Definition
An expanded form of the basic radar traffic advisory service offered by some terminal radar facilities, in which controllers provide additional separation and sequencing assistance to participating aircraft operating in designated airspace around certain airports. It supplements, but does not replace, the pilot's responsibility to see and avoid other traffic.
Plain English
A higher level of help from radar controllers around busy airports. Controllers do more than just point out other traffic — they also help keep aircraft apart and put them in order for landing. The pilot still has to look outside and avoid other aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen when planning flights in areas where normal communication, radar coverage, or quick help may be limited, especially on routes where missed check-ins need fast attention.
Derivation
"Enhanced" means expanded or improved beyond the basic version. So this is a beefed-up version of the standard reporting and advisory service — more help, more actively given.
Why Pilots Care
The service keeps a current record of the aircraft’s location, greatly improving the chances of a timely rescue if the flight encounters trouble or goes missing.
Analogy
It is like telling someone, “I’ll call you when I reach this point.” If the call does not come, they know to start checking right away instead of waiting until much later.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “enhanced” means air traffic control is separating you from other aircraft. Here, it means Flight Service is using an extra check-in plan to notice a missed report sooner.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the Class D airport, the pilot accepted Enhanced Special Reporting Service and followed the controller's sequencing instructions for the downwind.
Example Sentence 2
The briefer advised using Enhanced Special Reporting Service across the mountain range so Flight Service could maintain a continuous track.