Potomac Approach Control (PCT) will provide IFR separation to VFR aircraft conducting practice instrument approaches at the following airports:  Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), Martin State Airport (MTN), Newnam Field Airport - Easton (ESN), Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport -Martinsburg (MRB). Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO), Hagerstown Airport (HGR), Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), Richmond International Airport (RIC), and Charlottesville-Albemarle County Airport (CHO).

Pilots requesting practice instrument approaches should advise Potomac Approach on initial contact of the airport, type approach requested and intentions for completion of the approach.  IFR separation will be based on known traffic and will be applied after the approach clearance is issued.  Unless specifically requested by the pilot and approved by the controller, IFR separation will not be provided for the missed approach procedure. 

Pilots should understand that practice approaches may not interrupt the flow of other arriving and departing traffic.  Consequently, at times, it may be necessary to refuse, delay or withdraw authorization to conduct practice approaches.  Additionally, pilots should be aware that an approach clearance does not relieve the pilot of his/her responsibility to see and avoid other traffic or to remain in VFR weather conditions as defined in FAR 91.155.  Requests for practice approaches should be made on the appropriate approach control frequency.

Additionally, for the most efficient use of your time, due to volume at the airports listed above, it is suggested that you call and coordinate your practice approach request via the following numbers:

For BWI, ESN, FDK and MTN call            1-866-429-5882     540-349-8478

For MRB, JYO, HGR, and HEF call         1-866-709-4993     540-349-4097

For RIC and CHO call                               1-866-640-4124     540-349-9697

APPROACH CONTROL FREQUENCY FOR PRACTICE APPROACHES:

       AIRPORT                                     APPROACH CONTROL FREQUENCY

            BWI                                                        North - 119.0/282.275

                                                                       South - 119.7/290.475

            MTN                                                               119.0/282.275

            ESN                                                             124.55/317.425

            FDK

                                                                           North - 126.82/239.025

                                                                      South - 125.52/291.625

            JYO                                                         North - 125.05/350.2

                                                                        South - 134.2/306.925

            HEF                                                              120.82/284.625

            HGR                                                             126.82/239.025

            MRB                                                             126.82/239.025

             RIC                                                         East - 126.4/282.375

                                                                          West - 126.8/307.2

            CHO                                                             132.85/269.525

Any questions or comments concerning these procedures may be sent to the address above.

Stephen L. Smith
Air Traffic Manager, Potomac TRACON