4/20/23 

AIM 

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6.  Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) 

a.  Background. 

TRSAs were originally established as part of the Terminal Radar Program at selected 

airports. TRSAs were never controlled airspace from a regulatory standpoint because the establishment of 

TRSAs was never subject to the rulemaking process; consequently, TRSAs are not contained in 14 CFR Part 71 

nor are there any TRSA operating rules in 14 CFR Part 91. Part of the Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA) 

program was to eventually replace all TRSAs. However, the ARSA requirements became relatively stringent and 

it was subsequently decided that TRSAs would have to meet ARSA criteria before they would be converted. 

TRSAs do not fit into any of the U.S. airspace classes; therefore, they will continue to be non

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Part 71 airspace 

areas where participating pilots can receive additional radar services which have been redefined as TRSA 

Service. 

b.  TRSAs. 

The primary airport(s) within the TRSA become(s) Class D airspace. The remaining portion of 

the TRSA overlies other controlled airspace which is normally Class E airspace beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet 

and established to transition to/from the en route/terminal environment. 

c.  Participation. 

Pilots operating under VFR are encouraged to contact the radar approach control and avail 

themselves of the TRSA Services. However, participation is voluntary on the part of the pilot. See Chapter 4, 

Air Traffic Control, for details and procedures. 

d.  Charts. 

TRSAs are depicted on VFR sectional and terminal area charts with a solid black line and altitudes 

for each segment. The Class D portion is charted with a blue segmented line. 

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7.  Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) and Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) 

a.  Background.

 The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prescribes special air traffic rules for aircraft 

operating within the boundaries of certain designated airspace. These areas are listed in 14 CFR Part 93 and can 

be found throughout the NAS. Procedures, nature of operations, configuration, size, and density of traffic vary 

among the identified areas. 

b.  SFRAs.

 Airspace of defined dimensions, above land areas or territorial waters, within which the flight of 

aircraft is subject to the rules set forth in 14 CFR Part 93, unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control. Not 

all areas listed in 14 CFR Part 93 are designated SFRA, but special air traffic rules apply to all areas described 

in 14 CFR Part 93. 

REFERENCE

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14 CFR Part 93, Special Air Traffic Rules 

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 9

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10, Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) and Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) 

P/CG 

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 Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) 

c.  Participation.

 Each person operating an aircraft to, from, or within airspace designated as a SATR area or 

SFRA must adhere to the special air traffic rules set forth in 14 CFR Part 93, as applicable, unless otherwise 

authorized or required by ATC. 

d.  Charts.

 SFRAs are depicted on VFR sectional, terminal area, and helicopter route charts. (See FIG 3

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4.) 

Other Airspace Areas 

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