At the locations listed below, VFR aircraft executing practice instrument approaches will be provided IFR separation to the extent possible, as described in the Aeronautical Information Manual, paragraph 4-3-21 Practice Instrument Approaches. Aircraft will be provided separation services from the time an approach clearance is issued until the aircraft reaches the missed approach point. Opposite direction practice approaches will not be approved.

Aircraft requesting multiple approaches may request the published missed approach procedure or climb out instructions with the appropriate tower upon initial contact and, if approved, maintain VFR throughout the procedure.

Compliance with basic visual flight rules (FAR 91) always applies. Pilots of VFR aircraft should be aware that approach clearance/approval to make a practice instrument approach does not relieve a pilot’s responsibility to comply with the applicable parts of the CFR governing VFR flight. Pilots should “see and avoid” and be particularly alert for other VFR traffic. 

Aircraft requesting practice approaches should contact Tucson Approach Control on the following frequencies:

Tucson International Airport (TUS) 119.4/318.1

Ryan Field Airport (RYN) 128.5/273.6

Radar services to aircraft practicing instrument approach procedures will be provided on a workload permitting basis. Controllers may authorize, withdraw authorization, or refuse to authorize practice approaches as traffic conditions warrant. At times, it may be necessary to suspend practice approaches to ensure that the normal flow of arriving and departing IFR traffic is not disrupted.