Tower closure

[PilotDerek]

Ok, so towers are closing regardless if we agree with it or not. Has anyone heard if the faa is going to update charts asap? Is the tower freq the unicom now?

[NotarPilot]

I also wonder what will become of the ATIS freq... ASOS/AWOS? Lets hope this is temporary which I believe it will be. The gubment loves to spend money.

[Greg]

AOPA and probably other places have posted the list of closings, I was surprised to see McKinney Tx (TKI) on the list.  Last time I flew in there I was number 6 to land I had to hold outside the D airspace until the controller found time to respond to my call in.  The place was a bee hive.  It doesn't make sense to be outlawing some weapon perceived to be to dangerous to have around and at the same time be creating hazardous conditions for the flying public.  Of Course, the gov't is being very inconsistent in other areas as well. (approving small knives to be carried onto airliners).  It's like there's no sense of direction.

[Greg]

PilotDerek, Take a look in the Airport Facility Directory (AFD) for the CTAF, common traffic advisory frequency, that is the frequency that the airport comm defaults to when the tower is not open.  The CTAF is usually the tower frequency.  Most towers are closed during part of the night at which time the tower frequency becomes the CTAF.  In this case the tower is going to be closed for an extended period, no difference the CTAF will be what is listed in the AFD.

[Marauder]

Greg is correct about how CTAF should take over. Works that way for a towered airport that closes at night near me. My local towered airport approaches will change a bit due to local weather most likely not being reported and higher minimums will be enacted. I wonder how things like LAHSO will work during the busy part of the day. With 3 runways and no one deciding which one is active, it's possible to have some conflicts. Hopefully we will all be big boys and girls about it.

[aviatoreb]

This is correct - CTAF.  But remember just in case we do get it correct, and as exemplified by some confusion on here as to if we should use UNICOM or CTAF, not everyone will get it right.  So I will listen on UNICOM and speak on CTAF as I am maneuvering around one of these recently closed tower airports, just in case some other pilot may be speaking on UNICOM and not hearing me and me not them.  This is the same principle as when I drive through a green light, I always look both ways as I zoom through just in case someone else is not following the rules.

 

I got to KHFD next week - last time I was there, I was number 4 in line to land and sent out several miles - arriving on my IFR flight plan.  I enjoy working with tower to keep traffic orderly and at least some of the towers closing are very busy, lying in urban areas often, and underlying more congested commercial air space.  I hope I am wrong but I keep thinking people are going to get hurt.

[harrispa]

Check notams, they may have an advisory there when the tower closes.  Also, the new charts are due to be updated I believe on the same day as inital closings.  The new charts may be changed.

[N9660M]

harrispa got it right...more important than ever to check NOTAMs.  That's where the info will be posted until charts are updated.

[Seth]

At fields I plan to visit with closed towers, similar to stated above, I'll check NOTAMS, use the AFD for the correct closed tower operations frequencies, transmit on the correct frequency, but then monitor both CTAF and Unicom to make sure someone is not using the incorrect frequency. 

 

My biggest issue will be if there is an RCO at the field for IFR departures and cancellations.  Obviously we can just use a phone, but it's easier with an on field frequncy and not all fields have them.  Also, certain fields do not have pilot controlled lighting as the tower was 24/7.

 

-Seth

[1964-M20E]

Here in New Orleans when the tower is closed at KNEW all airport lighting is on and tower freq becomes CTAF as stated on ATIS.  No problem.

I agree an RCO is real nice for IFR departures.

[Marauder]

I wonder if they will keep the ATIS on in some form. Perhaps to instruct which freq to use.

[Greg]

LAHSO ie "land and hold short of" runway or .  Is only used at a tower open airport.  You will have to listen and watch very carefully to determine the active runway study up on the right of way rules take a look at the FAR but also the AIM.  One very important thing to keep in mind is that when an airport tower is closed the airspace  and airport surface becomes class E and in rare instances class G which are open game for non-radio aircraft.  So, radio communications won't necessarily clear the way.  You must also be see and be seen.  Non-towered class G airports can have very non-standard traffic.  Not that it's correct it is just out there.