What is the primary duty of the receiving controller during a handoff?

The primary duty of the receiving controller during a handoff is to ensure safety and maintain separation. This involves monitoring the aircraft's movements and ensuring that it adheres to any stipulated separation minima from other aircraft, both vertically and horizontally. The receiving controller must confirm that the aircraft is in a safe position to assume control and that it will not conflict with other air traffic in the vicinity.

During a handoff, the controller is also responsible for receiving the necessary information about the flight, such as its current position, altitude, and intended route, all to uphold safety and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic. Effective communication and awareness of the surrounding airspace are critical to fulfilling this duty.

While interacting with the pilot about their intentions is part of a controller's responsibilities, the primary focus during a handoff is primarily on safety and separation rather than just gathering pilot input. Similarly, while managing incoming traffic and providing flight level changes are important roles of controllers, they are secondary to the fundamental task of ensuring that all aircraft are safely separated and able to operate within designated airspace.