FLO SOP
Area Information
| ICAO Code | Airport Name | Airspace | IFR Beacon Codes | VFR Beacon Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KFLO | Florence Regional Airport | D | 6501-6517 | 6501-6517 |
Purpose:
This document prescribes the procedures to be utilized for providing air traffic control services at the Florence Air Traffic Control Tower (FLO ATCT) and TRACON. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground | Florence Ground | FLO_GND | FLO_1_GND | 7FG | 121.900 |
| Tower | Florence Tower | FLO_TWR | FLO_1_TWR | 7FT | 125.100 |
| Position | Sector Name | Callsign | Relief Callsign | Symbol | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radar | FLO_APP | FLO_1_APP | 7F | 118.600 |
Sector in Red is the primary sector.
ATCT Information
IFR Departure Instructions
Clearance/Route
All Aircraft shall be "Cleared as filed" unless a route amend is necessary. All routes must comply with LOA-approved standards. Aircraft unable to accept preferred route require coordination between all affected facilities.
Altitude
Instruct all pilots to maintain 2,000 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.
Departure Frequency
The Primary Departure Frequency is FLO_APP on 118.600. Updates to the Departure Frequency will be given by the TRACON controller.
Transponder
All departing aircraft shall be assigned a transponder code between 6501-6517.
VFR Departure Instructions
Altitude
If Aircraft is not remaining in the pattern and requesting flight following, issue the instruction "Maintain VFR below 2,000 feet".
Departure Frequency
VFR aircraft not remaining within the pattern and requesting flight following shall be given a departure frequency. The Primary Departure Frequency is FLO_APP on 118.600. Updates to the Departure Frequency will be given by the TRACON controller.
Transponder
All VFR aircraft not remaining in the pattern and requesting flight following shall be assigned a transponder code between 6501-6517.
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 Florence Tower 125.100” unless otherwise agreed upon by LC. LC can request pilot monitor the frequency instead of contacting.
Area of Responsiblity
LC has responsibility for a five mile radius from the CAE field from surface up to and including 2,000 feet.
Active Runway Selection
The active runway shall be determined based on wind and known
factors that may affect the safety of takeoff/landing operations.
Runway 9 is designated as the calm wind runway.
Departure Procedures
LC will provide separation for aircraft in the LC airspace.
LC shall provide initial radar separation between successive departures.
When automatic departures are in effect, IFR jet/turbojet departures
shall be released on runway heading climbing to 2,000 feet.
LC has the option to assign all piston aircraft runway heading or a
fanned heading that will conform to the applicable departure corridor.
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 Approaches: Issue special instructions as verbally coordinated with the
TRACON.
LC shall NOT change the approach sequence without coordination.
Go Around/unplanned Missed Approach
- LC shall assign IFR aircraft runway heading and 2,000 feet
- LC must verbally coordinate with departure prior to frequency change.
Departure Release
Departure releases must be obtained.
Visual Tower
Florence is Visual Tower. Tower shall not Initiate or accept any radar handoffs and shall not initiate control/start track on any target.
ATIS
LC shall manage the ATIS for KFLO
TRACON Information
Sectorization Description
Unless otherwise coordinated, FLO_APP is responsible for areas depicted.
VFR Aircraft
VFR Aircraft entering the Class Delta airspace are only required to have 2 way communication.
Handoff and Radar Tracking
Florence ATCT is a VFR tower. No radar handoffs shall be initiated to LC. TRACON controllers shall not drop track on any arriving aircraft. This allows a controller to maintain radar identification during missed approach.
Release and Rolling Calls
All KFLO departures shall request a departure release. Upon approval of the release, the release shall be good for five minutes.
TRACON Departure Procedures
Forward departure instructions to LC for aircraft executing practice missed approaches.
Ensure all departures are on course as soon as practical.
All departures should be on course before handoff to Enroute Control unless otherwise coordinated. Aircraft shall be climbed to 10,000 or less if filed.
Provide airspace for automatic departures and radar final.
Provide airspace for missed approach on all runways.
TRACON Arrival Procedures
The sector responsible for the primary runway shall establish the approach sequence for all arrivals.
Communications transfer of arriving aircraft to LC must be accomplished no later than five nautical miles from the end of the arrival runway.
When simultaneous approaches are being conducted on converging runways, LC is responsible for ensuring runway separation. However, TRACON must provide enough spacing to minimize the possibility of a go-around.
When vectoring to final from parallel downwinds, aircraft on opposing base legs shall be assigned altitudes to ensure vertical separation unless other approved separation has been applied. This ensures separation in the event of an overshoot on final.
Coordinate with LC for any aircraft conducting approaches to other runways than the active arrival runway(s) in use.