When is non-radar separation preferred over radar separation?

Non-radar separation is preferred when it is operationally advantageous due to various factors that can enhance safety, efficiency, or resource management in air traffic control. This scenario often arises in environments where radar coverage may not be reliable or available, or in specific airspace configurations where non-radar methods provide greater situational awareness and control, particularly in less congested airspace.

Operational advantages may include the ability to coordinate traffic flow more effectively in certain scenarios, such as when managing arrival and departure sequences at airports with limited radar coverage. Non-radar techniques can also allow for clearer instructions and procedural compliance, especially for pilots or in training environments where learning traditional non-radar techniques is essential.

Choosing non-radar separation in these situations aligns with the overarching goal of air traffic control, which is to maintain safe separation between aircraft while optimizing the flow of air traffic based on current operational needs.