Section 12. Sea Lane Operations

3-12-1. APPLICATION

Where sea lanes are established and controlled, apply the provisions of this section.

3-12-2. DEPARTURE SEPARATION

Separate a departing aircraft from a preceding departing or arriving aircraft using the same sea lane by ensuring that it does not commence takeoff until:

1. The other aircraft has departed and crossed the end of the sea lane or turned to avert any conflict. (See FIG 3-12-1). If you can determine distances by reference to suitable landmarks, the other aircraft need only be airborne if the following minimum distance exists between aircraft:
   1. When only Category I aircraft are involved- 1,500 feet.
   2. When a Category I aircraft is preceded by a Category II aircraft- 3,000 feet.
   3. When either the succeeding or both are Category II aircraft- 3,000 feet.
   4. When either is a Category III aircraft- 6,000 feet. (See FIG 3-12-2.)

   

   

2. A preceding landing aircraft has taxied out of the sea lane.

   NOTE: Due to the absence of braking capability, caution should be exercised when instructing a float plane to hold a position as the aircraft will continue to move because of prop generated thrust. Therefore, clearance to line up and wait should be followed by takeoff or other clearance as soon as is practical.

3-12-3. ARRIVAL SEPARATION

Separate an arriving aircraft from another aircraft using the same sea lane by ensuring that the arriving aircraft does not cross the landing threshold until one of the following conditions exists:

1. The other aircraft has landed and taxied out of the sea lane. Between sunrise and sunset, if you can determine distances by reference to suitable landmarks and the other aircraft has landed, it need not be clear of the sea lane if the following minimum distance from the landing threshold exists:
   1. When a Category I aircraft is landing behind a Category I or II- 2,000 feet. (See FIG 3-12-3.)

      

   2. When a Category II aircraft is landing behind a Category I or II- 2,500 feet. (See FIG 3-12-4.)

      

2. The other aircraft has departed and crossed the end of the sea lane or turned to avert any conflict. (See FIG 3-12-5.) If you can determine distances by reference to suitable landmarks and the other aircraft is airborne, it need not have crossed the end of the sea lane if the following minimum distance from the landing threshold exists:
   1. When only Category I aircraft are involved- 1,500 feet.
   2. When either is a Category II aircraft- 3,000 feet.
   3. When either is a Category III aircraft- 6,000 feet. (See FIG 3-12-6.)