GENERAL RADAR OPERATING PROCEDURES
Certain RADAR procedures apply in almost every RADAR environment. So, when you
change duty stations and are assigned to the RADAR branch of an ATCF, you will
already know some basic RADAR procedures.
RADAR Identification Procedures
Before providing RADAR service, you must identify the aircraft involved. The following
are the two means you have to do this:
By the primary return and associated methods
By the secondary beacon return and its associated methods
Air Traffic Control, FAAO JO 7110.65, contains a complete listing of RADAR
identification methods.
Primary RADAR Identification Methods
Identify a primary or RADAR beacon target by using one of the following methods:
Observing a departing aircraft target within 1 mile of the takeoff runway end at
airports with an operating control tower, provided one of the following methods of
coordination is accomplished:
1. A verbal rolling/boundary notification is issued for each departure
2. A nonverbal rolling/boundary notification is used for each departure
aircraft
Observing a target whose position with respect to a fix (displayed on the video
map, scribed on the map overlay, or displayed as a permanent echo) or a visual
reporting point (whose range and azimuth from the RADAR antenna has been
accurately determined and made available to the controller) corresponds with a
direct position report received from an aircraft, and the observed track is
consistent with the reported heading or route of flight. If a Tactical Air Navigation
(TACAN)/ VHF Omni-Directional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) is
located within 6,000 feet of the RADAR antenna, the TACAN/VORTAC may be
used as a reference fix for RADAR identification without being displayed on the
video map or map overlay.
Observing a target make an identifying turn or turns of 30 degrees or more,
provided the following conditions are met:
1. Except in the case of a lost aircraft, receiving a pilot position report
assures you that the aircraft is within RADAR coverage and within the
area being displayed.
2. Only one aircraft is observed making these turns.
3. For aircraft operating in accordance with an IFR clearance, either issue a
heading away from an area which will require an increased minimum IFR
altitude or have the aircraft climb to the highest minimum altitude in your
area of jurisdiction before you issue a heading.
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