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VFR CRAFT
VFR CRAFT
Don't worry! This one is way simpler since VFR pilots are ultimately in charge of maintaining their own routing and traffic separation, unlike IFR aircraft!
NOTE - VFR aircraft do NOT have to file a flight plan!
Here's some cool videos dealing with VFR departures from Class B, C, and D if you have the time to check them out.
Class D VFR Departure
Class C VFR Departure
Class B VFR Departure
Clearance
The only time a VFR aircraft will need a clearance is if they are operating in bravo airspace (DFW or DAL). Issue aircraft departing out of these airports a clearance out of bravo airspace as follows:
7−9−2. VFR AIRCRAFT IN CLASS B AIRSPACE
a. VFR aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance to operate in Class B airspace.
PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED THROUGH/TO ENTER/OUT OF BRAVO AIRSPACE, and as appropriate, VIA (route). MAINTAIN (altitude) WHILE IN BRAVO AIRSPACE. or CLEARED AS REQUESTED. (Additional instructions, as necessary.)
b. Approve/deny requests from VFR aircraft to operate in Class B airspace based on workload, operational limitations and traffic conditions.
Route Limit
Follow the facility SOP for routing guidance. If there is nothing published, do not issue headings/routings.
Altitude
Follow the facility SOP for altitude guidance. If there is nothing published, do not issue an assigned altitude.
Frequency & Transponder
All aircraft departing B, C, and TRSA airspace are assumed to want flight following and need to be given a departure frequency and squawk code on initial contact. VFR aircraft departing D airspace are assumed to not want radar service, and should only be given a departure frequency and squawk code when requested.
3−9−3. DEPARTURE CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
Inform departing IFR, SVFR, VFR aircraft receiving radar service, and TRSA VFR aircraft of the following:
a. Before takeoff.
1. Issue the appropriate departure control frequency and beacon code. The departure control frequency may be omitted if a SID has been or will be assigned and the departure control frequency is published on the SID.
PHRASEOLOGY− DEPARTURE FREQUENCY (frequency), SQUAWK (code).
Some Examples:
Aircraft: N413ES
Departing KDAL VFR
C: "CESSNA FOUR ONE THREE ECHO SIERRA, CLEARED OUT OF DFW BRAVO AIRSPACE"
R: "VIA RADAR VECTORS"
A: "MAINTAIN VFR AT 2,500"
F: "DEPARTURE FREQUENCY ONE TWO FOUR POINT THREE"
T: "SQUAWK THREE THREE SEVEN ONE"
Aircraft: N743T
Departing KABI (Class C) VFR
C: *NOT USED FOR CLASS C*
R: *NOT USED*
A: *NOT USED*
F: "NOVEMBER SEVEN FOUR THREE TANGO, DEPARTURE FREQUENCY ONE TWO FIVE POINT ZERO"
T: "SQUAWK TWO TWO ZERO SIX"
Aircraft: N123AB
Departing KACT (Class D) VFR
C: *NOT USED FOR CLASS D*
R: *NOT USED*
A: *NOT USED*
F: *ONLY IF REQUESTING FLIGHT FOLLOWING*
T: *ONLY IF REQUESTING FLIGHT FOLLOWING*
(Just give VFR aircraft departing class D airspace taxi instructions initially, unless they are requesting flight following)
Special VFR Clearances
Special VFR Clearances
As mentioned before, Special VFR (SVFR), allows pilots to fly in much more restrictive weather conditions than VFR while not having to be on an active IFR flight plan. SVFR can only be solicited by pilots and you should only honor it if workload permits. Additionally, SVFR is not allowed to delay any IFR operations
7−5−1. AUTHORIZATION
a. SVFR operations in weather conditions less than basic VFR minima are authorized:
1. At any location not prohibited by 14 CFR Part 91, Appendix D or when an exemption to 14 CFR Part 91 has been granted and an associated LOA established. 14 CFR Part 91 does not prohibit SVFR helicopter operations.
2. Only within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E surface areas, below 10,000 feet MSL.
3. Only when requested by the pilot.
4. On the basis of weather conditions reported at the airport of intended landing/departure.
5. When weather conditions are not reported at the airport of intended landing/departure and the pilot advises that VFR cannot be maintained and requests SVFR.
PHRASEOLOGY− CLEARED TO ENTER/OUT OF/THROUGH, (name) SURFACE AREA and if required, (direction) OF (name) AIRPORT (specified routing), and MAINTAIN SPECIAL V−F−R CONDITIONS, and if required, AT OR BELOW (altitude below 10,000 feet MSL)
EXAMPLE - "N123AB cleared out of Waco surface area, maintain special VFR conditions."
SOPs and LOAs
SOPs and LOAs
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are established agreements on how to operate a facility so everyone is doing the same thing. This increases efficiency, helps reduce the need to coordinate constantly between airport controllers, and provides a set of rules on how the airport should be ran.
Letters of Agreement (LOAs) are formal agreements made with other controlling facilities, such as a neighboring ARTCC or over/underlying facility. These have predefined routings to other airports, altitude restrictions, and more. These also increase safety and airspace efficiency, just like SOPs.
Cheat Sheets combine mass amounts of information onto one sheet to help streamline your workflow as a controller, providing lots of beneficial information in an organized format. While these cheat sheets are very useful, you are still required to have a basic knowledge of how each airport works, or where to find the answer quickly. Cheat Sheet information may also become outdated, as they are updated on a long term basis. When in doubt, refer to the actual charts!
Note: While it is preferred that aircraft are placed on LOA approved routing, it is not the end of the world if a pilot can't accept an approved routing. In an event or high traffic situations a coordination of routing not in alignment with with LOA should occur.
SOPs, LOAs, and Cheat Sheets are available for download on the Controller Documents section of the Fort Worth website.
SOPs, LOAs, and Cheat Sheets are available for download on the Controller Documents section of the Fort Worth website.
End of Unit 2 Lesson 3
End of Unit 2 Lesson 3
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