2-1-16

Surface Areas

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Coordinate with the appropriate nonapproach control tower on an individual aircraft basis before issuing a clearance which would require flight within a surface area for which the tower has responsibility unless otherwise specified in a letter of agreement.
Reference

FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 4-3-1, Letters of Agreement.
14 CFR Section 91.127, Operating on or in the Vicinity of an Airport in Class E Airspace.
P/CG Term - Surface Area.
Coordinate with the appropriate control tower for transit authorization when you are providing radar traffic advisory service to an aircraft that will enter another facility's airspace.
Note

The pilot is not expected to obtain his/her own authorization through each area when in contact with a radar facility.
Transfer communications to the appropriate facility, if required, prior to operation within a surface area for which the tower has responsibility.
Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-17, Radio Communications.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-11, Surface Area Restrictions.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-6-1, Application.
14 CFR Section 91.129, Operations in Class D Airspace.

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