ATIS

Pilots should monitor the Fairbanks International Airport Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), prior to leaving the parking area to taxi for departure or just before calling ATC when inbound for landing. Due to the frequency of ground control and clearance delivery being combined, the ATIS will also contain the appropriate frequency for calling Fairbanks clearance delivery on in order to receive your departure instructions. This may be either 121.9 or 127.6 depending on the situation. The ATIS (frequency 124.4 MHz) also contains the following information:

• The current Fairbanks International Weather
• Runway(s) in use
• IFR approach procedures in use

Remarks, NOTAM's and other useful information as appropriate

http://www.alaska.faa.gov/fai/images/TANVLY/FAI-INTL.gif

Class D airspace surrounds FAI and is shown as a blue dashed line on the Fairbanks sectional chart. It extends outward 5.4 NM and extends from the surface up to 2900 feet MSL (2500 feet AGL). The jurisdictional boundary between Ft. Wainwright and Fairbanks is the Steese Highway from the north boundary to the Chena River to Cushman Street to the south boundary. Two requirements exist in this area:

• Aircraft must contact FAI ATCT to operate within this area
• Unless on a IFR/SVFR clearance, aircraft must remain VFR

Class E surface area extends vertically from the surface upwards to FL180 and horizontally from the north boundary of the Class D airspace to 2 NM north of FOX NDB and is shown as a magenta dashed line on the Fairbanks sectional chart.

The Class D and E surface areas mentioned above collectively will be called the "Fairbanks Surface Area." This area is the replacement for the previous Fairbanks Control Zone. The weather at Fairbanks Airport determines the weather for the Fairbanks Surface Area.

Ft. Wainwright ATCT has published hours of operations. When the tower is closed, the Ft. Wainwright airspace reverts from Class D and Class E surface area to Class G airspace, surface to 700 feet AGL and Class E airspace above.

TRSA (Terminal Radar Service Area) SERVICES

In addition to the basic radar advisory services provided at Fairbanks, TRSA services are also available. TRSA airspace was developed in the Fairbanks terminal area to provide a safer flying environment into and out of Fairbanks International, Ft. Wainwright AAF and Eielson AFB airports along with the numerous other small satellite airports located in the Fairbanks Terminal area. In addition to safety alerts, traffic advisories, radar vectoring, and sequencing, provided to VFR aircraft receiving basic radar services, TRSA services provide separation between participating VFR aircraft as well as participating VFR aircraft and IFR aircraft. Unless specifically stated by the pilot "negative TRSA service", these services will be provided to all participating VFR aircraft in the Fairbanks TRSA airspace. TRSA separation will not be provided between helicopters. This airspace is depicted on both the Fairbanks sectional and Fairbanks terminal area charts.

http://www.alaska.faa.gov/fai/atct/FAI_TRSA2.JPG

RUNWAY HEADING

The term fly runway heading as mentioned throughout this web site means to fly the magnetic direction that corresponds with the runway centerline extended, not the painted runway centerline. When cleared to "fly or maintain runway heading," pilots are expected to fly or maintain the heading that corresponds with the extended centerline of the departure runway. Drift correction shall not be applied.

Departing aircraft should monitor the ATIS, and then contact Fairbanks Clearance Delivery on the appropriate frequency being broadcast on the ATIS prior to taxi. Pilots are expected to inform the controller of intended destination and/or initial heading. All departing aircraft will be given TRSA services unless the pilot states "negative TRSA service".

The standard TRSA departure for Fairbanks International Airport will be to fly runway heading for the runway assigned, departure frequency on 125.35. This will be referred to as the "TRSA departure". Fairbanks Clearance Delivery will issue to each aircraft: "TRSA departure, squawk (code)".

http://www.alaska.faa.gov/at/FAI-TRSA-Ops.htm

TRSA DEPARTURE PROCEDURES FROM SATELLITE AIRPORTS WITHIN THE FAIRBANKS SURFACE AREA

Aircraft departing satellite airports, inside the Fairbanks Class D surface area, such as Chena Marina, Chena River, Metro Field, and Peger Pond, and requesting TRSA services should monitor the ATIS, then contact Fairbanks Clearance Delivery for TRSA services. Because of the frequency of clearance delivery and ground control being combined clearance delivery frequency will be stated on the ATIS. Those departing aircraft should then contact Fairbanks Tower directly on 118.3. TRSA services will not be provided until you are airborne and talking to departure control unless requested otherwise by the pilot.

http://www.alaska.faa.gov/at/FAI-TRSA-Ops.htm

Fairbanks ATCT is requesting that all aircraft, whether arriving or departing the Fairbanks areas utilize as a minimum, basic radar advisory services.

• Safety Alerts
• Traffic Advisories
• Radar Vectoring and Sequencing

These services will be provided on a workload-permitting basis. The primary purpose is to adjust the flow of arriving IFR and VFR aircraft into the traffic pattern in a safe and orderly manner and to provide traffic advisories to all participating aircraft.

Pilots departing airports within the Fairbanks surface area desiring Basic Radar Advisory services should make their request to Clearance Delivery (the frequency will be broadcast on the ATIS) prior to requesting taxi instructions also stating "negative TRSA services". Clearance Delivery will issue the pilot a transponder code and a departure control frequency. (Aircraft need not be transponder equipped to receive radar services.) Aircraft will be advised to switch to departure control frequency, from the tower, after departure. Inbound aircraft desiring radar services should contact Fairbanks Approach, far enough from the airport (at least 20 miles), so Approach Control can sequence them into the arrival pattern. Aircraft inbound to Chena Marina, Chena River, and any points within the Fairbanks Airport Surface Area, are encouraged to utilize radar services.

After receiving the ATIS and the radar service information from Fairbanks clearance delivery (appropriate frequency will be broadcast on the ATIS) pilots departing from Fairbanks International should contact ground control (frequency 121.9 MHz) when ready to taxi. Initial call-up should contain the following information in the order listed.

• Aircraft identification and type
• Position (east ramp, west ramp, gate 1, etc.)
• Request taxi for departure (SW, touch and goes, etc.)
• ATIS code ("I have Tango")

The field layout diagram linked to this web page may be utilized to become familiar with the runways and taxi routes. If a pilot is not sure how to get to the assigned runway or does not fully understand the taxi instructions, they should ask for clarification or for progressive taxi instructions. It is better to have misunderstandings straightened out with ground control before moving, than to inadvertently cross an active runway or turn head-on into other traffic on a narrow taxiway. When ready for departure, pilots should contact Fairbanks tower using the following call-up procedures to reduce verbiage and ensure clarity. Specify position on the airport, direction of departure or request for touch and goes, stop and goes, etc.

VFR DEPARTURE PROCEDURES FROM SATELLITE AIRPORTS WITHIN THE FAIRBANKS SURFACE AREA

Aircraft departing satellite airports, inside the Fairbanks Class D surface area, such as Chena Marina, Chena River, Metro Field, and Peger Pond, and requesting VFR radar services should monitor the ATIS, then contact Fairbanks Clearance Delivery on the appropriate frequency, which will be broadcast on the ATIS, for departure information. Information clearance delivery will require.

• Aircraft identification and type
• Position (Chena Marina, Fouts, Peger Pond, etc.)
• Request taxi for departure (SW, touch and goes, etc.)
• ATIS code ("I have Tango")

Those departing aircraft should then contact Fairbanks Tower directly on 118.3

The float pond at Fairbanks International Airport is numbered according to its magnetic heading, that is, Float Pond 1 and Float Pond 19. The approximate dimensions of the pond takeoff and landing channel are 5400 by 200 feet. Flags mark shallow spots. The landing thresholds are each displaced by 500 feet and are marked with buoys during the summer months. Visitor parking and Customs are at the south end of the pond. There is a cement ramp at the extreme southeast corner of the pond for aircraft launching operations. Aircraft requesting radar services from Fairbanks approach departing the Float Pond at Fairbanks International Airport should monitor the ATIS, and then contact Fairbanks Clearance Delivery for departure instructions. After receiving the appropriate information departing aircraft are required to contact the tower on 118.3 MHz for taxi and takeoff instructions prior to entering the main channel. Aircraft shall remain out of the landing channel and the areas both north and south of the marked ends of the channel until authorization to enter these areas is received from the tower. Step taxiing is not allowed on the pond except in the main landing channel.

http://www.alaska.faa.gov/at/FAI-TRSA-Ops.htm

During the winter months the float pond and the ski strip are both used for ski operations. Pilots should advise the tower or approach controller on initial contact whenever they are requesting the ski strip or the float pond. The controller will issue appropriate taxi or pattern entry instructions. The tower will advise pilots of any adverse condition reports they have received that may affect safe operations on either of these surfaces. Aircraft that would prefer to make a low approach over the ski strip or the pond to observe the conditions for themselves should advise the tower of their intentions. If you notice any poor conditions please pass that information to the tower. When an aircraft is taxiing for departure, pilots need to make sure that their aircraft does not enter the ski strip until they receive a clearance from the tower.

Pilots should make their intentions known to the tower on initial contact. Be specific.

In a training situation, you may wish to make different types of landings such as stop and goes, touch and goes, go-arounds. If so, a request should be made for "the option". A clearance for the option is an ATC authorization for an aircraft to make a touch and go, low approach, missed approach, stop and go, or full stop landing at the discretion of the pilot. At times, due to traffic, the tower may advise, "Unable stop and go, other options approved". The pilot may then execute any of the above options except a stop and go.

Often the tower will ask you to give a position report as you get closer to the airport. The controllers use this as a point to issue further instructions, as necessary, to sequence you into the traffic pattern or as a reminder that some other action is required. Pilots are expected to give the report promptly upon reaching the requested reporting point. If, however, a landing or option clearance is issued prior to your giving the position report, you may disregard the report unless another is requested as part of the landing clearance. Please make your reports accurate and timely. Anything less can compromise the safety of all concerned.

Once established in the traffic pattern, a pilot need make no further reports unless requested by the tower or no landing clearance is received prior to turning final. Pilots should acknowledge tower transmissions regarding traffic, sequence, and instructions to maneuver to follow other aircraft, etc., as soon and as briefly as possible. A pilot's first responsibility is the control of the aircraft, but since the controller needs to know if instructions are not clearly understood or only part of the transmission was received, state your aircraft call sign and ask the controller to "say again". Pilots need to use the aircraft call sign each time a transmission is made. Remember that only the aircraft type and the last three numbers or letters are required after initial contact with an ATC facility.

Traffic patterns altitudes are published in the Alaska Supplement for Fairbanks International Airport. The patterns are left traffic for Runway 1L with right traffic 1R, and the ski strip. Tower will determine the traffic patterns for the float pond based on traffic and advise you of there directions. Use caution for large birds in the vicinity of the airport during spring and fall.

The traffic pattern altitude for runway 1L/19R is 2000' MSL (for multi-engine aircraft), 1500' MSL (single-engine aircraft). The traffic pattern altitude for runway 1R/SS1, 19L/SS19 and the Float pond is 1500' MSL (single-engine aircraft).

Any published pattern entry or traffic pattern may be changed by the tower depending on the situation. Aircraft in the pattern, for Runway 1L/19R, may expect a pattern west of the airport and should use caution for higher terrain. If pilots are unsure of which way to turn or where to enter or exit the traffic pattern they should ask the tower for clarification.

http://www.alaska.faa.gov/fai/images/ARPT-IMAGES/FAITfcPat.jpg

Pilots should become thoroughly familiar with Special VFR procedures and equipment requirements before requesting to fly under Special VFR conditions. To request a SVFR clearance, aircraft departing from Fairbanks International Airport should call clearance delivery on the appropriate frequency being broadcast on the ATIS, prior to taxi, and request SVFR clearance stating the preferred direction of flight. The clearance received will include a heading to fly and, (if applicable) a transponder code. After takeoff the aircraft will be switched to departure control. The departure controller will issue a heading to fly until leaving the surface area or instruct the aircraft to resume own navigation. As much as possible, headings issued will be consistent with your requested direction of flight. Pilots should report reaching VFR conditions as soon as possible.

Aircraft departing from satellite airports within the surface area (other than Fairbanks International Airport) shall call Fairbanks clearance delivery for SVFR clearance. After receiving their clearance from clearance delivery they will be instructed to remain on the ground and call Fairbanks tower (118.3) for release. Those aircraft wishing to transition between airports within the Fairbanks surface area, shall contact Fairbanks tower on (118.3) after receiving their clearance from clearance delivery for transition.

Arriving aircraft must remain outside the surface area and contact Fairbanks approach control (125.35 MHz) with the SVFR request. Aircraft may be assigned headings to fly in order to be sequenced with, and separated from, other SVFR and IFR aircraft. Under some traffic conditions aircraft may be asked to hold outside the surface area to avoid excessive vectoring. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to let the controller know if you cannot accept a heading, due to weather, terrain, or any other reason. This applies to both arrivals and departures.

A ceiling of less than 1000' feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles, but 1 mile or greater, reported at the primary airport requires a Special VFR or IFR clearance for operation anywhere within the surface area. If the reported ceiling is less than 1000 feet consider the Fairbanks Surface Area airspace below basic VFR. All aircraft transitioning below the ceiling or landing within the surface area must have a SVFR or IFR clearance. Aircraft may transition without a SVFR/IFR clearance if they can operate above the ceiling in VFR conditions (ATCT communications still required.)

If visibility is the only factor and after communicating with FAI ATCT, aircraft may transition the Fairbanks Surface Area only if they are able to remain VFR. Aircraft may also proceed directly to and land at any airport inside the FAI surface area (except Fairbanks International) as long as they can maintain 3 miles flight visibility

IFR aircraft departing satellite airports outside the FAI surface area, but within the Fairbanks terminal area, such as Bradley Sky Ranch, Ft. Wainwright (when the tower is closed), etc., should contact Fairbanks approach on 125.35/126.5 depending on which airport you are located at for your clearance. After receiving your clearance remain on the ground until the radar approach controller issue’s you a release. This will be done with the phrase "(Aircraft call sign) released for departure" and may also include a void if not airborne time. Guidance for the appropriate frequency to use, depending on the airport you are located at is written in the Alaska Supplement.

Fairbanks ATCT approach provides standard IFR separation for VFR aircraft practicing instrument approaches at FAI, FBK and EIL.

Aircraft requesting practice approaches at Fairbanks International Airport or Ft. Wainwright AAF should contact Fairbanks Approach Control on frequency 125.35. Aircraft requesting practice approaches at Eielson AFB or Ft. Wainwright (when east of FBK) should contact Fairbanks Approach Control on frequency 126.5.

Aircraft will be handed off to the final controllers at the appropriate time.

Aircraft in distress have priority over all other. A pilot's first concern must be to maintain control of the aircraft. When able, the pilot should contact the tower with, their intentions, and the nature of the emergency. If its determined that the pilot must land on a taxiway, or use an opposite direction runway, etc., he/she should advise the tower as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to use the word "Mayday". If you are unsure whom to contact, use frequency 121.5, and if equipped, set your transponder to code 7700. Fairbanks International Airport is well equipped with emergency equipment and personnel. The tower will do everything possible to assist an aircraft in an emergency situation.

Possibly one of the most frightening situations a pilot may face is radio failure in a busy terminal area. If you are inbound to Fairbanks International Airport and experience communication difficulties, on either the tower or approach control frequency, try to contact the tower on the ground control (121.9 MHz) or clearance delivery (127.6 MHz) frequencies. You should try all available resources to establish radio contact with the tower before entering the airport surface area. This includes cell phones. (474-0452) If transponder equipped, a pilot should use the NORDO procedures in the Airmen's Information Manual and squawk 7600. The tower does monitor the radar display and transponder codes.

Try to determine whether it is just the receiver or transmitter that is inoperative. If the aircraft's transmitter is inoperative, the controller will try to determine if the receiver is operating by issuing an instruction such as, "Cessna over Chena ridge, rock your wings". If the controller observes a reply, additional instructions will be given as needed. Pilots should acknowledge each instruction by rocking their wings. During hours of darkness, pilots will be asked to flash their landing lights.

To determine if an aircraft's receiver is inoperative, pilots should transmit their aircraft call sign and position and then ask the tower to reply with a light gun signal. If the tower replies, the pilot should keep the tower advised of intentions and watch and comply with light gun signals.

If a pilot knows ahead of time that radio contact will not be established by using the previous suggestions, and the aircraft is not transponder equipped, the pilot should proceed with one of the following actions:

• If able call Fairbanks tower (474-0452) before departure. The shift supervisor will ask for the aircraft type, color, number of aircraft, direction of flight, and most important, ESTIMATED TIME OF DEPARTURE OR ARRIVAL. The supervisor will then give specific instructions on pattern entries, runways in use, weather, etc.
• If the radio fails in flight, land at another airport (Chena Marina, Bradley Sky Ranch, etc.) and then call the tower. The supervisor will provide assistance to return to the Fairbanks airport.
• Remain at or above 2500' MSL (if able) and proceed directly over the Fairbanks control tower (located on the east side of the airport) and begin circling. Watch for these three items.
  • Other aircraft operating in the airport traffic patterns.
  • Traffic pattern direction and active runway.
  • Light gun signals from the control tower. After landing exit the runway via the first available taxiway and wait for light gun taxi instructions.

Traffic permitting; the tower will usually approve NORDO Operations on a one-time basis for the following:

• Repair of radio
• Service to aircraft
• Ferry flight from international

NOTE: NORDO operations present a real danger. Please do not relay your intentions to arrive NORDO through the FSS or other agencies. Call the Fairbanks control tower (474-0452) directly and talk to the supervisor or one of the controllers. Be sure that the instructions they give you are completely understood. Keep in mind that the active runway may change before arrival time. After landing, exit the runway as soon as possible and watch for additional light gun signals.

Because of the long hours of daylight Traffic in the airport surface area can, at times, be extremely congested even during late evenings. Circumstances may prevent a controller from approving a pilot's specific request until other traffic is no longer a factor. Pilots are expected to adhere to tower instructions and should advise the tower as soon as possible if they are unable to do so.

Winter flying in the interior can be challenging and rewarding. However, at the same time it can also be very dangerous and unforgiving. Pilots should use extreme caution at all times and be aware of weather conditions, visibility, temperatures, braking action and other adverse conditions that may affect flight operations. If for any reason you find yourself in a threatening situation, you should advise the tower or approach control on the appropriate frequency or 121.5 MHz. Controllers will provide as much assistance as possible. On the chance that a forced landing must be made, pilots should review the survival equipment standards set forth in the Alaska Supplement.

Often the tower will request a pilot report of weather conditions such as cloud bases and tops, wind shear, icing, turbulence, or braking action. Don't be overly concerned with phraseology or format but simply give an accurate report of conditions. When braking action reports are given they should be categorized as GOOD, FAIR, POOR, or NIL. Use of these terms will save some questions from the tower. These terms are used as reported values in the NOTAM system.

The Airmen's Information Manual urges pilots to cooperate and promptly volunteer reports of unforecasted conditions such as cloud bases, tops and layers, flight visibility, precipitation, visibility restrictions such as haze, smoke, and dust, wind at altitude, and temperatures aloft. If you were unable to make a pilot report in flight, a report upon landing would be helpful.

Federal Aviation Regulations require specific lighting for different types of aircraft. Controllers are concerned with safety, and will advise pilots of inoperative lights. It is recommended that all aircraft turn on their landing lights while in the Airport Surface Area. Controllers and other pilots can more easily see aircraft when their lights are on. Recent studies about bird strikes indicate that aircraft that have their lights on are less likely to suffer bird strikes.

There are a number of motels in the Fairbanks area, several of which provide airport shuttle service. Others are a short cab ride away. Rental cars are available at the main terminal. Convenient camping facilities are on the airport grounds and are accessible by taxiway to transient pilots. These facilities are complete with water, a cooking area, toilets and a telephone.

At Fairbanks International Airport fuel is available from Alaska Aerofuel daily from approximately 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the winter and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the summer. A call-out fee will be charged for after hour’s service. You can contact them by phone at 474-0061 or by radio on frequency 122.95 MHz.

The primary concern of any air traffic control facility is to provide for a safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Part of this goal is the need to maintain a cooperative working relationship with the flying public. We realize that operational, training and proficiency requirement will cause pilot requests for nonstandard operations, such as: opposite direction arrivals or departures, simulated emergencies, non-standard traffic patterns, and others. These will be approved, when we can provide a safe traffic flow. We feel that it is in everyone's best interest to maintain a positive, cooperative environment.

If you have any comments or questions, or wish to discuss any procedure, stop by the tower, give us a call at 474-0452/0050, or email the manager. The Air Traffic Controllers at Fairbanks ATCT wish to make your flying day as safe and enjoyable as possible.