Definition
A national program that provides various levels of radar service to VFR aircraft operating in the vicinity of certain terminal (airport) areas. The services include traffic advisories, conflict resolution, and sequencing into the airport, depending on the class of airspace and the type of service available (Basic, TRSA, Class C, or Class B service).
Plain English
A radar service offered by air traffic control to VFR pilots flying near busy airports. Controllers watch you on radar, tell you about other traffic nearby, and help keep aircraft safely apart and lined up for landing.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when reading about services available to VFR pilots near busy airports and in airport information listings.
Derivation
"Terminal" refers to the airport area (the terminal end of a flight, where aircraft arrive or depart) rather than the en route portion. So "Terminal VFR Radar Service" simply means radar help for VFR pilots in the airport area.
Why Pilots Care
It increases safety and reduces pilot workload by supplying traffic information and arrival sequencing that would otherwise be unavailable to VFR traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not read “terminal” as “the end of the flight” or only as the airport building. Here it means the controlled airport area where arrivals and departures are being handled by radar. Do not read “service” as “air traffic control takes over for you.” The pilot is still responsible for flying safely and following the rules that apply.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching the Class C airport, the student pilot contacted approach control to receive Terminal VFR Radar Service.
Example Sentence 2
Terminal VFR Radar Service gave the pilot a sequence number and kept the aircraft clear of faster arrivals on the same runway.