AIM
11/3/22
encoding transponder that are tracked by the system
and are:
(a)
Operating on an IFR flight plan; or
(b)
Operating VFR and have requested
MSAW monitoring.
NOTE
−
Pilots operating VFR may request MSAW monitoring if
their aircraft are equipped with Mode C transponders.
EXAMPLE
−
Apache Three Three Papa request MSAW monitoring.
3.
Due to the lack of terrain and obstacle
clearance data, accurate automation databases may
not be available for providing MSAW information to
aircraft overflying Mexico and Canada. Air traffic
facilities along the United States/Mexico/Canada
borders may have MSAW computer processing
inhibited where accurate terrain data is not available.
b. Aircraft Conflict Alert.
1.
Controllers will immediately issue an alert to
the pilot of an aircraft under their control if they are
aware of another aircraft which is not under their
control, at an altitude which, in the controller’s
judgment, places both aircraft in unsafe proximity to
each other. With the alert, when feasible, the
controller will offer the pilot the position of the traffic
if time permits and an alternate course(s) of action.
Any alternate course(s) of action the controller may
recommend to the pilot will be predicated only on
other traffic being worked by the controller.
EXAMPLE
−
American Three, traffic alert, (position of traffic, if time
permits), advise you turn right/left heading (degrees)
and/or climb/descend to (altitude) immediately.
4
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1
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17. Radar Assistance to VFR Aircraft
a.
Radar equipped FAA ATC facilities provide
radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to
VFR aircraft provided the aircraft can communicate
with the facility, are within radar coverage, and can be
radar identified.
b.
Pilots should clearly understand that authoriza-
tion to proceed in accordance with such radar
navigational assistance does not constitute authoriza-
tion for the pilot to violate CFRs. In effect, assistance
provided is on the basis that navigational guidance
information issued is advisory in nature and the job of
flying the aircraft safely, remains with the pilot.
c.
In many cases, controllers will be unable to
determine if flight into instrument conditions will
result from their instructions. To avoid possible
hazards resulting from being vectored into IFR
conditions, pilots should keep controllers advised of
the weather conditions in which they are operating
and along the course ahead.
d.
Radar navigation assistance (vectors) may be
initiated by the controller when one of the following
conditions exist:
1.
The controller suggests the vector and the
pilot concurs.
2.
A special program has been established and
vectoring service has been advertised.
3.
In the controller’s judgment the vector is
necessary for air safety.
e.
Radar navigation assistance (vectors) and other
radar derived information may be provided in
response to pilot requests. Many factors, such as
limitations of radar, volume of traffic, communica-
tions frequency, congestion, and controller workload
could prevent the controller from providing it.
Controllers have complete discretion for determining
if they are able to provide the service in a particular
case. Their decision not to provide the service in a
particular case is not subject to question.
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1
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18. Terminal Radar Services for VFR
Aircraft
a. Basic Radar Service:
1.
In addition to the use of radar for the control
of IFR aircraft, all commissioned radar facilities
provide the following basic radar services for VFR
aircraft:
(a)
Safety alerts.
(b)
Traffic advisories.
(c)
Limited radar vectoring (on a workload
permitting basis).
(d)
Sequencing at locations where proce-
dures have been established for this purpose and/or
when covered by a Letter of Agreement.
NOTE
−
When the stage services were developed, two basic radar
services (traffic advisories and limited vectoring) were
identified as “Stage I.” This definition became unneces-
sary and the term “Stage I” was eliminated from use. The
Services Available to Pilots
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1
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