AIM Text
- Background. TRSAs were originally established 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 3-5-6.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on the Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA), a non-part 71 airspace area where participating VFR pilots can receive additional radar services (TRSA Service). The primary airport becomes Class D; the remainder overlies controlled (usually Class E) airspace. Participation is voluntary.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Is participation in TRSA Service mandatory?
No. Pilots operating under VFR are encouraged to contact radar approach control and avail themselves of TRSA Services, but participation is voluntary on the part of the pilot. There are no TRSA operating rules in 14 CFR part 91.
Why aren't TRSAs considered regulatory controlled airspace?
TRSAs were never subject to the rulemaking process, so they are not contained in 14 CFR part 71, and they do not fit any U.S. airspace class. They remain non-part 71 areas offering redefined TRSA Service. The ARSA program was intended to eventually replace them.
How is a TRSA depicted on charts?
TRSAs are depicted on VFR sectional and terminal area charts with a solid black line and altitudes for each segment, while the Class D portion is charted with a blue segmented line. The Class E airspace typically begins at 700 or 1,200 feet.