Tag Archives: collision avoidance

Training flights and commercial jets at odds for airspace east of IWA

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The blue tracks indicate VFR aircraft squawking 1200, red tracks depict large turbine aircraft arriving or departing IWA, and white tracks represent other aircraft being provided air traffic services by Phoenix TRACON.

The ad-hoc Phoenix Airspace Users Working Group recently issued some stunning graphics  showing just how congested the airspace in and around IWA in the southeastern Phoenix metropolitan area is becoming.

“Pilots operating in the airspace near IWA should be aware of the density of air traffic operations in the area,” writes Phillip D. Thornton, Air Traffic Manager, Phoenix Terminal Radar Approach Control, in a Jan. 18, 2012, Letter to Airmen. The letter becomes effective in 30 days . “Approximately 800 aircraft operations a day transit the airspace depicted above at or below 5,000’ MSL (excluding Phoenix Sky Harbor traffic).”

Download the Letter to Airmen, which contains more graphics indicating the airspace issues. (PDF,  requires Adobe Reader.)

Permalink, where you can discuss this: http://aftw.org/wp/2012/01/iwaairspace/

 

Popularity: 35%

Do you really know when to stop moving on an airport?

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The  Aviator Alert Bulletin from the Phoenix Deer Valley Air Traffic Control Tower offers some excellent tips and information  on taxi-clearance requirements, holding short of a runway, and use of that pesky phrase “Roger” and what it really means.

DVT Tower’s Rob Smuda says the Aviator Alert is not a regular publication. Rather, it was distributed after a recent review of pilot deviation causal factors. Jim McMahon, the new DVT Air Traffic Manager is committed to keeping the aviation community informed on issues through various forums and attendance at user meetings.

Plus, find some timely excerpts from the AIM confronting pilots and flight instructors in the current airport operations environment.

PDF icon Link » (PDF, requires the free Adobe Reader.)

The Aviator Alert Bulletin appears as feature of the Deer Valley Pilots’ Association website at dvtpilots.com. Check it out!

Popularity: 27%

FAA Notice – Change CGZ Communication Procedures

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As discussed in at our last meeting. The FAA does not agree with our previously published CGZ GPS approach instructions. I received a certified letter from them today.  In general this has to do with when to be on CTAF and when to be on the Practice Area frequency 122.85.

I’ve removed our recommendation at the request of the FAA. However, I have great concern on this topic. I’m concerned on what people are ACTUALLY doing. As we discussed, this area needs to be COMPLETELY evaluated for REAL world safety concerns. I’ve invited the FSDO to our next meeting, they have not yet accepted.

I’ve attached their letter here for your review and comments. I believe an open and honest conversation on this topic is warranted.

FAA Practice Area Notice

Popularity: 57%

Special Air Traffic Rule Soon Takes Effect – Updated

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Starting this May, a new rule will require all pilots operating in the vicinity of Luke Air Force Base’s student jet transition training areas to be on frequency with Luke Approach.

Altitudes and boundaries of the new mandatory communications area with Luke RAPCON will be charted on the May 2010 VFR Sectional.

Popularity: 78%

Casa Grande (CGZ) Practice Instrument Approach Procedures

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The AFTW is concerned about the mid-air collision hazard that exists at Casa Grande Airport and the area around the Stanfield VORTAC (TFD).  There is a large number of students practicing instrument approaches to Casa Grande, as well as VFR and IFR traffic transitioning between southern Arizona and the Phoenix area.  The AFTW has taken the initiative to develop and distribute standardized procedures to increase safety and reduce the chance of an accident or incident in the Casa Grande/Stanfield area.  We ask that all pilots adhere to these standardized procedures.  Please contact the AFTW with questions or concerns.

Switch Frequencies at TAFYE
(Added 8-20-07) When flying the GPS 23 approach into Casa Grande, pilots should make position reports on 122.85 until crossing TAFYE inbound on the approach. At that point switch over to 122.70 (CGZ CTAF) for position reports.


Popularity: 3%