To enhance air safety, it is FAA policy to provide IFR separation for VFR aircraft conducting practice instrument approaches at locations where approach control facilities are located, and as resources permit. Pilot requests to practice instrument approaches may be approved by ATC subject to traffic and workload conditions. 

It should be clearly understood, that even though the controller may be providing separation, pilots on VFR flight plans are required to comply with basic visual flight rules (FAR 91.155). Application of ATC procedures does not relieve IFR and VFR pilots of their responsibility to see and avoid other traffic while operating in VFR conditions. In addition to the normal IFR separation minima (which includes visual separation) during VFR conditions, 500 feet vertical separation may be applied between VFR and IFR aircraft. Pilots desiring practice instrument approaches should always state "practice" when making a request to ATC. Controllers will instruct VFR aircraft requesting a practice instrument approach to maintain VFR. This is to preclude misunderstanding between the pilot and controller as to the status of the aircraft. If the pilot wishes to proceed in accordance with IFR, they should specifically request and obtain an IFR clearance. 

When authorization is granted to practice the instrument approach, separation services begin at the point where the approach clearance becomes effective and terminate at the final approach fix, unless prior authorization to conduct the published missed approach procedure has been requested and approval has been received from Air Traffic Control (ATC). If the pilot of a VFR aircraft desires to fly a practice missed approach; the pilot should specifically request and receive permission from the air traffic controller. When a published missed approach has been approved, IFR separation services will be provided through the final and missed approach.

Listed below are the airports where separation to VFR aircraft practicing instrument approaches is provided by San Antonio Approach Control: 

San Antonio                 Stinson Field                Kelly Field                   New Braunfels

Castroville                   Randolph AFB             Pleasanton                   Boerne Stage Field  

For further information, pilots should refer to the AIM, or call (210) 805-5516, if you have any questions. We appreciate your continued cooperation in making aviation as safe as possible

For further information, pilots should refer to the AIM, or call (210) 805-5516, if you have any questions. We appreciate your continued cooperation in making aviation as safe as possible.