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AIM 

4/20/23

 

3

2

4

Controlled Airspace

2. VFR Flights.

(a)

Arriving aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace and must contact

ATC on the appropriate frequency, and in relation to geographical fixes shown on local charts. Although a pilot
may be operating beneath the floor of the Class B airspace on initial contact, communications with ATC should
be established in relation to the points indicated for spacing and sequencing purposes.

(b)

Departing aircraft require a clearance to depart Class B airspace and should advise the clearance

delivery position of their intended altitude and route of flight. ATC will normally advise VFR aircraft when
leaving the geographical limits of the Class B airspace. Radar service is not automatically terminated with this
advisory unless specifically stated by the controller.

(c)

Aircraft not landing or departing the primary airport may obtain an ATC clearance to transit the

Class B airspace when traffic conditions permit and provided the requirements of 14 CFR Section 91.131 are
met. Such VFR aircraft are encouraged, to the extent possible, to operate at altitudes above or below the Class
B airspace or transit through established VFR corridors. Pilots operating in VFR corridors are urged to use
frequency 122.750 MHz for the exchange of aircraft position information.

e. ATC Clearances and Separation.

An ATC clearance is required to enter and operate within Class B

airspace. VFR pilots are provided sequencing and separation from other aircraft while operating within Class
B airspace.

REFERENCE

AIM, Para 4

1

18, Terminal Radar Services for VFR Aircraft.

NOTE

Separation and sequencing of VFR aircraft will be suspended in the event of a radar outage as this service is dependent on
radar. The pilot will be advised that the service is not available and issued wind, runway information and the time or place
to contact the tower.

1.

VFR aircraft are separated from all VFR/IFR aircraft which weigh 19,000 pounds or less by a minimum

of:

(a)

Target resolution, or

(b)

500 feet vertical separation, or

(c)

Visual separation.

2.

VFR aircraft are separated from all VFR/IFR aircraft which weigh more than 19,000 and turbojets by

no less than:

(a)

1

/

2

 miles lateral separation, or

(b)

500 feet vertical separation, or

(c)

Visual separation.

3.

This program is not to be interpreted as relieving pilots of their responsibilities to see and avoid other

traffic operating in basic VFR weather conditions, to adjust their operations and flight path as necessary to
preclude serious wake encounters, to maintain appropriate terrain and obstruction clearance or to remain in
weather conditions equal to or better than the minimums required by 14 CFR Section 91.155. Approach control
should be advised and a revised clearance or instruction obtained when compliance with an assigned route,
heading and/or altitude is likely to compromise pilot responsibility with respect to terrain and obstruction
clearance, vortex exposure, and weather minimums.

4.

ATC may assign altitudes to VFR aircraft that do not conform to 14 CFR Section 91.159. 

“RESUME

APPROPRIATE VFR ALTITUDES”

 will be broadcast when the altitude assignment is no longer needed for

separation or when leaving Class B airspace. Pilots must return to an altitude that conforms to 14 CFR Section
91.159.

f. Proximity operations.

 VFR aircraft operating in proximity to Class B airspace are cautioned against

operating too closely to the boundaries, especially where the floor of the Class B airspace is 3,000 feet or less