ATC Delays Expected During Southern California Metroplex Implementation Starting March 2

Feb. 15 2017

Southern California Metroplex Project: Phase Two

Significant changes to airspace procedures associated with the Southern California Metroplex Phase Two implementation on March 2 will likely cause delays for operators. The delays may be attributed to air traffic control traffic management initiatives for one to two weeks, as the local controllers adjust to the procedural airspace changes.

There will be a total of 64 new procedures with the bulk of them being RNAV SIDs and STARs for 19 Southern California airports.

• SIDs: 37
• STARs: 20 (18 RNAV and two conventional)
• Approaches: Six (All for LAX)

Expected ATC Traffic Management Initiatives: March 2-16

Due to the significant changes to the structure of the airspace in Southern California, the FAA will implement air traffic management initiatives to manage the volume in and out of the airspace. As controllers familiarize themselves with management of the airspace, these initiatives may be dialed back earlier than scheduled.

Ground delay programs and airspace flow programs will include expected departure clearance times. These initiatives may be reduced as the controllers become more familiar with the airspace operation. The expected initiatives include the following:

Ground Delay Programs: LAX, LAS and SAN arrivals

Airspace Flow Programs: For all other arrivals into Southern California area airports

• Expected between 7 a.m.-10 p.m. local time (1500z-0600z)
• Flights filed above FL180
• Will not include Los Angeles center overflights

Mile-in-Trail Restrictions: Used for departures off all Southern California Airports

• View an FAA presentation on Southern California Metroplex Phase Two implementation.
• View an FAA presentation on expected traffic management initiatives.