For aircraft at FL180 that is outside sector 66, what must the student do?

• A. Let aircraft continue on their current altitude.
• B. Ensure aircraft enters sector 66 with an assigned usable altitude.
• C. Notify the Supervisor about the unusable altitude.
• D. Require the aircraft to enter at FL180 regardless of usability.

Answer: (B)

When handing off into a sector, you must ensure there is a valid, usable altitude assigned that can be maintained within that sector’s vertical constraints. If the aircraft is at FL180 but outside the sector, the next step is to assign an altitude that is usable for entering sector 66 before the handoff occurs. This keeps vertical separation intact and aligns with the sector’s airspace structure.

Letting the aircraft continue at its current altitude would risk using an altitude that isn’t usable within the sector, potentially causing separation or coordination issues. Reaching out to a supervisor about an unusable altitude doesn’t solve the immediate need to establish a usable entry profile for the handoff. Requiring entry at FL180 regardless of usability would ignore the sector’s altitude requirements and could create conflicts.