GENERAL: Areas of frequent conflict have been identified within the confines of Raleigh approach control airspace beyond the boundaries of Class C Airspace. It is recommended that VFR pilots avoid known areas of congestion when not in direct communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC). VFR pilots are encouraged to contact Raleigh approach control to receive radar flight following services and traffic advisories when operating within 20 nautical miles of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) (see figure below for frequency information). 

1.  RDU Downwind Arrivals: Jet and turboprop aircraft arriving RDU will be midfield at or descending to 6,000 feet MSL, approximately 5-6 nautical miles parallel to the extended runway centerlines. Exercise caution crossing the downwind corridors.

2.  RDU Runway 23L and 23R Final: It is recommended that VFR aircraft avoid the extended final approach courses for Runways 23L and 23R depicted below at or below 6,000 feet MSL when not in direct communication with Raleigh approach control. Jet and turboprop aircraft are descending from 6,000 feet MSL to intercept the final approach courses at or above 3,000 feet MSL.

3.  RDU Runway 5L and 5R Final: It is recommended that VFR aircraft avoid the extended final approach courses for Runways 5L and 5R depicted below at or below 6,000 feet MSL when not in direct communication with Raleigh approach control. Jet and turboprop aircraft are descending from 6,000 feet MSL to intercept the final approach courses at or above 3,000 feet MSL.

4.  VFR Operations Above or Below Class C Airspace:

a.  It is recommended that VFR aircraft avoid flying at or below 6,500 feet MSL above Class C Airspace when not in direct communication with Raleigh approach control. Jet aircraft departing from RDU are initially climbing unrestricted to 6,000 feet MSL. 

 b. VFR aircraft transiting below the Class C Airspace between 5 and 10 nautical miles are advised to use caution when crossing the final approach courses for RDU runways. Aircraft are descending from the final approach fixes outside of the Class C Surface area. This often creates conflict between IFR arrivals and VFR aircraft not in direct communication with ATC

5.  VFR Departures from Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford-Lee County (TTA):

 a.  It is recommended that VFR aircraft departing from TTA towards RDU requesting ATC services initially climb on a north or east heading. Contact Raleigh approach control on frequency 125.3 as soon as practical and expect vectors to avoid arrival and departure corridors at RDU.

 b.  It is suggested that VFR aircraft avoid loitering over Jordan Lake and the extended finals for Runways 5L and 5R at RDU when not in direct communication with Raleigh approach control.

 6.  VFR Departures from Triangle North Executive (LHZ): It is recommended that VFR aircraft departing from LHZ towards RDU requesting ATC services initially climb on a northwest or southwest heading. Contact Raleigh approach control on frequency 125.3 as soon as practical and expect vectors to avoid arrival and departure corridors at RDU. Use caution for parachute activity at North Raleigh (00NC) at or below 14,000 feet MSL.

 See attachments for airspace depictions.

For questions or concerns, please contact Raleigh Approach at (919) 380-3125