What must be ensured both before and after the application of visual separation?

• A. Traffic volume
• B. Other approved separation
• C. Flight altitude
• D. Weather forecasts

Answer: (B)

Before and after the application of visual separation, it is crucial to ensure other approved separation is in place. Visual separation is a technique used by air traffic controllers to separate aircraft based on visual references rather than standard separation standards. However, it is incumbent on the controller to confirm that the specified separation distances or altitudes that are normally mandated by regulations or procedures are still being met.

This means that even when visual separation is being applied, there must be verification that the aircraft are not only visually separated but are also maintaining the necessary vertical or horizontal separation based on the specific air traffic control procedures. This verification is essential to maintain safety and ensure that there is minimal risk of a midair collision. If other approved separations are not maintained, relying solely on visual separation could compromise safety in the airspace, which is why it is emphasized before and after the application of this technique.

Maintaining awareness of traffic volume, flight altitude, and weather forecasts is important for situational awareness; however, they do not serve the specific operational requirement mandated for visual separation.