BACKGROUND: The Use of Visual Separation for Aircraft Transitioning Between Minneapolis Air Traffic Control Tower and Minneapolis Terminal Radar Approach Control.
FAA Joint Order 7110.65 authorizes the application and use of Visual Separation between aircraft under the control of the same facility. Historically in Terminal Facilities, Air Traffic Controllers worked in an up/down environment. They would rotate through the RADAR room and the Tower. In recent years, the Federal Aviation Administration has separated these functions at select location and created a separate RADAR facility, known as a TRACON (Terminal RADAR Approach Control). This is the case in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis ATCT (MSP) and Minneapolis TRACON (M98) are two separate and distinct air traffic facilities, each with their own employees.
In keeping with the spirit and intent of the regulations and rules governing the National Airspace System, the use and application of Visual Separation for aircraft transitioning between the two facilities will continue as if the two facilities remained as one.
There will be no change in the use or application of Visual Separation in the Minneapolis Terminal area, therefore the users of the National Airspace System should see no difference and this will have no effect on the flying community.
Questions about this procedure should be referred to:
Jim Shadduck
Support Manager
Minneapolis TRACON (M98)
612-713-4000
E-mail: Jim.Shadduck@faa.gov