7-5-3

Separation

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

Apply nonradar or visual separation between:
1. SVFR fixed-wing aircraft.
2. SVFR fixed-wing aircraft and SVFR Helicopters.
3. SVFR fixed-wing aircraft and IFR aircraft.
  Note
  1. Vertical separation is authorized between SVFR fixed‐wing aircraft and IFR aircraft as prescribed in FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 7-5-4, Altitude Assignments
  2. Due to the requirements for SVFR fixed‐wing aircraft to maintain 1-mile flight visibility and to remain clear of clouds, radar separation is not authorized during SVFR fixed‐wing operations. Radar vectors are authorized, as prescribed in paragraph 5-6-1, Application, subparagraph f, to expedite the entrance, exit, and transition of SVFR fixed‐wing aircraft through the appropriate surface area.
  Reference
  
  FAA Order JO 7110.65, Chapter 6, Nonradar.
  FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.
  FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-5-4, Altitude Assignment.
Apply nonradar, visual, or IFR radar separation between:
1. SVFR Helicopters.
2. SVFR Helicopters and IFR aircraft.
  Note
  1. Vertical separation is authorized between SVFR helicopters and IFR aircraft as prescribed in FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 7-5-4, Altitude Assignments.
  2. Radar separation as prescribed in Chapter 5 may be applied provided that the facility conducting the operation is authorized to provide radar separation services in accordance with FAA Order JO 7210.3, paragraph 10-5-3, Functional Use of Certified Tower Radar Displays (CTRD), subparagraph b5, and subparagraph d. Facilities that are not delegated airspace or separation responsibility must use CTRDs in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays, subparagraph b.
Alternate SVFR helicopter separation minima may be established when warranted by the volume and/or complexity of local helicopter operations. Alternate SVFR helicopter separation minima must be established with an LOA with the helicopter operator which must specify, as a minimum, that SVFR helicopters are to maintain visual reference to the surface and adhere to the following aircraft separation minima:
1. Between a SVFR helicopter and an arriving or departing IFR aircraft:
  1. ¹/₂ mile. If the IFR aircraft is less than 1 mile from the landing airport.
  2. 1 mile. If the IFR aircraft is 1 mile or more from the airport.
2. 1 mile between SVFR helicopters. This separation may be reduced to 200 feet if:
  1. Both helicopters are departing simultaneously on courses that diverge by at least 30 degrees and:
    1. The tower can determine this separation by reference to surface markings; or
    2. One of the departing helicopters is instructed to remain at least 200 feet from the other.
      Note
      
      Vertical separation is authorized between SVFR helicopters and IFR aircraft as prescribed in FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 7-5-4, Altitude Assignments.
      
      Radar separation as prescribed in Chapter 5 may be applied provided that the facility conducting the operation is authorized to provide radar separation services in accordance with FAA Order JO 7210.3, paragraph 10-5-3, Functional Use of Certified Tower Radar Displays (CTRD), subparagraph b5, and subparagraph d. Facilities that are not delegated airspace or separation responsibility must use CTRDs in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays, subparagraph b.
      Reference
      
      FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-4, Operational Priority.
      FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.
      FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-5-4, Altitude Assignment.
      FAA Order JO 7110.65, Chapter 6, Nonradar.
      FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 10-5-3, Functional Use of Certified Tower Radar Displays.