For practice approaches, you are affording IFR separation at the point the approach clearance is issued in regards to VFR aircraft. Issuing them that approach clearance does not make them IFR, it just protects them with IFR separation. Kind of, because you can blow above/below them by 500 feet - and IFR separation that is not.
Correct, we're being required to use the 10 mile rule and turned to avoid with 3 mile separation guaranteed.
Regardless, these guidelines are for those facilities who do not have AJI sanctioned written procedures on the matter.
The link you posted is of the notice. As of this time, more information has been put out, but not in notice format.
It's basically the same, just added in Lifeguard aircraft and the "no other traffic" line.
The 10 mile thing is in the updated memo - and specifically states that requirement is for an excepted aircraft (emergency, flight check, lifeguard) only.
Yep.
The visual is not (nationally) so I have absolutely no clue where that came from.
No idea, it's ludicrous we aren't being allowed to use visual separation, even pilot applied.
But alas, the biggest nugget is stand alone: If an aircraft requests an opposite direction operation, and there is no other traffic, the request can be honored.
Yep.
Perfectly vague and spot on for the agency. I'll be curious as to how they drop that little gem in the .65.
I don't want to see it happen, but looks like we're headed that way.
So while everyone flails and tries to determine what "has no traffic" means and what to do with VOR (lettered) approaches - we'll be clearing VFR aircraft for approaches all day just like we always have - and to the rest say, "that's not traffic," just like we always have.
VOR-A approaches are okay with us, and crossing runways. Wish we could do the opposite directions without all the restrictions still.
Then we'll sit and wait for a review of flow change windows. Oh...wait