DCL freq_own vs freq_next logic?

Martin Loxbo (811805)

The documentation states:

The initial value for the frequencies in “<freq_next>” and “<startup_next>” is the controller’s primary frequency if the track is assumed, otherwise the primary frequency of the controller whose airspace the aircraft is in currently. It can be adjusted in the DCL Window prior to sending the clearance. The frequency for “<freq_own>” and “<startup_own>” is always the controller’s primary frequency.

I'm not sure if I understand it correctly. Is the difference between freq_own and freq_next simply that freq_next can be manually edited while freq_own is always the controller's own frequency?

We are currently using the following format for DCL at ESGG:

NEXT FREQ <freq_own> <qnh> REQUEST START-UP AND PUSH-BACK FROM <freq_own>

We want to change it to make sure that the frequency is the correct frequency for start/push, which would be GND (or TWR/APP/ACC if they are covering GND duties). If the DEL position is online and using DCL, with the current setup aircraft are instructed to contact the DEL frequency. If we change it to freq_next, is it correct that the DEL controller can then manually edit the frequency as needed?

Juha Holopainen (839337)

Martin Loxbo (811805) Is the difference between freq_own and freq_next simply that freq_next can be manually edited while freq_own is always the controller's own frequency?

That's partly correct. As per the first sentence in your quote, the initial value for the frequency in the DCL Window may also not be the controller's own frequency but another controller's, depending on whether the track is assumed by the controller, and if not, who owns the airspace the track is currently in.

Martin Loxbo (811805)

Thanks.

What about the second question, if DEL issues the DCL but we want the message to say to request start/push from GND, is freq_next and manually editing the frequency the way to go?

Juha Holopainen (839337)

<freq_next> should be fine for that, or <startup_next> if start-up approved is a possibility but the text options in that item are not adjustable so it may not be exactly what you're looking for. If there's a sector covering the apron with the correct ownerships set and DEL doesn't assume the aircraft before sending the clearance, the frequency won't even need to be edited.