AIM

4/3/14

3−5−9

Other Airspace Areas

3

−

5

−

6. Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

a. Background.

TRSAs were originally estab-

lished as part of the Terminal Radar Program at

selected airports. TRSAs were never controlled

airspace from a regulatory standpoint because the

establishment of TRSAs was never subject to the

rulemaking process; consequently, TRSAs are not

contained in 14 CFR Part 71 nor are there any TRSA

operating rules in 14 CFR Part 91. Part of the Airport

Radar Service Area (ARSA) program was to

eventually replace all TRSAs. However, the ARSA

requirements became relatively stringent and it was

subsequently decided that TRSAs would have to

meet ARSA criteria before they would be converted.

TRSAs do not fit into any of the U.S. airspace classes;

therefore, they will continue to be non−Part 71

airspace areas where participating pilots can receive

additional radar services which have been redefined

as TRSA Service.

b. TRSAs.

The primary airport(s) within the

TRSA become(s) Class D airspace. The remaining

portion of the TRSA overlies other controlled

airspace which is normally Class E airspace

beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet and established to

transition to/from the en route/terminal environment.

c. Participation.

Pilots operating under VFR are

encouraged to contact the radar approach control and

avail themselves of the TRSA Services. However,

participation is voluntary on the part of the pilot. See

Chapter 4,  Air  Traffic  Control, for details and

procedures.

d. Charts.

TRSAs are depicted on VFR sectional

and terminal area charts with a solid black line and

altitudes for each segment. The Class D portion is

charted with a blue segmented line.