Radar Contact

Radar Contact is a term used by ATC to inform a pilot that the aircraft has been identified on the controller's radar display and that radar flight following (surveillance) will be provided. Once in radar contact, the controller can provide traffic advisories, vectors, and maintain separation from other aircraft.

• "Radar contact [position]" — controller confirms identification and approximate location
• Enables ATC to provide radar separation (3 NM or 5 NM depending on facility)
• "Radar contact lost" — controller has lost identification; pilot must resume own navigation and position reporting
• "Squawk [code] and ident" — often used to establish radar contact
• Radar service terminates with "radar service terminated" or upon frequency change