# Visual Separation

Visual separation refers to two types of separation procedures used in different scenarios:

1. **Visual separation in the vicinity of aerodromes** – Relevant primarily for **tower controllers** and, in some cases, **approach controllers**.
2. **Delegation of separation to pilots during climb or descent** – Relevant for **approach controllers**.

### Visual Separation in the Vicinity of Aerodromes

Radar separation (excluding **wake turbulence separation** and **runway separation**) may be **reduced** near an aerodrome if **one** of the following conditions is met:

- The **tower controller** has continuous **visual contact** with both aircraft and provides **traffic information** to at least one of them.
- Both **pilots** have the **other aircraft in sight** and confirm they can maintain adequate separation.
- If **one aircraft is following another**, the **following pilot** reports they **have the leading aircraft in sight** and can maintain separation.

<p class="callout info">The terms **“vicinity of the aerodrome”** and **“adequate separation”** are not explicitly defined, so **controllers must use discretion**, such as when **avoiding a missed approach** where minimum separation could be compromised.</p>


### Delegation of Separation During Climb or Descent

Under specific conditions, **responsibility for separation** between two aircraft may be **delegated to the pilots**.

- Own separation is applied: 
    - upon crew request;
    - in [airspace classes](https://skybrary.aero/index.php/Classification_of_Airspace "Classification of Airspace") D and E only;
    - at or below 10,000 ft;
    - during climb or descent;
- All flights must be in [VMC](https://skybrary.aero/index.php/Visual_Meteorological_Conditions_(VMC) "Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)") (they may fly under [IFR](https://skybrary.aero/index.php/Instrument_Flight_Rules_(IFR) "Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)") though);
- All pilots must agree to the use of own separation;
- Alternative instructions should be given to IFR flights if it is considered that VMC may not be maintained for the whole duration of the clearance.

##### Phraseology Example: Own Separation - Final


<table id="bkmrk-station-phraseology-" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><th style="width: 7.74604%;">**Station**</th><th style="width: 92.254%;">**Phraseology**</th></tr><tr><td style="width: 7.74604%;">**ATC**</td><td style="width: 92.254%;">"RAM123, traffic, traffic two o’clock, five miles, A320, report in sight."</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 7.74604%;">**Pilot**</td><td style="width: 92.254%;">"Traffic in sight, RAM123."</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 7.74604%;">**ATC**</td><td style="width: 92.254%;">"RAM123, number three, cleared visual approach runway 35R, in the event of missed approach, climb runway heading to  
4'000ft, maintain visual separation from A320 to runway 35L."</td></tr></tbody></table>

Own separation is **NOT** to be used:

- On controller's initiative;
- In airspace classes A, B and C;
- At night;
- In [IMC](https://skybrary.aero/index.php/Instrument_Meteorological_Conditions_(IMC) "Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)");
- Above 10,000 ft;
- If all aircraft are maintaining their level;
- If the use of own separation is not agreed by all pilots concerned.