In an effort to achieve a more organized, safe and controlled operation, Atlanta ARTC Center will provide standard IFR separation for all participating aircraft practicing instrument approaches as covered under this Letter to Airmen. The following Atlanta ARTC Center controlled airport is included in this program:

Hickory Regional (KHKY), Hickory, North Carolina 125.15 MHz

Hickory Regional Airport has part-time control tower operations and associated frequencies. Operational times and tower frequency information can be found in the United States Government Flight Information Publication of the Chart Supplement Southeast US.

The Air Traffic Controller's responsibility to provide standard IFR separation for participating VFR aircraft begins at the point where the approach clearance becomes effective. It should be clearly understood that not all VFR aircraft will participate in this safety enhancing program and, therefore, applications of air traffic control (ATC) procedures or any action taken by the controller to avoid traffic conflictions does not in any way relieve IFR and VFR pilots of their responsibility to see and avoid other traffic.

Although the Air Traffic Controller will provide standard separation to participating aircraft, the pilots of aircraft not on IFR flight plans are required to comply with basic VFR flight rules.

Aircraft requesting practice instrument approaches to the aforementioned airport should contact Atlanta ARTC Center on the appropriate frequency. Pilot requests will be handled by ATC based on traffic and workload conditions. Aircraft can expect radar vectors to the final approach course unless the pilot request the full approach and traffic conditions permit. Clearance for a VFR practice instrument approach does not authorize the aircraft to fly the missed approach segment. If a missed approach, procedure turn or holding pattern is desired for training purposes, the pilot should request it.

Pilots should anticipate that in some instances, the Air Traffic Controller might find it necessary to deny approval or withdraw previous approval when traffic conditions warrant.

Due to the high volume of aircraft practicing approaches and other arrival and departing aircraft, pilots should contact Atlanta ARTC Center prior to executing VFR practice instrument approaches. With your cooperation, these procedures will enhance air safety and improve air traffic services for all users of the National Airspace System.