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N JO 7110.806

Micro-EARTS 3 Mile Operations

In force · Effective September 14, 2026, cancels December 24, 2026 · Issued August 14, 2026

The notice on faa.gov (PDF) · Its page on faa.gov

What it changes

The notice

1. Purpose of this Notice. This notice incorporates guidance from FAA Order JO 7110.124, Microprocessor En Route Automated Radar Tracking System (Micro-EARTS) Fused Display Mode (FDM) for 3 NM and 5 NM Separation throughout the NAS into the FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 5-5-4, Minima, to enable facilities utilizing Micro-EARTS to take advantage of 3 NM separation operations at and below FL 230. This change is accompanied by an additional change to FAA Order 7210.3, paragraph 8-2-1, Three Mile Operations, which provides Micro-EARTS facilities additional guidance to implement 3 NM separation areas.

2. Audience. This notice applies to the following Air Traffic Organization service units: Air Traffic Services, Safety and Technical Training, Service Centers, and all facilities that utilize Micro-EARTS (ZAN, ZSU, ZUA and HCF).

3. Where can I Find This Notice? This notice is available on the MyFAA employee website at https://employees.faa.gov/tools_resources/orders_notices/ and on the Air Traffic Plans and Publications website at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/.

4. Background. Micro En Route Automation Radar Tracking System (Micro-EARTS) has supported Fusion since 2017. FAA Order JO 7110.124 provides guidance for adapting Micro-EARTS to 3 NM use while in FDM. However, guidance for 3 NM separation using Micro-EARTS while in FDM is not available in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, 5-5-4, Minima. Adding 3 NM use guidance to paragraph 5-5-4 will facilitate Micro-EARTS use of the 3 NM separation standard at and below FL 230.

5. Action. Amend FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, by changing the following paragraphs to read as follows:

5–5–4. Minima

Title through Subparagraph d4(d) Reference, No Change.

  1. MEARTS. EN ROUTE. Fused Display Mode:
    1. Below FL 600– 5 miles.
    2. At or above FL 600– 10 miles.
    3. Up to and including FL 230 where all the following conditions are met– 3 miles:
      1. Significant operational advantages can be obtained.
      2. Within the 3 NM separation area.
      3. Facility directives define the 3 NM separation area.
      4. The 3 NM separation area is displayable on the video map.
      5. Involved aircraft are displayed using the Fusion target symbol.
    4. When transitioning from terminal to en route control, apply separation of 3 miles increasing to 5 miles or greater, provided that:
      1. The aircraft are on diverging routes/courses; or
      2. The leading aircraft is and will remain faster than the following aircraft; or
      3. Separation is constantly increasing and the first center controller will establish 5 NM or other appropriate form of separation prior to the aircraft departing the first center sector; and
      4. The procedure is covered by a letter of agreement between facilities involved and limited to specified routes and/or sectors/positions.
    5. When displaying ISR in the data block – 5 miles.

Subparagraph e through j, re-letter as f through k

No further changes to paragraph

6. Distribution. This notice is distributed to the following ATO service units: Air Traffic Services, Mission Support Services, and System Operations, and Safety and Technical Training; the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service; the William J. Hughes Technical Center; and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.

Jon M. Stowe
Director, Policy, AJV-P
Mission Support Services
Air Traffic Organization (ATO)