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Merging Target Procedures

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

Except while they are established in a holding pattern, apply merging target procedures to all radar identified:
1. Aircraft at 10,000 feet and above.
2. Turbojet aircraft regardless of altitude.
  Reference
  
  P/CG Term - Turbojet Aircraft.
3. Presidential aircraft regardless of altitude.
Issue traffic information to the aircraft listed in subparagraph a whose targets appear likely to merge unless the aircraft are separated by more than the appropriate vertical separation minima.
Example

“Traffic twelve o'clock, seven miles, eastbound, Gulfstream 650, one seven thousand.”
“United Sixteen and American Twenty-Five, traffic twelve o'clock, one zero miles, opposite direction, eastbound Seven Thirty-Seven at flight level three three zero, westbound Airbus Three Twenty at flight level three two zero.”

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-4-21, Description of Aircraft Types.
When both aircraft in subparagraph b are in RVSM airspace and vertically separated by 1,000 feet, and either pilot reports they are unable to maintain RVSM due to turbulence or mountain wave, use vectors to prevent the targets from merging.
Example

“Delta One Twenty-Three, fly heading two niner zero, vector for traffic. Traffic twelve o'clock, one zero miles, opposite direction, Seven Thirty-Seven, eastbound at flight level three one zero.”
If the pilot requests, vector their aircraft to avoid merging targets with the previously issued traffic.
Note

Because aircraft closure rates can be rapid, issue traffic with enough time for the pilot to decide if a vector is necessary.
If unable to provide vector service, inform the pilot.
Note

The phraseology “Unable RVSM due to turbulence (or mountain wave)” is only intended for severe turbulence or other weather encounters with altitude deviations of approximately 200 feet or more.

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