JO 7210.3 Facility Operation and AdministrationJO 7210.3EE · Change 3 · Effective 7/9/2026
Chapter 21 · Section 2
Responsibilities
5 Paragraphs21-2-1–21-2-5
21-2-1 DESCRIPTION
This section identifies the primary Air Traffic Management (ATM) security responsibilities of System Operations Security, as well as air traffic facilities, pertinent to the implementation of ATM security measures. System Operations Security is responsible for collaboration and coordination with air traffic facilities on the planning and operational execution of ATM security measures and related efforts to protect the nation while mitigating safety and efficiency impacts on the National Airspace System (NAS).
21-2-2 TACTICAL OPERATIONS SECURITY GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
Tactical Operations Security Group responsibilities are undertaken primarily through four Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) teams and the System Operations Support Center (SOSC) team. Tactical Operations Security Group, as appropriate and in collaboration with air traffic facilities, must:
Cooperate with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other interagency security partners to monitor the NAS and other relevant airspace to detect and tactically respond to potential threats, including suspicious flights.
Cooperate with the United States Secret Service (USSS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other interagency partners to operationally implement ATM security measures used to protect security-sensitive locations (e.g., the DC Special Flight Rules Area and Flight Restricted Zone [DC SFRA and FRZ]); events (e.g., National Special Security Events [NSSE]); and activities, including Very Important Persons (VIP) travel.
Conduct operational efforts to mitigate the impact of threats and security measures on the safety and efficiency of the NAS.
Develop and coordinate the publication of flight advisories, Security Notices (SECNOT), and Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) enabling ATM security and/or other emergency operationsefforts. This function includes the publication of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) pursuant to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 99.7, Special security instructions; 91.141, Flight restrictions in the proximity of Presidential and other parties; and 91.137, Temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of disaster/hazard areas.
Serve as the final approving authority for all real‐time ATM security determinations regarding aviation operations within the NAS.
Coordinate and authorize routings for U.S. Department of State (DOS) designated Special Interest Flights (SIF).
Lead execution of ATM aspects of classified and other sensitive security‐related air missions.
Manage the Special Governmental Interest (SGI) Program for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) waivers and authorizations, including emergency addendums to UAS Certificates of Authorization or Waiver (ECOA).
Staff ATSC and SOSC positions.
21-2-3 SPECIAL OPERATIONS SECURITY GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
Special Operations Security Group responsibilities are undertaken primarily through senior FAA representatives, who represent the agency in coordinating ATM security issues with national defense, homeland security, and law enforcement interagency partners. Special Operations Security Group, as appropriate and in collaboration with air traffic facilities must:
Cooperate with the USSS, FBI, and other interagency partners to develop and coordinate ATM security measures used to protect security-sensitive locations (e.g., the DC SFRA and FRZ); events (e.g., NSSEs); and activities, including VIP travel (e.g., Presidential travel).
Develop and coordinate plans and procedures to mitigate the impact of threats and security measures on the safety and efficiency of the NAS, including coordination with NORAD and other interagency partners to facilitate fighter intercept operations.
Develop plans for and coordinate the execution of ATM elements of select national defense, homeland security, and law enforcement exercises. This work includes support of classified and other sensitive security‐related exercises.
Plan and coordinate ATM related support to classified and other sensitive aviation operations, including UAS flights, and mitigate impact of that activity on the NAS.
Coordinate and authorize call signs for special aircraft missions operated by law enforcement agencies (federal, state, and local), national defense entities, and for other special activities.
Staff senior FAA representative and liaison officer positions at FAA Headquarters and embedded at key national defense, homeland security, and law enforcement locations.
21-2-4 STRATEGIC OPERATIONS SECURITY GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Operations Security Group responsibilities are undertaken primarily through a staff at FAA Headquarters. Strategic Operations Security Group, as appropriate and in collaboration with air traffic facilities, must:
Cooperate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA), U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), State National Guard (NG) commands, and other federal, state, and local partners to develop and implement air traffic management aspects of disaster response and other emergency operations plans.
Manage the development and sustainment of ATM security related FAA ATO procedures, including: FAA Order JO 7610.4, Special Operations; FAA Order JO 7110.67, Air Traffic Management Security Services for Special Operations; FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control; and FAA Order JO 7210.3, Facility Operation and Administration.
Coordinate with U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), FAA Spectrum Engineering, andother key stakeholders to support Global Positioning System (GPS) interference and Electronic Attack (EA) testing, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) exercises within the NAS. Plan and, as needed, coordinate actions to mitigate impact of this specialized activity on the safety and efficiency of the NAS.
Lead the planning and coordination of ATM security related procedures for foreign aircraft overflight, including DOS SIF activity and part 99.7 NOTAMs that describe instructions for entry/exit, transit, and flight operations within U.S. controlled airspace.
Lead ATO engagement on ATM security matters with foreign counterparts, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and foreign Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP).
Track, collect, and analyze aviation security data related to ATM security events in the NAS, such as unauthorized laser illuminations, unauthorized UAS, TFR violators, Tracks of Interest (TOI), No Radio (NORDO).
Provide the means for identification and protection of all real-time flight data information associated with sensitive flights in the NAS.
Develop and implement call sign procedures for the NAS.
Coordinate requests from governmental agencies, including law enforcement, for use of ICAO 3‐letter designators/telephonies; and coordinate all requests for use of U.S. special call sign designators/telephonies.
Serve as ATO lead for the National Hurricane Operations Plan (NHOP).
Develop and coordinate ATM security related procedures for specialized NAS threats, including lasers, Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), UAS, and diseases of global public health concern.
Develop ATM security procedures related to NEXTGEN systems, the use of emerging technologies, and new entrants in the NAS, such as UAS and commercial space activities.
21-2-5 AIR TRAFFIC FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES
In collaboration with System Operations Security as described in paragraph 21-2-1, Description, the ATM must ensure:
ATM security measures are coordinated with System Operations Security, and implemented by the facility.
ATM security measures are briefed to all operational personnel.
The air traffic facility follows DEN reporting requirements published in FAA orders. This is toinclude maintaining a listening watch of the DEN when it is known that a facility is needed on the network.
All violators of ATM security measures are tracked, identified when possible, and reported via the DEN.
Support of and compliance with DEN Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) tactical decisions.
The safety of air traffic while implementing ATSC tactical decisions.