Section 6. Vertical Separation
6-6-1. APPLICATION
Assign an altitude to an aircraft after the aircraft
previously at that altitude has reported leaving the
altitude.
PHRASEOLOGY-
REPORT LEAVING/REACHING (altitude/flight level).
REPORT LEAVING ODD/EVEN ALTITUDES/FLIGHT
LEVELS.
(If aircraft is known to be operating below the lowest
useable flight level),
SAY ALTITUDE.
or
(If aircraft is known to be operating at or above the lowest
useable flight level),
SAY FLIGHT LEVEL.
or
If aircraft's position relative to the lowest useable flight
level is unknown),
SAY ALTITUDE OR FLIGHT LEVEL.
NOTE-
Consider known aircraft performance characteristics,
pilot furnished and/or Mode C detected information which
indicate that climb/descent will not be consistent with the
rates recommended in the AIM.
REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-3, Procedural Preference.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 4-5-1, Vertical Separation Minima.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 7-7-3, Separation.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 7-8-3, Separation.
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 7-9-4, Separation.
6-6-2. EXCEPTIONS
Assign an altitude to an aircraft only after the aircraft
previously at that altitude has reported at or passing
through another altitude separated from the first by
the appropriate minimum when:
a. Severe turbulence is reported.
b. Aircraft are conducting military aerial
refueling.
REFERENCE-
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 9-2-12, Military Aerial Refueling.
c. The aircraft previously at the altitude has been:
1. Issued a clearance permitting climb/descent
at pilot's discretion.
2. Cleared to CRUISE (altitude). However, do
not use Mode C to effect separation with an aircraft
on a cruise clearance.
NOTE-
An aircraft assigned a cruise clearance is assigned a block
of airspace from the minimum IFR altitude up to and
including the assigned cruising altitude, and climb/descent
within the block is at pilot's discretion. When the pilot
verbally reports leaving an altitude in descent, he/she may
not return to that altitude.
REFERENCE-
P/CG Term- Cruise.
6-6-3. SEPARATION BY PILOTS
When pilots of aircraft in direct radio communication
with each other during climb and descent concur, you
may authorize the lower aircraft, if climbing, or the
upper aircraft, if descending, to maintain vertical
separation.
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