PNS SOP
Table of Updates
| Date | Revision | Items Revised |
|---|---|---|
| 21 February 2023 | A | Calm Wind Configuration. Departure Headings |
Area Information
| ICAO Code | Airport Name | Airspace | IFR Beacon Codes | VFR Beacon Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPNS | Pensacola International Airport | C | 3201-3277 | 3201-3277 |
Purpose:
This document prescribes the procedures to be utilized for providing air traffic control services at the Pensacola Air Traffic Control Tower (PNS ATCT). The procedures described herein are supplemental to the Jacksonville ARTCC Facility Operating Guidelines and FAA Order JO 7110.65, as well as any published FAA guidelines or procedures.
Distribution:
This order is distributed to all Jacksonville ARTCC personnel.
Operational Positions
| Position | Radio Name | Callsign | Relief Callsign | Symbol | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance Delivery | Pensacola Clearance Delivery | PNS_DEL | PNS_1_DEL | 1PD | 123.725 |
| Ground | Pensacola Ground | PNS_GND | PNS_1_GND | 1PG | 121.900 |
| Tower | Pensacola Tower | PNS_TWR | PNS_1_TWR | 1PT | 119.900 |
ATCT Information
IFR Departure Instructions
Clearance/Route
All aircraft shall be “Cleared as filed" unless a route amendment is necessary.
Note: All routes must comply with LOA-approved standards between facilities. Aircraft unable to accept LOA-approved routes or the aforementioned SIDs must not be cleared until coordination has occurred between all affected facilities.
Altitude
Jets: Instruct all pilots to maintain 3,000 feet and to expect filed cruise altitude (If higher) ten minutes after departure. All filed cruise altitudes must be checked for validity for the direction of flight and/or LOAs.
Props and Helicopters: Instruct all pilots to maintain 1,700 feet and to expect filed cruise altitude (If higher) ten minutes after departure. All filed cruise altitudes must be checked for validity for the direction of flight and/or LOAs
Departure Frequency
The Primary Departure Frequency is PNS_E_APP on 119.000. Updates to the Departure Frequency will be given by the TRACON controller.
Transponder
All departing aircraft shall be assigned a transponder code between 3201-3277.
VFR Departure Instructions
Altitude
Jets: Instruct all pilots to maintain VFR at or below 3,000 feet.
Props and Helicopters: Instruct all pilots to maintain VFR at or below 1,700 feet
Departure Frequency
VFR aircraft not remaining within the pattern shall be given a departure frequency. The Primary Departure Frequency is PNS_E_APP on 119.000. Updates to the Departure Frequency will be given by the TRACON controller.
Transponder
All VFR aircraft not remaining in the pattern shall be assigned a transponder code between 3201-3277.
Pushback and Startup
GC does not authorize pushbacks or startups unless the aircraft
pushing back will enter a controlled area during pushback.
- In these instances, aircraft should be instructed “Push and start approved, push tail facing (direction).” The direction should keep the aircraft pointed in the direction the aircraft will taxi.
- If the pilot calls to push, and no controlled area will be penetrated, simply advise the pilot “Push and start at pilot's discretion.”
Intersection Departure
GC must advise LC of all intersection departures verbally or through the chatbox.
ATIS
GC shall ensure pilots have the current ATIS prior to the aircraft being handed off to LC.
Active Runway Operations
GC must transfer communications to LC if an aircraft is to operate on an active runway.
Handoffs
GC shall instruct aircraft to “Contact Pensacola Tower 119.900” unless otherwise agreed upon by LC. LC can request pilot monitor the frequency instead of contacting.
Area of Responsiblity
LC has responsibility for a four mile radius from the intersection of Runways 17/35 and 8/26, surface to and including 1,700 feet MSL.
Active Runway Selection
The active runway shall be determined based on wind and known factors that may affect the safety of takeoff/landing operations. Southeast Operations are designated as the calm wind configuration. When the wind component is greater than 5 knots, operations shall be determined by the wind.
Southeast Operations: Arrivals: Runway 17; Departures: Runway 8
Northwest Operations: Arrivals: Runway 35; Departures: Runway 26
Departure Procedures
LC will provide separation for aircraft in the LC airspace.
LC shall provide initial separation between successive departures.
For Noise Abatement Departures Shall receive the following headings:
Runway 8: Runway Heading
Runway 17: Runway Heading
Runway 26: Heading 270
Runway 35: Runway Heading
Arrival Procedures
LC shall be responsible for separation of all arrival aircraft that have been handed off by TRACON from all departing aircraft still under LC jurisdiction.
Communication transfer must be completed prior to five nautical miles from the runway.
Practice Instrument Approach instructions will be given by TRACON and coordinated with LC.
LC shall NOT change the approach sequence without coordination with TRACON.
Go Around/unplanned Missed Approach
LC shall assign IFR aircraft runway heading and 2,000 feet. LC must coordinate with TRACON verbally or via the chat box prior to frequency change.
In the event of an unplanned missed approach on Runway 17 AND NPA is landing Runway 25, LC shall assign an immediate left turn heading 080 and climb to 1,700 feet.
In the event of an unplanned missed approach on Runway 26 AND NPA is landing Runway 19, LC shall assign an immediate left turn heading 170 and climb to 1,700 feet.
Automatic Release
LC is authorized automatic releases from the TRACON controller so long as the aircraft departs on the pre-coordinated active departing runway(s) on approved departure headings.
In order for automatic releases to be authorized, procedures of this document shall be followed.
Departure releases must be obtained if automatic releases are suspended by TRACON.
Radar Tower
LC will receive radar handoffs from TRACON for all aircraft inbound on final. LC shall not terminate aircraft until they have completely landed at the airport.
LC shall radar identify and track VFR aircraft that plan to leave the tower airspace below 1,700 feet and do not request VFR flight following. VFR aircraft with a requested altitude of 1,700 or greater shall be handed off
to TRACON after takeoff.
LC shall not modify scratch pad or temporary altitudes of any aircraft.
Missed approaches will require a radar handoff to the appropriate TRACON controller with coordination outlined
ATIS
LC shall manage the ATIS for KPNS
Line Up and Wait
Line Up and Wait (LAUW) procedures are not authorized
LAHSO
Land and Hold Short procedures are not authorized