11/3/22
AIM
NOTE
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See Paragraph 4
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1
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20, Transponder and ADS
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B Out
Operation, subparagraph f for Mode C transponder/
ADS
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B requirements for operating above Class C
airspace.
3. Arrival or Through Flight Entry Require-
ments.
Two-way radio communication must be
established with the ATC facility providing ATC
services prior to entry and thereafter maintain those
communications while in Class C airspace. Pilots of
arriving aircraft should contact the Class C airspace
ATC facility on the publicized frequency and give
their position, altitude, radar beacon code, destina-
tion, and request Class C service. Radio contact
should be initiated far enough from the Class C
airspace boundary to preclude entering Class C
airspace before two-way radio communications are
established.
NOTE
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1.
If the controller responds to a radio call with, “(aircraft
callsign) standby,” radio communications have been
established and the pilot can enter the Class C airspace.
2.
If workload or traffic conditions prevent immediate
provision of Class C services, the controller will inform the
pilot to remain outside the Class C airspace until
conditions permit the services to be provided.
3.
It is important to understand that if the controller
responds to the initial radio call without using the aircraft
identification, radio communications have not been
established and the pilot may not enter the Class C
airspace.
4.
Class C airspace areas have a procedural Outer Area.
Normally this area is 20 NM from the primary Class C
airspace airport. Its vertical limit extends from the lower
limits of radio/radar coverage up to the ceiling of the
approach control’s delegated airspace, excluding the Class
C airspace itself, and other airspace as appropriate. (This
outer area is not charted.)
5.
Pilots approaching an airport with Class C service
should be aware that if they descend below the base altitude
of the 5 to 10 mile shelf during an instrument or visual
approach, they may encounter non
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transponder/non
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ADS
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B VFR aircraft.
EXAMPLE
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1.
[Aircraft callsign] “remain outside the Class Charlie
airspace and standby.”
2.
“Aircraft calling Dulles approach control, standby.”
4. Departures from:
(a)
A primary or satellite airport with an
operating control tower. Two-way radio communica-
tions must be established and maintained with the
control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC
while operating in Class C airspace.
(b)
A satellite airport without an operating
control tower. Two-way radio communications must
be established as soon as practicable after departing
with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the
Class C airspace.
5. Aircraft Speed.
Unless otherwise autho-
rized or required by ATC, no person may operate an
aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface
within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a
Class C airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more
than 200 knots (230 mph).
d. Air Traffic Services.
When two-way radio
communications and radar contact are established, all
VFR aircraft are:
1.
Sequenced to the primary airport.
2.
Provided Class C services within the Class C
airspace and the outer area.
3.
Provided basic radar services beyond the
outer area on a workload permitting basis. This can be
terminated by the controller if workload dictates.
e. Aircraft Separation.
Separation is provided
within the Class C airspace and the outer area after
two-way radio communications and radar contact are
established. VFR aircraft are separated from IFR
aircraft within the Class C airspace by any of the
following:
1.
Visual separation.
2.
500 feet vertical separation.
3.
Target resolution.
4.
Wake turbulence separation will be provided
to all aircraft operating:
(a)
Behind and less than 1,000 feet below
super or heavy aircraft,
(b)
To small aircraft operating behind and less
than 500 feet below B757 aircraft, and
(c)
To small aircraft following a large aircraft
on final approach.
NOTE
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1.
Separation and sequencing of VFR aircraft will be
suspended in the event of a radar outage as this service is
Controlled Airspace
3
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2
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5