Which statement describes control vs. point out?

• A. A point out is a transfer of radar identification; control is what you get from transferring controllers.
• B. Control is a transfer of radar identification; a point out is the permission to change course.
• C. Both terms mean the same thing.
• D. Control is only relevant to altitude changes.

Answer: (A)

In ATC coordination, point-out and control describe two different actions. A point-out is simply informing another controller that a specific aircraft is on their radar and should be watched in their sector; it transfers radar identification so the other controller can see and identify the aircraft, but it does not transfer authority to control the aircraft. Control, on the other hand, is the actual transfer of authority to manage and separate the aircraft—giving instructions, changing altitude or heading, and maintaining separation—handled by the receiving controller once the handoff or transfer of control occurs. So the statement matches the distinction: a point-out is a transfer of radar identification, while control refers to the authority you gain or transfer to manage the aircraft with the other controller.