Terminal Radar Service Area
Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by the FAA-Fairbanks Air Traffic Control Tower
A Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) is a specified size and shape of airspace designed to provide traffic separation between participating VFR aircraft and all IFR aircraft. Participation by VFR aircraft is strictly voluntary.
The traffic in and around Fairbanks International Airport has steadily increased over the last 5 years. The mix of aircraft ranges from high performance fighter aircraft, such as the F-16, to heavy cargo jets, to slow flying general aviation aircraft, such as a Piper Cub. A TRSA allows the FAA to offer separation services previously only available to IFR aircraft to participating VFR aircraft. Offering this service should increase the safety and efficiency of overall operations at Fairbanks International Airport.
Participating VFR aircraft will be separated from participating VFR/IFR aircraft by one of the following:
IFR aircraft will receive the above as well as standard IFR separation.
Both of these will result in a more efficient and safe flow of traffic into the area.
Participation in TRSA services is voluntary for the pilot but mandatory for air traffic controllers. ATC will give participating aircraft headings, altitudes and other instructions to sequence their arrivals and departures to and from Fairbanks International Airport. Compliance with all ATC instructions is required. If unable to comply the pilot must inform the controller that he/she is unable to comply and request alternative instructions.
Arriving VFR pilots not wishing to participate may do so by telling approach control they don't wish to participate prior to entering the TRSA airspace. Departing pilots may tell clearance delivery or ground control "negative TRSA service."
A TRSA will require Air Traffic Control (ATC) to provide additional separation services in the designated airspace surrounding Fairbanks. Separation services will help pilots avoid mid-air collisions, and will help sequence their arrivals and departures for a smoother flow of air traffic in the TRSA airspace.
6. How has air traffic changed at Fairbanks over the past five - ten years?
Traffic volume and complexity has increased steadily over the past five to ten years. Overall traffic counts between 1993 and 1998 have increased by 15%. Heavy jet traffic has increased with the addition air cargo companies such as Air France, Cargolux and Heavy Lift operating at Fairbanks. Air Taxi operations have also increased with local operators using more and larger aircraft.
7. What does it cost the taxpayers to implement a TRSA?
There are no associated additional costs to the taxpayers to implement and maintain a TRSA. If air traffic increases, eventually additional controllers will be required to handle the load.
8. Do I have to buy any extra equipment for my airplane?
No. TRSA radar services can be provided to both transponder and non-transponder equipped aircraft. The rules for radio communications for the Class D airspace still apply.
9. What areas would the TRSA cover over Fairbanks?
The FAA, in conjunction with a working group representing the aviation community in Fairbanks, have developed boundaries for the FAI TRSA. The FAI TRSA includes the FAI, FBK and EIL Class D and E Surface Areas from the surface to 7,000 feet MSL. The area will also encompass an additional ring outside of the Class D airspace, with the floor at 2,500 or 3,000 feet MSL(depending on the geographical area) and a ceiling of 7,000 feet MSL. See the attached map with the FAI TRSA boundaries.
10. When would this happen?
ATC will have the TRSA in place March 23, 2000. This will allow adequate time for controllers and area users to become familiar with it before the summer flying activities begin.
11. Is a TRSA a stepping-stone towards Class C Airspace?
A TRSA would not lead automatically to Class C Airspace. We anticipate a TRSA meeting the needs of the aviation community for the foreseeable future. Only if issues or concerns arose that were not addressed by the TRSA or other possible remedies, would Class C airspace be considered.
12. What is the percentage of VFR aircraft that are using radar advisories from Fairbanks ATCT?
Presently, the amount of aircraft using basic radar services by VFR aircraft varies from 80% to 95% depending on the time of year. Higher percentage of participation is during the winter when most operations are Air Taxi. During summer average participation is 84% of overall VFR operations within the Fairbanks Terminal area.
13. Where can I get additional information, or express my opinion about TRSA's?
For additional information on TRSA's in general, consult the Airmen's Information Manual Paragraph 3-5-6 and 4-1-17. For specific information on a TRSA for Fairbanks Kevin Haines, Air Traffic Manager at 474-0050, or email at Kevin.Haines@faa.gov .
