JO 7110.65 Air Traffic ControlJO 7110.65BB · Change 3 · Effective 7/9/2026
Chapter 5 · Section 3
Radar Identification
9 Paragraphs5-3-1–5-3-9
5-3-1 APPLICATION
Before you provide radar service, establish and maintain radar identification of the aircraft involved, except as provided in paragraph 5-5-1, Application, subparagraphs b2, b3 and in paragraph 8-5-5, Radar Identification Application.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-1-1, Presentation and Equipment Performance.
5-3-2 PRIMARY RADAR IDENTIFICATION METHODS
Identify a primary, radar beacon, or ADS-B target by using one of the following methods:
Observing a departing aircraft target within 1 mile of the takeoff runway end at airports with an operating control tower, provided one of the following methods of coordination is accomplished.
A verbal rolling/boundary notification is issued for each departure, or
A nonverbal rolling/boundary notification is used for each departure aircraft.
NOTE
Nonverbal notification can be accomplished via the use of a manual or electronic “drop tube” or automation.
Observing a target whose position with respect to a fix (displayed on the video map, scribed on the map overlay, or displayed as a permanent echo) or a visual reporting point (whose range and azimuth from the radar antenna has been accurately determined and made available to the controller) corresponds with a direct position report received from an aircraft, and the observed track is consistent with the reported heading or route of flight. If a TACAN/VORTAC is located within 6,000 feet of the radar antenna, the TACAN/VORTAC may be used as a reference fix for radar identification without being displayed on the video map or map overlay.
NOTE
1. Establishment of radar identification through use of DME position information can be complicated by the fact that some military TACANs are not collocated with frequency-paired VORs and might be separated from them by as much as 31 miles. 2. Visual reporting points used for RADAR identification are limited to those most used by pilots and whose range and azimuth have been determined by supervisory personnel.
Observing a target make an identifying turn or turns of 30 degrees or more, provided the following conditions are met:
NOTE
Use of identifying turns or headings which would cause the aircraft to follow normal IFR routes or known VFR flight paths might result in misidentification. When these circumstances cannot be avoided, additional methods of identification may be necessary.
Except in the case of a lost aircraft, a pilot position report is received which assures you that the aircraft is within radar coverage and within the area being displayed.
Only one aircraft is observed making these turns.
For aircraft operating in accordance with an IFR clearance, you either issue a heading away from an area which will require an increased minimum IFR altitude or have the aircraft climb to the highest minimum altitude in your area of jurisdiction before you issue a heading.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-12-11, Surveillance Unusable.
5-3-3 BEACON/ADS-B IDENTIFICATION METHODS
When using only Mode 3/A radar beacon or ADS-B to identify a target, use one of the following methods:
Request the pilot to activate the “IDENT” feature of the transponder/ADS-B and then observe the identification display.
PHRASEOLOGY
IDENT. SQUAWK (code) AND IDENT.
Request the pilot to change to a specific discrete or nondiscrete code, as appropriate, and then observe the target or code display change. If a code change is required in accordance with Section 2, Beacon/ADS-B Systems, of this chapter, use the codes specified therein.
Request the pilot to change their transponder/ADS-B to “standby.” After you observe the target disappear for sufficient scans to assure that loss of target resulted from placing the transponder/ADS-B in “standby” position, request the pilot to return the transponder to normal operation and then observe the reappearance of the target.
PHRASEOLOGY
SQUAWK STANDBY, then SQUAWK NORMAL.
EN ROUTE. An aircraft may be considered identified when the full data block is automatically associated with the target symbol of an aircraft that is squawking a discrete code assigned by the computer.
NOTE
Paired LDBs in ERAM do not display a beacon code.
PHRASEOLOGY
SQUAWK (4 digit discrete code), or, if aircraft's altitude reporting capability is turned off, SQUAWK (4 digit discrete code), SQUAWK ALTITUDE.
NOTE
The AIM informs pilots to adjust Mode C transponders and ADS-B with altitude reporting capability activated unless deactivation is requested by ATC. “Squawk altitude” is included here to provide applicable phraseology.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-3-6, Position Information.
5-3-4 TERMINAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS IDENTIFICATION METHODS
TERMINAL
Consider an auto‐acquired aircraft as identified when the data block is displayed and is visible to you, and one of the following conditions exist:
The radar or beacon identification procedures have been used to confirm the identity of the tagged target.
The aircraft is being handed off using a NAS automated system and one of the following does not appear in the data block: “CST”, “NAT”, “NT”, “AMB”, “OLD”, “AM”, or “TRK”.
Use the data block to maintain target identity unless it is in a coast status or displaced from the appropriate target.
A displaced data block must be updated at all times.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-9, Use of Tower Radar Displays.
5-3-5 QUESTIONABLE IDENTIFICATION
Use more than one method of identification when proximity of targets, duplication of observed action, or any other circumstances cause doubt as to target identification.
If identification is questionable for any reason, take immediate action to re-identify the aircraft or terminate radar service. Identify the aircraft as follows:
As described in paragraph 5-3-2, Primary Radar Identification Methods, or paragraph 5-3-3, Beacon/ADS-B Identification Methods.
En route. Ensure that all primary targets are displayed when radar identification is lost or is questionable.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-4-3, Methods.
5-3-6 POSITION INFORMATION
Inform an aircraft of its position whenever radar identification is established by means of identifying turns or by any of the beacon identification methods outlined in paragraph 5-3-3, Beacon/ADS-B Identification Methods. Position information need not be given when identification is established by position correlation or when a departing aircraft is identified within 1 mile of the takeoff runway end.
5-3-7 IDENTIFICATION STATUS
Inform an aircraft of radar contact when:
Initial radar identification in the ATC system is established.
Subsequent to loss of radar contact or terminating radar service, radar identification is reestablished.
PHRASEOLOGY
RADAR CONTACT (position if required).
Inform an aircraft when radar contact is lost.
PHRASEOLOGY
RADAR CONTACT LOST (alternative instructions when required).
5-3-8 DATA BLOCKS
EN ROUTE
Retain data blocks that are associated with the appropriate target symbol in order to maintain continuous identity of aircraft. Retain the data block until the aircraft has exited the sector or delegated airspace, and all potential conflicts have been resolved; including an aircraft that is a point out. The data block must display flight identification and altitude information, as a minimum. The displayed altitude may be assigned, interim, or reported.
ERAM: When you have separation responsibility for an aircraft and a paired track exists, display a full data block (FDB).
5-3-9 DATA BLOCKS
TERMINAL
Retain data blocks that are associated with the appropriate target symbol in order to maintain continuous identity of aircraft. Retain the data block until the aircraft has exited the sector or delegated airspace, and all potential conflicts have been resolved; including an aircraft that is a point out. The data block must display flight identification and altitude information, as a minimum.
NOTE
Where delegated airspace extends beyond Class B and/or Class C airspace, the following will apply: If a VFR aircraft is clear of Class B and Class C airspace and radar services have been terminated then retention of the data block is no longer required.
During prearranged coordination procedures, the controllers who penetrate another controller's airspace must display data block information of that controller's aircraft which must contain, at a minimum, the position symbol and altitude information.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-14, Coordinate Use of Airspace. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-4-3, Methods. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-4-8, Automated Information Transfer (AIT). FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-4-9, Prearranged Coordination. FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 3-6-6, Prearranged Coordination.