5-5-5

Vertical Application

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

Aircraft not laterally separated, may be vertically separated by one of the following methods:

Assign altitudes to aircraft, provided valid Mode C altitude information is monitored and the applicable separation minima is maintained at all times.
Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 4-5-1, Vertical Separation Minima.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-2-15, Validation of Mode C Altitude Readout.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-7-3, Separation.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-8-3, Separation.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-9-4, Separation.
Assign an altitude to an aircraft after the aircraft previously at that altitude has been issued a climb/descent clearance and is observed (valid Mode C), or reports leaving the altitude.
Note
1. Consider known aircraft performance characteristics, pilot furnished and/or Mode C detected information which indicate that climb/descent will not be consistent with the rates recommended in the AIM.
2. It is possible that the separation minima described in paragraph 4-5-1, Vertical Separation Minima, paragraph 7-7-3, Separation, paragraph 7-8-3, Separation, or paragraph 7-9-4, Separation, might not always be maintained using subparagraph b. However, correct application of this procedure will ensure that aircraft are safely separated because the first aircraft must have already vacated the altitude prior to the assignment of that altitude to the second aircraft.
Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-3, Procedural Preference.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 4-5-1, Vertical Separation Minima.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-2-15, Validation of Mode C Altitude Readout.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 6-6-1, Application.