Yea.. but the simplified explanation is:

A TRSA is an approach control type radar service into an area that is
not serving a Class C or Class B field. As others have said, it is
non-regulatory. The airspace within a TRSA is either Class D or Class E.
I have yet to see a TRSA encompass class G airspace (other than the
presumption that ground to 700 feet is included) but from a logical
standpoint it seems counterintuitive to provide "control" to traffic in
"uncontrolled" airspace.

The difference between center and approach class radars is significant:
closer in vectors to final, faster update rates, etc.

While participation by VFR's within TRSA's are voluntary, my "local"
TRSA at Beaumont, TX (KBPT) advises aircraft inbound to KBPT to contact
approach first, who will then hand you off to the tower... so by
practice, going into the primary airport at THAT TRSA is defacto a
mandatory participation

Dave Staten

Bob Gardner wrote:
The explanation is in the AIM reference.

Bob

"Guy Elden Jr" wrote in message
oups.com...

Something I've always wondered... why do TRSAs even exist? Seems like a
dangerous proposition to choose some airports as having the concept of
a voluntary controlled airspace? Why not a Class C (their closest
cousin as far as I can tell)?

--
Guy Elden Jr.

Bob Gardner wrote:

AIM 3-5-6 says that participation by VFR pilots is voluntary...and for
IFR
pilots, TRSA's don't even exist in Part 71.

Bob Gardner

wrote in message
...

Is VFR participation by a non transponder equipped aircraft
encouraged/permitted in a TRSA?

Thanks.