5-9-5

Approach Separation Responsibility

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

The radar controller performing the approach control function is responsible for separation of radar arrivals unless visual separation is provided by the tower, or a letter of agreement/facility directive authorizes otherwise. Radar final controllers ensure that established separation is maintained between aircraft under their control and other aircraft established on the same final approach course.
Note

The radar controller may be a controller in an ARTCC, a terminal facility, or a tower controller when authorized to perform the approach control function in a terminal area.

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-19, Wake Turbulence.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Section 5, Radar Separation, Para 5-5-1, Application.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-5-4, Minima.
FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 2-1-16, Authorization for Separation Services by Towers.
When timed approaches are being conducted, the radar controller must maintain the radar separation specified in paragraph 6-7-5, Interval Minima, until the aircraft is observed to have passed the final approach fix inbound (nonprecision approaches) or the OM or the fix used in lieu of the outer marker (precision approaches) and is within 5 miles of the runway on the final approach course or until visual separation can be provided by the tower.
Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-4-6, Receiving Controller Handoff.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-9-2, Final Approach Course Interception.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-9-6, Simultaneous Dependent Approaches.
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 6-7-2, Approach Sequence.

In the forum archive