Mesa Falcon Tower Procedures
Guidelines for a second tower position
Outline: In March of 2003, the local National Air Traffic Controller’s Association began a process to identify problem areas and propose possible solutions to the operation at Falcon Airport. The purpose of any proposed change is to enhance safety, as well as expedite all traffic. This includes reducing potential arrival/departure delays. In addition, we also seek to reduce the coordination between the tower controllers, so that their focus will be on their charges. During this time, the tower has opened a second tower frequency and tested several options. The following is the culmination of these tests.
In October of 2004, the FAA authorized the use of the second tower frequency. After careful review, including comments from our users, we will be using the following procedures. Implementation is set for Saturday, October 16th. The position will be open on a staffing permitting basis. It is our hope that our staffing will be increased, shortly, to keep the position open from sunrise to sunset.
Airspace Configuration:
The Class "Delta" airspace will be divided into two distinct areas of jurisdiction. The Tower 2 position will own the airspace (please refer to the accompanying maps) west of the airport from the surface up to but not including 2,300 MSL. This positions responsibility is to control aircraft using runway 4 Left/22 Right. This includes helicopters operating in this area, including the "Yankee" pattern. Frequency 119.7 will be used by this position.
The balance of the Class "Delta" airspace will be under the jurisdiction of Tower 1. This position’s primary responsibility is the activity on runway 4 Right/22 Left as well as all overflight and inbound aircraft. Depending on controller preference, helicopters using this airspace may or may not be on frequency (these operations are normally conducted at or below 1,900 MSL inside the Class "Delta" airspace, well below normal pattern altitudes). Tower 1 frequency will continue to be 124.6.
Operating Procedures:
Local 1
a. Departures
(1) All departures utilizing Runway 4 Right/22 Left can anticipate a climb out via runway heading until reaching 2,300 MSL prior to turning West to North. This will insure that any traffic in the "Touch-and-Go" pattern will be topped. Please insure that you do not drift towards the other runway after take-off.
(2) No change will be made to East-bound departures off Runway 22 Left. Aircraft departing North through North-east may be given the option of making a left downwind departure, proceeding on course leaving 2,300 – 2,700 MSL – or as assigned by the tower.
b. Arrivals
(1) All arrivals will make initial contact on frequency 124.6, or as noted on the ATIS or as coordinated for special events.
(2) All overflights will make initial contact on frequency 124.6.
(3) Arrivals can anticipate to maintain 2,700 until turning final for the assigned runway for those aircraft arriving from the South-west to North-east (Stellar Airpark through the lake area).
(4) Arrivals from the East to South-east (Apache Junction through Chandler Airport) can anticipate a base leg entry to the appropriate runway.
(5) Right downwind to Runway 4 Right will only be assigned if traffic conditions warrant or as necessary to increase safety.
(6) When on Runways 22, aircraft from Fountain Hills can anticipate instructions to fly to the confluence then proceed straight into Runway 22 Left. It is imperative that aircraft be lined up on final no later than crossing the CAP canal – 3 mile final.
(7) Aircraft from Scottsdale can anticipate a base leg entry to Runway 22 Left, to maintain 2,700 MSL until established on final.
(8) At any time, the tower may assign Runway 4 Left/22 Right. A frequency assignment of 119.7 will accompany such change, unless such change occurs on within 1 mile of the airport on final.
(9) As with all communications, it is important that the pilots read back instructions exactly as issued. This will avoid any confusion. If you have a question, please ask as soon as possible.
Local 2
c. Departures
(1) There may be instances where an aircraft will depart Runway 4 Left/22 Right. Ground control will advise the pilot of this and assign the proper frequency.
(2) Altitudes may or may not be assigned, depending on traffic conditions. Standard pattern altitude of 2,200 MSL should be maintained, unless higher is approved by the tower.
(3) Normally this procedure will be used during peak traffic periods, when arrivals and departures are equal
d. Arrivals
(1) Runway 4 Left/22 Right will normally be the "touch and go" runway.
(2) During periods of heavy arrival traffic aircraft from the West through North can anticipate landing on these runways.
(3) To the extent possible, aircraft will be assigned to the west runways as soon as possible and given a frequency assignment of 119.7. Please change frequency as soon as possible, so that traffic advisories/landing sequence or other information may be passed by the tower.
(4) Pilots can assume that operations will be conducted on the parallel runway and should be vigilant to aircraft on the other final. To the extent possible, controllers will advise of other landing traffic.