Label Handoff and Frequency Change Question
In Oz we would always initiate a label/jurisdiction handoff to another sector, wait for it to be accepted, and then transfer the aircraft to that frequency.
I have to admit I thought everyone did it that way.
We are about to introduce a system here that has Handoff/Accept functionality and I am surprised to find that some parts of the world switch the aircraft frequency and then initiate the label handoff.
Is this really the case and if so where?
Secondly, why would you do this? Isn't the whole point of a handoff function to allow the recieving the sector to decide if they are in a position to take someone else on there frequency (eg. Open mic, emergency, on the line to someone else, too many aircraft calling etc etc.). Doesn't that allow him the chance to let the label flash for 10 or 20 seconds, sort out his stuff and then accept the label so that shortly after the aircraft will call?
Anyway I would be interested to know how and why everyone does it, to try and understand a different perspective.
Thanks.