5-3-2

Primary Radar Identification Methods

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

Identify a primary, radar beacon, or ADS-B 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, or
2. A nonverbal rolling/boundary notification is used for each departure aircraft.
  Note
  
  Nonverbal notification can be accomplished via the use of a manual or electronic “drop tube” or automation.
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 TACAN/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.
Note
1. Establishment of radar identification through use of DME position information can be complicated by the fact that some military TACANs are not collocated with frequency-paired VORs and might be separated from them by as much as 31 miles.
2. Visual reporting points used for RADAR identification are limited to those most used by pilots and whose range and azimuth have been determined by supervisory personnel.
Observing a target make an identifying turn or turns of 30 degrees or more, provided the following conditions are met:
Note

Use of identifying turns or headings which would cause the aircraft to follow normal IFR routes or known VFR flight paths might result in misidentification. When these circumstances cannot be avoided, additional methods of identification may be necessary.
1. Except in the case of a lost aircraft, a pilot position report is received which 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, you 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.
  Reference
  
  FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays.
  FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-12-11, Surveillance Unusable.