What must be ensured before and after the application of visual separation?

Before and after the application of visual separation, it is essential to ensure that there is other approved separation in place. This requirement serves to maintain overall safety in air traffic control operations by providing an additional layer of assurance that aircraft do not collide even when visual separation is in effect.

Visual separation allows pilots and controllers to use their visual references to maintain safe distances; however, this method should not stand alone. The implementation of other forms of separation, such as procedural separation (based on time or distance), enhances the safety net and assures that even if visual references are lost or become unreliable, the aircraft are still adequately separated by established criteria.

Achieving this ensures that the aircraft maintain a safe distance apart, thereby mitigating risks associated with potential misjudgments or miscommunication regarding visual separation. This practice ultimately supports the smooth and safe management of air traffic in controlled airspace.