Section 3. Radar Identification

5-3-1. APPLICATION

Before you provide radar service, establish and maintain radar identification of the aircraft involved, except as provided in paragraph 5-5-1, Application, subparagraphs b2, b3 and in paragraph 8-5-5, Radar Identification Application.

5-3-2. PRIMARY RADAR IDENTIFICATION METHODS

Identify a primary, radar beacon, or ADS-B target by using one of the following methods:

  1. Observing a departing aircraft target within 1 mile of the takeoff runway end at airports with an operating control tower, provided one of the following methods of coordination is accomplished.
    1. A verbal rolling/boundary notification is issued for each departure, or
    2. A nonverbal rolling/boundary notification is used for each departure aircraft.
  2. Observing a target whose position with respect to a fix (displayed on the video map, scribed on the map overlay, or displayed as a permanent echo) or a visual reporting point (whose range and azimuth from the radar antenna has been accurately determined and made available to the controller) corresponds with a direct position report received from an aircraft, and the observed track is consistent with the reported heading or route of flight. If a TACAN/VORTAC is located within 6,000 feet of the radar antenna, the TACAN/VORTAC may be used as a reference fix for radar identification without being displayed on the video map or map overlay.
  3. Observing a target make an identifying turn or turns of 30 degrees or more, provided the following conditions are met:
    1. Except in the case of a lost aircraft, a pilot position report is received which assures you that the aircraft is within radar coverage and within the area being displayed.
    2. Only one aircraft is observed making these turns.
    3. For aircraft operating in accordance with an IFR clearance, you either issue a heading away from an area which will require an increased minimum IFR altitude or have the aircraft climb to the highest minimum altitude in your area of jurisdiction before you issue a heading.

5-3-3. BEACON/ADS-B IDENTIFICATION METHODS

When using only Mode 3/A radar beacon or ADS-B to identify a target, use one of the following methods:

  1. Request the pilot to activate the “IDENT” feature of the transponder/ADS-B and then observe the identification display.
  2. Request the pilot to change to a specific discrete or nondiscrete code, as appropriate, and then observe the target or code display change. If a code change is required in accordance with Section 2, Beacon/ADS-B Systems, of this chapter, use the codes specified therein.
  3. Request the pilot to change their transponder/ADS-B to “standby.” After you observe the target disappear for sufficient scans to assure that loss of target resulted from placing the transponder/ADS-B in “standby” position, request the pilot to return the transponder to normal operation and then observe the reappearance of the target.
  4. EN ROUTE. An aircraft may be considered identified when the full data block is automatically associated with the target symbol of an aircraft that is squawking a discrete code assigned by the computer.

5-3-4. TERMINAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS IDENTIFICATION METHODS

TERMINAL

  1. Consider an auto‐acquired aircraft as identified when the data block is displayed and is visible to you, and one of the following conditions exist:
    1. The radar or beacon identification procedures have been used to confirm the identity of the tagged target.
    2. The aircraft is being handed off using a NAS automated system and one of the following does not appear in the data block: “CST”, “NAT”, “NT”, “AMB”, “OLD”, “AM”, or “TRK”.
  2. Use the data block to maintain target identity unless it is in a coast status or displaced from the appropriate target.
  3. A displaced data block must be updated at all times.

5-3-5. QUESTIONABLE IDENTIFICATION

  1. Use more than one method of identification when proximity of targets, duplication of observed action, or any other circumstances cause doubt as to target identification.
  2. If identification is questionable for any reason, take immediate action to re-identify the aircraft or terminate radar service. Identify the aircraft as follows:
    1. As described in paragraph 5-3-2, Primary Radar Identification Methods, or paragraph 5-3-3, Beacon/ADS-B Identification Methods.
    2. En route. Ensure that all primary targets are displayed when radar identification is lost or is questionable.

5-3-6. POSITION INFORMATION

Inform an aircraft of its position whenever radar identification is established by means of identifying turns or by any of the beacon identification methods outlined in paragraph 5-3-3, Beacon/ADS-B Identification Methods. Position information need not be given when identification is established by position correlation or when a departing aircraft is identified within 1 mile of the takeoff runway end.

5-3-7. IDENTIFICATION STATUS

  1. Inform an aircraft of radar contact when:
    1. Initial radar identification in the ATC system is established.
    2. Subsequent to loss of radar contact or terminating radar service, radar identification is reestablished.
  2. Inform an aircraft when radar contact is lost.

5-3-8. DATA BLOCKS

EN ROUTE

Retain data blocks that are associated with the appropriate target symbol in order to maintain continuous identity of aircraft. Retain the data block until the aircraft has exited the sector or delegated airspace, and all potential conflicts have been resolved; including an aircraft that is a point out. The data block must display flight identification and altitude information, as a minimum. The displayed altitude may be assigned, interim, or reported.

ERAM: When you have separation responsibility for an aircraft and a paired track exists, display a full data block (FDB).

5-3-9. DATA BLOCKS

TERMINAL

  1. Retain data blocks that are associated with the appropriate target symbol in order to maintain continuous identity of aircraft. Retain the data block until the aircraft has exited the sector or delegated airspace, and all potential conflicts have been resolved; including an aircraft that is a point out. The data block must display flight identification and altitude information, as a minimum.
  2. During prearranged coordination procedures, the controllers who penetrate another controller's airspace must display data block information of that controller's aircraft which must contain, at a minimum, the position symbol and altitude information.