Radar Identification

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5-3-1

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• Before you provide radar service, establish and maintain radar identification of the aircraft involved.

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RADAR IDENTIFICATION

Back 2

•There are separate radar identification methods for primary and secondary radar systems. You will use identification methods for both systems.

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5-3-2 PRIMARY RADAR IDENTIFICATION METHODS

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•Identify a primary or radar beacon target by using one of the following methods:
1.Observing a departing aircraft target within 1 mile of the takeoff runway. (terminal use)
2.Observing a target position with respect to a fix (displayed on the map, scribed on the map overlay, or displayed as a permanent echo) or a visual reporting point that corresponds with a direct position report received from an aircraft, AND the observed track is consistent with the reported heading or route of flight.


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5-3-2 PRIMARY RADAR IDENTIFICATION METHODS 2

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Observe a target make an identifying turn(s) of 30 degrees or more providing the following conditions are met:
•Except in the case of a lost aircraft, a pilot position report is received which assures you that the aircraft is within radar coverage and within the area being displayed.
•Only one aircraft is observed making these turns.
•For IFR aircraft you issue a heading away from an area which will require an increased minimum IFR altitude or have the aircraft climb to the highest minimum altitude in your area before you issue a heading

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5-3-3

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BEACON IDENTIFICATION

When using only Mode 3/A radar beacon to identify a target, use one of the following methods:
a. Request the aircraft to activate the “IDENT” feature of the transponder and then observe the identification display.
b. Request the aircraft to change to a specific discrete or non-discrete code, as appropriate, and then observe the change.
c. Request the aircraft to change transponder to: “standby”. After you observe the target disappear for sufficient scans to assure the loss of radar resulted from placing the transponder in “standby”, request the aircraft to return transponder to normal and then observe the reappearance of the target.

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5-3-3d

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ENROUTE: During narrowband operations, an aircraft may be considered identified when the FDB is automatically associated with the beacon target symbol of an aircraft that is squawking a discrete code assigned by the computer.

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5-3-7

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IDENTIFICATION STATUS

a. Inform an aircraft of radar contact when:
1. Initial radar identification in the ATC system is established.
2. Subsequent to loss of radar contact or terminating radar service, radar identification is reestablished.

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5-3-5

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Questionable Identification

Use more than one method of identification when proximity of targets, duplication of observed action, or any other circumstances cause doubt as to target identification.
If identification is questionable for any reason, take immediate action to re-identify the aircraft or terminate radar service. Identify the aircraft as follows:
1.As described in 5-3-2 or 5-3-3
2.En Route: Ensure that all primary targets are displayed when radar id is lost or questionable

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5-3-6

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POSITION INFORMATION

Inform an aircraft of its position whenever radar identification is established by means of identifying turns or by any of the beacon identification methods. Position information need not be given when identification is established by position correlation or when departing aircraft are identified within 1 mile of the takeoff runway.

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5-3-8

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TARGET MARKERS

En Route - Retain data blocks that are associated with the appropriate target symbol to provide continuous identity of aircraft. Retain the data block until the aircraft has exited the sector or delegated airspace and all potential conflicts have been resolved. The data block shall display flight identification and altitude information as a minimum display. The displayed altitude may be assigned, interim or reported altitude.

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5-2-17

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VALIDATION OF MODE C READOUTS

•Ensure that mode C readouts are valid after accepting an interfacility handoff, initial track start, track start from coast/suspend list, missing, or unreasonable Mode C readouts.

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5-2-17

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VALIDATION OF MODE C READOUTS

A.Consider an altitude readout valid when:
1.It varies < 300 feet from the pilot reported altitude, or
2.You receive continuous readout from an aircraft on the airport and the readout varies less than 300 feet from field elevation or
3. You have correlated the altitude information in your FDB with the validated information in a data block in another facility (by verbally coordinating with the other controller) and your readout is exactly the same as the readout in the other data block.
A. When unable to validate the readout, do NOT use the Mode C altitude information for separation.

A.Whenever you observe an invalid Mode C readout below FL180:
1.Issue the correct altimeter setting and confirm the pilot has accurately reported the altitude.
2.If the altitude continues to be invalid:
a)Instruct the pilot to turn off the altitude reporting portion of his/her transponder and include the reason.
b)Notify the area sup of the aircraft call sign.

A.Whenever you observe an invalid Mode C readout at or above FL 180, unless the aircraft is descending below the Class A Airspace:
1.Confirm that the pilot is using 29.92 inches of mercury as the altimeter setting and has accurately reported the altitude.
2.If the Mode C readout continues to be invalid:
a)Instruct the pilot to turn off the altitude - reporting portion of their transponder,and include the reason.
b)Notify the area supervisor.

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5-2-18

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ALTITUDE CONFIRMATION Mode C

•Request a pilot to confirm assigned altitude on initial contact unless:
•NOTE – for the purpose of this paragraph “initial contact” means pilot’s first radio contact with each sector/position
A.The pilot states assigned altitude, or
B.You assign a new altitude to an aircraft that is climbing or descending or
C.The Mode c readout is valid and indicates that the aircraft is established at the assigned altitude

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2-7-2

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ALTIMETER SETTINGS

b. Identify the source of all altimeter settings when issued, for example:
“Mooney four five three whisky charlie, Grand Island altimeter three zero zero two”.
c. Issue the altimeter setting:
1. To en route aircraft at least one time while operating in your area. Issue the setting forthe nearest reporting station along the aircraft’s route of flight.
4. For the destination airport to arrivals approx.. 50 NM from the destination if an approach control facility does not serve the airport.
e. When issuing clearance to descend below the lowest usable flight level, advise the pilot of the altimeter setting of the weather reporting station nearest the point the aircraft will descend below that flight level.

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IRAAC

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•I - IDENTIFY YOURSELF
•R - RADAR IDENTIFY THE AIRCRAFT
•A - ALTIMETER ISSUED?
•A - ASSIGNED ALTITUDE VERIFIED?
•C - MODE C ALTITUDE VERIFIED?