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9.7 Non-Radar / Degraded Operations

9.7.1 General

Non-radar or degraded operations occur when surveillance, communication, or system capability is reduced or unavailable.

The Approach Controller shall apply procedural control methods to maintain separation and ensure safe operations.

9.7.2 Situations

Degraded operations may result from:

  • Radar or surveillance failure
  • Communication system issues
  • System or equipment degradation

The Approach Controller shall recognise and respond immediately to any degradation.

9.7.3 Control Method

In non-radar conditions, the Approach Controller shall:

  • Apply procedural separation (time, level, or route-based)
  • Increase separation minima as required
  • Ensure clear and structured control instructions
  • Maintain accurate flight progress awareness

Procedural control shall replace radar-based control.

9.7.4 Separation Standards

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use time-based or level separation where radar is unavailable
  • Apply conservative spacing between aircraft
  • Avoid reliance on pilot visual separation unless appropriate

Separation margins shall be increased to account for uncertainty.

9.7.5 Coordination

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Enhance coordination with adjacent units
  • Confirm all transfers explicitly
  • Share accurate and timely traffic information
  • Avoid assumptions in coordination

All coordination shall be positive and confirmed.

9.7.6 Workload Management

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Reduce traffic complexity
  • Limit the number of aircraft under control
  • Delay or hold aircraft where required
  • Simplify instructions and sequencing

Operations shall be adjusted to maintain safe workload levels.

9.7.7 Communication

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use clear, concise, and unambiguous phraseology
  • Confirm critical instructions and readbacks
  • Minimise unnecessary transmissions

Effective communication is critical during degraded operations.

9.7.8 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Attempt to maintain normal traffic rates
  • Rely on reduced separation standards
  • Assume aircraft positions without confirmation
  • Continue operations beyond safe workload capacity

9.7.9 Key Principle

In degraded operations, safety margins shall be increased.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Slow the operation
  • Increase separation
  • Maintain strict procedural control

Reduced capability requires increased discipline and coordination.