ZLA takes a portion of the airspace (basically from WJF to PMD to VCV) from 080B130. Below 8000 they won't provide any service. They only take the airspace for 2-3 hours on the mid shift when the lone JCF controller that staffs the mid takes the recuperative break. At most, ZLA will work 5 planes through the airspace, which are all planes that they would work anyway on the way to VNY/BUR, they only work them for about 25 more flying miles and 6000 feet of descent.
The rest of the JCF airspace from MHV to BIH surface and up (R-2508 plus the MOAs) just becomes hot airspace that ZLA says they won't/can't work.
The DOD pays for half the salaries for about 25 controllers. So they're not too happy that they're only being provided 15 controllers. And then are having airspace saturation because the controller for the airspace can't effectively work 30 different aircraft on all different missions.
We'll see if the closure actually happens, but the military/DOD controllers are being told different stories on a daily basis also.
This memo about ATC zero procedures sums it up I think. The dod isn’t sick of having the facility run half assed bc the faa can’t hire, staff, train, and retain enough controllers to keep the airspace fully operational.
Some really important shit happens in that airspace and not having proper air traffic control therefore has national security implications
“BACKGROUND
Joshua Control Facility (JCF), also known as JOSHUA APPROACH, is experiencing a reduction in the
number of qualified ATC personnel due to FAA hiring and retention challenges. These challenges,
coupled with COVID, impact services available to the DoD within the Complex. JCF may use the
following terms when communicating with aircrew:
• ATC ALERT: This term has multiple meanings to JCF. Aircrew should refer to the R-2508
Daily Brief Sheet (DBS) for clarification and/or query JCF using plain language, e.g. Are you
providing (type) service to me? Do not assume!
o Limited services provided to DoD and civil aircraft in the Complex contingent upon workload.
At any time JCF could transition to ATC ZERO (e.g., controller break, sick outs, COVID
cleaning, equipment failure, etc.).
Or
o No services provided to DoD aircraft in the Complex. Services may be provided to civil aircraft
contingent upon workload.
Or
o MRUS may be providing services to DoD aircraft in the Complex (not JCF). JCF may be
assisting MRUs with coordination needed to transition DoD aircraft into/out of the R-2508
Complex. CFF may be providing services to civil aircraft contingent upon workload.
• ATC ZERO: JCF is not available to provide ANY services within the R-2508 Complex. MRUs
may (or may not) be providing services to DoD aircraft in the Complex.”
