When can a controller authorize a new beacon code assignment?

A controller can authorize a new beacon code assignment after coordinating at the time of handoff or as specified in a Letter of Agreement (LOA). This process ensures that handoff procedures comply with established protocols and that all involved parties are aware of the changes to ensure safe and effective air traffic control. Coordination during handoffs is crucial as it facilitates a seamless transition of control between different sectors or controllers and helps maintain situational awareness regarding the aircraft’s status and intentions.

Options that suggest personal discretion or general mandates do not account for the procedural requirements that govern air traffic control activities. The use of LOAs also serves as a reference point for controllers, ensuring that they act within operational guidelines that have been pre-approved for specific situations or airspace. Therefore, the correct approach to assigning a new beacon code aligns with established procedures and formal agreements rather than individual judgment or arbitrary rules.