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

PNS ATCT

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

Clearance DeliveryGroundTower

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