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., fromsuch 25Las to 25C when another aircraft is approaching 25R).

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

Phraseology Example: Own Separation - Final

Station	Phraseology
ATC	"DLH123,RAM123, traffic, A320,traffic 2two o’clock, five miles, A320, report in sight and able for own separation.sight."
Pilot	"DLH123, trafficTraffic in sightsight, and able.RAM123."
ATC	"DLH123,RAM123, number three, cleared visual approach runway 25C,35R, in casethe event of missed approach, climb onrunway heading to 4'000ft, maintain visual separation from A320 to runway track to 5,000 feet, maintain own separation to mentioned traffic.35L."

Delegation of Separation During Climb or Descent

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

Conditions

for
• Own Delegation:

separation is applied:

• upon

  Daylightcrew hours only.

  request;
• in 

  Belowairspace FL100.

  classes D and E only;

• In Class Eat or Dbelow airspace.

  10,000 ft;

• VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) must be present.

• Separation can only be delegated during climb or descent.

  descent;

All

Bothflights must be in VMC (they may fly under IFR though);

All pilots must agree to the procedureuse 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.

Own separation is NOT. to be used:

• On controller's initiative;
• In airspace classes A, B and C;
• At night;
• In 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.

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."