Section 7. Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)-Terminal

7-7-1. APPLICATION

Apply TRSA procedures within the designated TRSA in addition to the basic services described in Chapter 7, Visual, Section 6, Basic Radar Service to VFR Aircraft- Terminal.

7-7-2. ISSUANCE OF EFC

Inform the pilot when to expect further clearance when VFR aircraft are held either inside or outside the TRSA.

7-7-3. SEPARATION

Separate participating VFR aircraft from IFR aircraft and other participating VFR aircraft by any one of the following:

  1. Visual separation, as specified in paragraph 7-2-1, Visual Separation, paragraph 7-4-2, Vectors for Visual Approach, and paragraph 7-6-7, Sequencing.
  2. 500 feet vertical separation.
  3. Target resolution, except when ISR is being displayed.

7-7-4. HELICOPTER/POWERED‐LIFT TRAFFIC

Helicopters and powered‐lift aircraft need not be separated from other helicopters or powered‐lift aircraft. Traffic information must be exchanged, as necessary.

7-7-5. ALTITUDE ASSIGNMENTS

  1. Altitude information contained in a clearance, instruction, or advisory to VFR aircraft must meet MVA, MSA, or minimum IFR altitude criteria.
  2. If required, issue altitude assignments, consistent with the provisions of 14 CFR section 91.119.
  3. When necessary to assign an altitude for separation purposes to VFR aircraft contrary to 14 CFR section 91.159, advise the aircraft to resume altitudes appropriate for the direction of flight when the altitude assignment is no longer needed for separation or when leaving the TRSA.

7-7-6. APPROACH INTERVAL

The tower must specify the approach interval.

7-7-7. TRSA DEPARTURE INFORMATION

  1. At controlled airports within the TRSA, inform a departing aircraft proposing to operate within the TRSA when to contact departure control and the frequency to use. If the aircraft is properly equipped, ground control or clearance delivery must issue the appropriate beacon code.
  2. Provide separation until the aircraft leaves the TRSA.
  3. Inform participating VFR aircraft when leaving the TRSA.
  4. Aircraft departing satellite controlled airports that will penetrate the TRSA should be provided the same service as those aircraft departing the primary airport. Procedures for handling this situation must be covered in a letter of agreement or facility directives, as appropriate.
  5. Procedures for handling aircraft departing uncontrolled satellite airports must be advertised in a facility bulletin and service provided accordingly.