because you have re-routed, or climbed, or descended an aircraft.

What this means is that when you are going to move an aircraft up, down, or sideways, you need to make sure that the new route or altitude is safe for them, as well as for you.

you do this by going through the four letters:

• P---Point Out. Does this aircraft need a point out along its new route? This is a HUGE question and HAS to answered for their ENTIRE route through your airspace. Not doing this could cost you LOTS of points.
• A--- Correct Altitude for Direction of Flight. Has the new route changed the aircraft's course to the point where it is now at an altitude that is IAFDOF( Inappropriate Altitude for Direction of Flight)? This is also a HUGE question and HAS to be answered, and possibly solved, in a careful manner.
• L--- LOA's. Does the new route/altitude conform to the LOA's? Of course, you have to know the LOA's to answer this question
• M---Military Airspace. Does the new route/altitude conflict with ACTIVE Military Airspace?

These are 4 questions that you have to ask, and answer, about every aircraft that you change an altitude on or change their route. The correct answers will save you a TON of points during your evals. So you MUST practice these in the labs and when you are practicing with your classmates. They are ESSENTIAL!!

Thank you for listening!!

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Have a great week!