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RADAR CONTACT

Pilot/Controller Glossary with JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

  1. Used by ATC to inform an aircraft that it is identified using an approved ATC surveillance source on an air traffic controller's display and that radar flight following will be provided until radar service is terminated. Radar service may also be provided within the limits of necessity and capability. When a pilot is informed of “radar contact,” he/she automatically discontinues reporting over compulsory reporting points.
  1. The term used to inform the controller that the aircraft is identified and approval is granted for the aircraft to enter the receiving controllers airspace.

See ATC SURVEILLANCE SOURCE; RADAR CONTACT LOST; RADAR FLIGHT FOLLOWING; RADAR SERVICE; RADAR SERVICE TERMINATED; RADAR CONTACT ICAO.

Refer to AIM.

ICAO definition

The situation which exists when the radar blip or radar position symbol of a particular aircraft is seen and identified on a radar display.

In the 7110.65

Used in 17 paragraphs of JO 7110.65BB.

  1. 2-3-3Oceanic Data Entries
  2. 3-1-9Use of Tower Radar Displays
  3. 4-5-7Altitude Information
  4. 5-1-8Position Reporting
  5. 5-2-3Emergency Code Assignment
  6. 5-3-7Identification Status
  7. 5-4-2Terms
  8. 5-10-5Radar Contact Lost
  9. 5-10-14Final Approach Abnormalities
  10. 7-6-7Sequencing
  11. 9-6-1Application
  12. 9-6-2Derelict Balloons
  13. 10-1-4Responsibility
  14. 10-2-5Emergency Situations
  15. 10-3-1Overdue Aircraft/Other Situations
  16. 10-6-5Services to Rescue Aircraft
  17. 13-1-8Recording of Control Data