When a MISM occurs during handoff, inform the Supervisor about each mismatch

Radar SOP: When a MISM pops up during a handoff, what should you do?

Let me set the scene. In radar operations, handoffs are moments of careful transition. One station passes control to another, and everyone relies on clean data, clear instructions, and calm teamwork. A MISM — a mismatch between what’s shown or commanded and what’s actually happening — can creep in during these moments. The rule that keeps things safe and steady is simple: inform the Supervisor about each MISM. Here’s why that matters, what it looks like in real life, and how to handle it without turning the handoff into a chaotic chase.

What exactly is a MISM in a handoff?

A MISM is any discrepancy that shows up when information is transmitted from one party to another or when radar data doesn’t line up with the plan. It could be a difference in target position, altitude, speed, heading, or even the status of a command that was given. It might also involve a mismatch between what the radar display shows and what a controller or pilot reports. The key thing is: there’s a gap between expectation (the plan you’ve been following) and reality (what you’re seeing or being told).

Why telling the Supervisor about every MISM is the right move

Think of the Supervisor as the air traffic control partner who holds a bigger picture view. When a MISM appears, the safest move is to pause, note the mismatch, and bring it to the Supervisor’s attention. Why? Because

• It preserves safety and situational awareness. A single mismatch can cascade if left unaddressed.

• It keeps the decision chain intact. The Supervisor can assess the risk, consider corrective actions, and coordinate with other teams.

• It creates a traceable record. Documenting every MISM helps identify recurring issues, training needs, or system quirks that might pop up again later.

• It reinforces team communication. By sharing the problem with the right person, you keep everyone aligned and reduce the chances of misinterpretation.

What not to do when you see a MISM

There are a few tempting, but off-target, reactions. Here’s a quick walkthrough of what to avoid:

• Don’t ignore it. It’s tempting to hope it will sort itself out, but that’s how risk grows.

• Don’t try to fix it yourself without guidance. Correcting a mismatch without oversight can introduce new errors or create confusion about who is in command.

• Don’t escalate directly to the pilot unless the chain of command requires it. Pilots and controllers have distinct roles, and bypassing the proper channel can muddy the waters and violate procedures.

• Don’t treat every mismatch as the same. Some are minor data blips; others signal a bigger issue. You’ll want the Supervisor to help categorize and respond.

A simple, reliable way to respond

Here’s a practical approach you can use in the moment, with space for a clean handoff after the fact:

• Detect and verify. Confirm there really is a mismatch, and note the specifics: what data or command is out of sync, when it was observed, and where it’s occurring.

• Log briefly, then report. Jot down a concise log note (time, source, nature of the mismatch) and immediately brief the Supervisor.

• Use precise language. Say something like, “Supervisor, MISM observed at [time], between radar display data and control input — altitude discrepancy of X vs Y, vector difference of Z degrees.” Clear, not vague.

• Request guidance. After reporting, ask for the next step. The Supervisor may ask for additional checks, request a retransmission, or assign a corrective course.

• Confirm the plan and close the loop. Once the Supervisor outlines the action, confirm your understanding, and carry the plan forward with the team.

How reporting a MISM fits into the bigger picture

This isn’t just about one moment in the shift. It ties into a broader culture of safety and teamwork. When mismatches are reported, you’re contributing to:

• Better data integrity. Recurrent mismatches can reveal hardware or software quirks that need attention.

• Stronger crew resource management (CRM). Open, structured communication reduces stress and helps everyone stay on the same page.

• More resilient operations. The system learns from near-misses and small misalignments, becoming tougher to shake loose in the future.

• A calmer working environment. Clear channels and predictable procedures lower jitter and keep the focus where it should be: safety and efficiency.

A quick detour: related habits that help, too

While we’re on the subject, a few habits can make MISM handling even smoother:

• Use a simple check sheet. A tiny checklist—confirm display data, confirm command status, confirm pilot or controller input—can cut cognitive load at the moment of handoff.

• Keep a clean log. A running log of mismatches, times, and outcomes helps you and your Supervisor track patterns over days or weeks.

• Practice calm, not panic. In high-stress moments, a steady voice and steady actions matter more than heroic, last-second fixes.

• Review after-action notes. A quick debrief after a shift, focusing on any MISM episodes, helps the team tighten procedures.

A real-world vibe: what a MISM looks like in action

Let’s paint a plausible, non-risky scenario that illustrates the idea—without getting into sensitive details. Imagine two radar teams handing off a high-traffic sector. The radar screen shows a precise altitude of 12,000 feet for a target, but the data feed from the flight plan shows 12,500 feet. That 500-foot difference is a MISM. The team member noticing it flags the Dispatcher or Supervisor, logs the event, and asks for confirmation about which source is authoritative in this moment. The Supervisor weighs sources, communicates a temporary hold or adjustment, and the handoff proceeds with the corrected status. No drama. Just clear, deliberate steps that keep everyone in the loop.

What this means for you as a student or practitioner

If you’re stepping into radar SOP scenarios, remember: mismatches aren’t a failure—they’re signals. They tell you something needs attention, and they give you a chance to uphold safety and clarity. Your best move is to report every MISM to the Supervisor, every time. This simple act preserves the chain of command, improves situational awareness, and keeps the entire operation humming smoothly.

Closing thoughts: a culture built on clear communication

In the end, the strength of any radar operation lies in the way teams communicate under pressure. The right response to a MISM isn’t a clever workaround; it’s a disciplined, timely, and transparent report to the Supervisor. It might feel like a small step in a busy moment, but it’s exactly the kind of step that prevents bigger problems down the line. And that’s what safe, efficient radar work is really about: staying aligned, staying calm, and always keeping the focus on the data, the people, and the mission at hand.

If you’re curious to explore more about MISM scenarios, you’ll find that practical examples, concise reporting templates, and routine checks all thread back to the same core idea: good information plus clear communication equals safer skies and smoother operations. So next time a mismatch surfaces, you’ll know the move—quietly report to the Supervisor, log what you saw, and let the team decide the best path forward together.