Brad Zeigler wrote:

"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
ink.net...

"Brad Zeigler" wrote in message
...

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but according to the AIM, TRSAs provide
separation between participating VFR aircraft. In class C airspace,
there is only separation between VFR & IFR aircraft. The AIM makes it
sound like TRSAs offer participating aircraft a higher level of
separation services than class C radar services.


I suppose that depends on what you consider a higher level of separation
services to be. In Class C airspace IFR aircraft are separated from all
other aircraft, but in TRSAs they're only separated from other
participating aircraft.


True. I was thinking along the lines of VFR to VFR separation. Manditory
participation in class C doesn't get you that...only Class B. It's
interesting that TRSAs offer VFR to VFR separation, even if only for those
who wish to play along. Perhaps this is an attribute of TRSAs that
differentiate themselves from Class Ds with approach radar services.

The use of approach radar services at (at least some) airports in Class
D with approach radar services (but no TRSA) is optional too. You can
decline them if you so desire e.g. at KRDG, although tower will point
you to the approach frequency if you don't explicitly decline it.

At KRDG the approach position is actually in the tower cab anyway. Off
peak, the same controller might be approach, tower, ground, and
clearance delivery simultaneously.