VFR - IFR separation

newtoatc1 Newcomer

Hello everyone, I'm new to ATC and have a question about VFR and IFR separation.

First, If you have an IFR aircraft and a VFR aircraft that you are providing flight following to would the separation requirement only be 500 feet? And does it matter what class of airspace the aircraft are in?

Thanks

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

the class of airspace makes a big difference and the weight of the aircraft matters too.

In class B it would be:

7-9-4. SEPARATION

b. VFR aircraft shall be separated from VFR/IFR aircraft that weigh more than 19,000 pounds and turbojets by no less than:

1. 1 1/2 miles separation, or

2. 500 feet vertical separation, or

3. Visual separation

c. VFR aircraft shall be separated from all VFR/IFR aircraft which weigh 19,000 pounds or less by a minimum of:

1. Target resolution, or

2. 500 feet vertical separation, or

3. Visual separation

In class C it would be:

7-8-3. SEPARATION

Separate VFR aircraft from IFR aircraft by any one of the following:

a. Visual separation, or

b. 500 feet vertical separation; or

c. Target resolution

In a TRSA it's the same as class C

Outside of those 3 airspaces it's just don't let them hit. You don't have to separate them, just issue traffic advisories (if ur workload permits).

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

so as u can see, 500 feet is an acceptable separation depending on class of airspace. it's not the ONLY approved separation. a lot of times there is no separation standard at all for VFR aircraft.

xxDYxx Rookie Florida (KPAM)

Here's some advise your going to hear ALOT in ATC... Look it up. If you look it up and still have any questions come back and post your question with references. You will gain respect and knowledge much faster if you put the effort forth before you come asking for answers. I'm in no way trying to be rude, I just want you to get started on the right foot.

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

I agree with Roddy and dick yanker (DY).

garlandatc Junior Member

WI brought up a good point for wake turbulence separation requirements for VFR A/C being radar vectored. Also regarding separation for VFR practice approaches! I know some facilities come under the scrutiny of providing this separation service even when the A/C is VFR.