Chapter Appendix 1
AIRPORT SURFACE OPERATIONS AT NON-TOWERED AIRPORTS AND AIRPORTS WHEN THE TOWER IS CLOSED
Runway Incursion Avoidance Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Items
1. General.
The following procedures are in addition to those that are applicable at towered airports. The absence of an operating airport traffic control tower (ATCT) creates a need for increased vigilance on the part of the pilot. There are also specific communications procedures that differ from those used at airports with control towers. Planning, clear communications, and enhanced SA during airport surface operations will reduce the potential for surface incidents at airports without an operating control tower. This appendix focuses on those aspects of taxi operations that are unique to airports without an operating control tower and will not be repeated in such detail as the information covered in other sections of this AC.
2. Planning.
a. Planning taxi operations at an airport without an operating control tower is similar to planning taxi operations at an airport with an operating tower. However, flightcrews must remember that some airports have part-time operational control towers. When planning to fly into or out of such an airport, flightcrews must be absolutely certain of the tower’s operational status before conducting any operations. If the status is in doubt, they should attempt contact on the tower’s frequency.
b. In addition to the information provided for operations at airports with an operating control tower, pilots should consider doing the following when operating at an airport without an operating control tower:
(1) Familiarize themselves with the local traffic pattern direction and check their specific pattern altitude. During calm wind conditions, be aware that flight operations may occur at more than one runway at the airport.
(2) Aircraft may be using an instrument approach procedure (IAP) to runways other than the runway in use for visual flight rules (VFR) operations. The instrument approach runway may intersect the VFR runway. It is also possible that an instrument arrival may be made to the opposite end of the runway from which a takeoff is being made.
(3) Be sure that the taxi plan is understood.
(4) Be alert, communicate your intentions on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), and listen for other aircraft operating on, to, and from the airport.
3. Situational Awareness (SA).
While maintaining SA is important in all circumstances, it is particularly important when operating at an airport without an operating control tower. To achieve SA, the pilot(s) should be fully aware of their intended taxi route and be able to follow the planned route correctly. Without air traffic control (ATC) to verbally assist or tell the pilot(s) where and when to stop, the pilot(s) must rely on visual cues to maintain SA and maintain the planned taxi route. These visual cues include airport signs, hold short lines, other airport markings, and lighting, together with the airport diagram. These particular cues are especially useful during periods of poor visibility and at night.
4. Communication and Aeronautical Data.
a. Communication rules and guidelines and aeronautical data for operations at airports without an operating control tower differ from those applicable at towered airports. Various regulations, the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), approved pilot training programs, and operational procedure manuals provide information to the pilot on standard phraseology, communication, and data requirements.
b. Pilots verify that:
(1) Current aeronautical data for the airport is obtained, including the operating hours and status of the control tower.
(2) They have the appropriate airport communication frequency, referred to as the CTAF. Pilots should be especially vigilant when flying into an airport with a closed tower as these airports typically have differing CTAFs and Aeronautical Advisory Station (UNICOM) frequencies.
5. Taking the Runway. Pilots should:
• Not line up on the departure runway and hold any longer than absolutely necessary.
• Always state the name of the airport at the beginning and end of the radio transmission.