NON-RADAR Environment

F

FOD

Well-Known Member
How would you know if your route is in non-radar coverage when planning or flying IFR?

I know approach plates will have a R in the communications section if the airport has radar, but what about in route?
 
The controller should tell you. Also in a non-radar enviroment you will never get cleared directed, and you will be put into a hold and then step down when transitioning to the approach
 
You certainly can get cleared direct non-radar, if you ask for it. It is less likely that the controller will offer it, but just remember if you ask for and receive clearance to go direct, you are now responsible for terrain sep. AA crew in Cali did not appear to understand that piece of the puzzle.
 
FOD said:
How would you know if your route is in non-radar coverage when planning or flying IFR?

I know approach plates will have a R in the communications section if the airport has radar, but what about in route?
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On the planning end, I don't think there's anything that tells you at what altitude you are in radar coverage. In flight, it's pretty easy.

When you are on the ground, you are probably not in radar contact. After take off, at some point when you talk to the first ATC departure or center facility, they will let you know you are in radar contact. After that, if you go off radar contact, ATC will tell you "radar contact lost."

slowandlow? Where did you hear that loss of radar contact automatically means holds and step-downs for the approach? That's not true. What ATC asks you to do will depend on the approach structure. If your non radar covered airport, for example, has a NoPT transition route you might well get cleared for a straight in approach 30 miles away!
 
I'm not saying always. It was a general answer. All sectors are different, and of course workload makes all the difference, but when controllers are taught non radar procedures that is how they would do it if they're were multiple aircraft and they lost radar. Came from 2 AF Rapcon controllers
 
slowandlow said:
Came from 2 AF Rapcon controllers
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Air Force procedures might be a bit different.

You're absolutely correct that every sector is slightly unique. However, the basic procedures are the same.

If there are multiple aircraft, and no available radar, then stacking traffic in holds may be one of several options for controllers. That same option is available when radar is available, however.
 
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