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.

Note: The terms “vicinity of the aerodrome” and “adequate separation” are not explicitly defined, so controllers must use discretion. Examples include:

• Swing-over in Frankfurt (e.g., from 25L to 25C when another aircraft is approaching 25R).

• Avoiding a missed approach where minimum separation could be compromised.

Phraseology Example: Own Separation - Final

Station	Phraseology
ATC	"DLH123, traffic, A320, 2 o’clock, report in sight and able for own separation."
Pilot	"DLH123, traffic in sight and able."
ATC	"DLH123, cleared visual approach runway 25C, in case of missed approach, climb on runway track to 5,000 feet, maintain own separation to mentioned traffic."

Delegation of Separation During Climb or Descent

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

Conditions for Delegation:

• Daylight hours only.

• Below FL100.

• In Class E or D airspace.

• VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) must be present.

• Separation can only be delegated during climb or descent.

• Both pilots must agree to the procedure.

Phraseology Example: Own Separation - Climb/Descent

Station	Phraseology
ATC	"DLH123, report flight conditions and level."
Pilot	"DLH123, VMC, FL80."
ATC	"DLH123, traffic is PA42, 1 o’clock, 5 miles, same direction, 1000 feet below, report in sight."
Pilot	"DLH123, traffic in sight."
ATC	"DLH123, advise able to maintain own separation until passing FL60."
Pilot	"DLH123, affirm."
ATC	"DEHHH, traffic 7 o’clock, 5 miles, Airbus 320 has you in sight. May he descend through your level maintaining own separation?"
Pilot (DEHHH)	"DEHHH, affirm."
ATC	"DLH123, descend 5,000 feet QNH1013, maintain own separation and VMC until passing FL60."
Pilot	"DLH123, descending 5,000 feet QNH1013, maintaining own separation and VMC until passing FL60."
ATC	"DLH123, DEHHH, clear of traffic."