The inside of the Potomac TRACON.

TRACON is an acronym for Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol. It is usually located within the vicinity of a large airport. Typically, the TRACON controls aircraft within a 30-50 nautical mile (56 to 93 km) radius of the airport between the surface and 10,000 feet. A TRACON is sometimes also known as an Approach Control or Departure Control. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (825x638, 55 KB)The Potomac Conslidated TRACON. Retrieved from http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (825x638, 55 KB)The Potomac Conslidated TRACON. Retrieved from http://www. ... Acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations formed from the initial letter or letters of words, such as NATO and XHTML, and are pronounced in a way that is distinct from the full pronunciation of what the letters stand for. ...

TRACON Radar Facilities

TRACONs normally have their own radar system that allow air traffic controllers to track aircraft. This is typically based on one or more Airport Surveillance Radar(s) (ASR), sweeping once every 6 seconds. These frequent updates help controllers see the result of direction changes quickly. U.S. TRACONS also have the capability to make use of CENRAP (CENter RAdar Presentation) as a backup if their primary system fails. This makes use of en-route surveillance radar used by Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs). Expanded separation minimums are normally required when in this mode. Controllers survey the field at Misawa Air Base, Japan. ...

TRACON Control Positions

TRACON control positions usually include a radar controller and a coordinator who generally stands behind the radar position.

Radar Controller

The radar controller is responsible for ensuring appropriate separation, and issuing traffic and other local aviation information for aircraft under its control. Additionally, the radar controller is responsible for ensuring all required coordination with other controllers in the tower, TRACON, or en-route center is completed, making computer required computer entries, and updating the flight progress strips. A flight progress strip is a small strip of paper used to track flights in Air traffic control. ...

Coordinator

The coordinator provides coordination support for the radar controller. He/she will provide inter/intra faciity coordination when required for the radar controller and make computer entries.

"Hands-off" Controller

Some TRACONs have the ability to staff a second position at the radar console, referred to as a "hands-off" controller. This position is responsible for providing direct support by coordinating for the radar controller, managing flight progress strips, and making computer entries. When this position is staffed, the coordinator duties are greatly reduced, allowing him/her to provide support for a number of positions.

TRACON traffic responsibilities

TRACONs are responsible for providing all ATC services within their airspace. Generally, there are four types of traffic flows controlled by TRACON controllers. These are departures, arrivals, overflights, and aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

Departure Aircraft

Departure aircraft are received from the tower and are generally 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet high, climbing to a pre-determined altitude. The TRACON controller working this traffic is responsible for clearing all other TRACON traffic and, based on the route of flight, placing the departing aircraft on a track and in a geographical location (sometimes referred to as a "gate") that is pre-determined through agreements for the en-route center controller. This positioning is designed to allow the en-route center to integrate the aircraft into its traffic flow easily. This temporary flight restriction map from the Federal Aviation Administration shows the boundaries of the regions controlled by the Area Control Centers within and adjoining the continental United States, as well as the IATA airport code of each such Center operated by the United States. ...

Arrival Aircraft

Arrival aircraft are received from the en-route center in compliance with pre-determined agreements on routing, altitude, speed, spacing, etc. The TRACON controller working this traffic will take control of the aircraft and blend it with other aircraft entering the TRACON from other areas or "gates" into a single, parallel or perpendicular final for the runway. The spacing is critical to ensure the aircraft can land and clear the runway prior to the next aircraft touching down on the runway. The tower may also request expanded spacing between aircraft to allow aircraft to depart or to cross the runway in use. This temporary flight restriction map from the Federal Aviation Administration shows the boundaries of the regions controlled by the Area Control Centers within and adjoining the continental United States, as well as the IATA airport code of each such Center operated by the United States. ...

Overflight Aircraft

Overflight aircraft are aircraft that enter the TRACON airspace at one point and exit the airspace at another without landing at an airport. They must be controlled in a manner that ensures they remain separated from the climbing and descending traffic that is moving in and out of the airport. Their route may be altered to ensure this is possible. When they are returned to the en-route center, they must be on the original routing unless a change has been coordinated.

VFR Aircraft

VFR aircraft are handled as traffic permits outside Positive Control Areas. Controllers will provide traffic calls and traffic alerts to ensure safety with other aircraft. Controllers lack the level of control over these aircraft that he/she has over aircraft on instrument flight plans in non-positive control airpace. Controllers usually provide information for the pilot about traffic in the immediate vicinity and weather reports if applicable. In positive control areas, the aircraft are required to conform to all control instructions until the exit. This ensures separation from Instrument Flight Plan (IFR) aircraft is maintained in the critical flight areas around the airports.

TRACON Availability

Not all airports have a TRACON available. In this case, the en-route center will coordinate directly with the tower and provide this type of service where radar coverage permits. Generally, however, the separation minimums are greatly increased.