MGM Controller described an on going A80/ZTL airspace transfer process that leaves pilots confused and unable to contact the correct ATC facility; resulting in extra workload for the reporter's facility.
Synopsis
MGM Controller described an on going A80/ZTL airspace transfer process that leaves pilots confused and unable to contact the correct ATC facility; resulting in extra workload for the reporter's facility.
Narrative
I was working radar at MGM Approach. This aircraft departed AUO airport; which is 17NM east of my airspace in the A80 Columbus sector. He called me about 15NM northwest of his departure point and said the he had not been able to contact anybody to give him his IFR clearance from AUO. Nightly; A80 closes the Columbus sector and gives the airspace to ZTL (sector 09 and 21). The Airport/Facility Directory says that this airspace transition will happen 3 hours later. There is a NOTAM; currently AUO 09/006 that amends the time to 3 hours earlier; but it is a frequent occurrence that pilots don't find that NOTAM and spend the first 10-20NM of their flight VFR and flipping through charts and frequencies. Often; MGM Approach is the first human they can find and we usually have to redirect them to ZTL. This 3-hour early closure was billed as temporary due to staffing; but has now continued for at least two years. This exceeds the intent of NOTAMs. If A80 is going to continue to give this airspace to ZTL; then it should be published appropriately and NOTAMs cancelled. Note that AUO is not the only airport impacted. There are similar NOTAMs at 10 other airports in this same sector; although most list the new hours; but not the frequency.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.