Our new WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW!  &  Arizona Airport Guide

Airports each are unique; each has a different set of individual factors that drive the operations to/from and at the airport.

Our goal is to publish that data often known only by the local pilots, so that visitors can be equally informed and plan their flights more effectively.  Certainly, there is a plethora of standardized information available, but most publications often don't paint the "rest of the story."

What are the common mistakes pilots often make?  Is there a noise abatement policy?  Where is the best place to land if one experiences an engine failure during take off, or near the airport?  From which direction do most arrivals come from?  What are the common aircraft position reporting points? Transient parking? Where is the airport management office?  Are there particular airport "hot spots" that have been causing troublesome incursions? Is airport signage and runway/taxiway marking up to date? Are there local pilot associations and/or events that pilots might find attractive?  Do airport FBOs offer unique and specialized types of flight instruction? How about seasonal weather conditions?

Do you have the answers to these and other questions with regard to your favorite airport?  Are you willing to write a few paragraphs and share your tips and suggestions?

10/11/2020:  We are currently building this page. YOU are invited to help us grow this section!   Experienced folks that have insightful info about their favorite airports, particularly if it might not be available via the regular sources, are invited to contribute here!  Send what you would like to share to: scauwg@earthlink.net  Thanks!

NOTE:  FAA.Gov has an Airport Data & Contact Info page.  Up to date Access to Airport Data Importer Tools, Airport Data Dictionaries,  Airport Data Query Sites, FAA Form 5010 - Airport Master Record and Modification Reports are made available. This page also allows you to select view many other airport information categories e.g. airshows, ARFF Airport Rescue and Firefighting and other pertinent topics.  A LINK to the AIRPORT DATA & CONTACT INFO PAGE follows:  FAA AIRPORT DATA & CONTACT INFO PAGE

Another WONDERFUL RESOURCE - In 2012 the FAA published, GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS: A NATIONAL ASSET.  "A fresh look at the many roles General Aviation Plays in the National Airspace System"  This is a detailed description of the benefits that GA Airports offer, and a compliment to the communities that support them.  You can view this .pdf file HERE.

As members of the pilot community we all need to help ensure the safety and security of our airports and aircraft.  You can read more about just how to do that in the TSA SECURITY GUIDELINES for GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OPERATORS & USERS .pdf file.  READ IT HERE.

Are you planning a FLIGHT to ARIZONA?  Visit this Vital RESOURCE FIRST!  Arrival/Departure Info, Airport Info, Practice Area Overlays for ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot, New ATC Procedures, and safety training material as well. CLICK HERE for the Arizona Flight Training Workgroup site powered by their FAASTeam.

 

Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group (ASAG)  https://asagaz.org/
and on Facebook as Aviation Safety Advisory Group

2/07/22  New ASAG brochure - Click Here

Minutes from the 2/15/2023 ASAG meeting - Click Here

Minutes from the March 2023 meeting and future meetings will be found Under BREAKING NEWS (for the appropriate month) below.

Arizona Pilot's Association  (APA)https://azpilots.org/
and on Facebook as Arizona Pilot's Association

Las Vegas Metroplex began in February 2021:

"Implementation of the Las Vegas Metroplex initiative, including 45 new or changed procedures, will begin later this month, creating efficiencies and deconflicting airspace around McCarran International Airport (LAS), Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and North Las Vegas Airport (VGT)." Continue HERE to read about it from NBAA.

2021 - Presidential TFRs Possible - Wilmington, Delaware  Area  -     Notice: CHECK NOTAMS

Ex.: Presidential TFR

"The TSA began identifying and planning the gateways after receiving the draft restrictions prepared by the FAA. AOPA has been working with the FAA and other agencies since October to gather information about how future presidential TFRs might impact general aviation operations, part of a years long effort spanning many administrations to mitigate the economic damage and inconvenience that these restrictions can cause." - AOPA

Of Note to ALL PILOTS:  A Guide to Airparks: "Erik McCormack, a realtor and real estate developer from Arizona, created AirparkMap.com, which also proved helpful in adding to the Living With Your Plane dataset."  Continue Reading about the Guide HERE.  View the Guide HERE.

Excerpts From the Chart Supplement APR 21 2021 Special Notices:

AEROBATIC OPERATIONS NORTHWEST OF TUCSON, AZ.
Practice and competitive aerobatic maneuvers are regularly scheduled on the Tucson VORTAC 295 radial at 25 miles and Tucson
VORTAC 308 radial at 22 miles, sunrise to sunset, up to 5,000 MSL.

EXTENSIVE FLIGHT TRAINING IN VICINITY OF
ERNEST A. LOVE FIELD, PRESCOTT, ARIZONA
Extensive flight training activity in areas 5 to 38 miles from the Prescott Airport 14,000 MSL and below. These areas are in use from
sunrise to sunset daily. Participating traffic reports on 123.5.

EXTENSIVE FLIGHT TRAINING IN VICINITY OF
THE GREATER PHOENIX BASIN
When planning for flight in the Phoenix area, please be aware of the extensive flight training activity in the area enclosed by a
perimeter line from: Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ) to Gila Bend Municipal (E63) to the Wickenburg (E25) to Lake Pleasant (4AZ5)
to Sky Ranch at CareFree (AZ18) to VPREN (11 mi east of KIWA) back to KAVQ.
Within this training area are the following special practices:
1. Parachuting in the vicinity of: Marana (KAVQ), Pinal (KMZJ), Eloy (E60), Coolidge (P08), and Estrella Sailport (E68)
2. Instrument procedures at Lufthansa private airport – Mobile (1AZ0)
3. Instrument procedures at Luke AUX-1 in the Northwest Practice Area
4. IFR holding and approaches in a stack over Stanfield VOR (TFD) between 3500 to 6500 feet msl (Stanfield Traffic 122.7)
5. IFR holding at BANYO between the Northwest and Northeast Practice areas.
6. Heavy inbound/outbound transition traffic from the Federal prison (FCI Phoenix-33º49’58.12”N/112º09’54.72”W) southward to
the Canal crossing I-17 to KDVT, between 2500 and 4000 MSL.
This training area is further subdivided (see maps at www.AFTW.ORG) into five practice areas:
NorthWest – 122.75; NorthEast – 122.75; SouthEast – 122.85; SouthWest – 122.85; Rainbow Valley (128.925). When transiting
this area, it would be well advised to use flight following; monitor these frequencies; and also, monitor traffic (ADS–B, TIS, TAS,
TACS, PCAS, etc.).

Much More Arizona News where these notices are from!  Check out the Chart Supplement Bulletin !  Find it HERE. 

Flying over Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon Special Flight Rules Area is a complex set of flight rules.  Flight Free Zones below 8,000' and 14,000' MSL.  Specific altitudes, frequencies and altimeter settings for each sector on the chart. Familiarize yourself with the flight rules that are published for this airspace under 14 CFR § 93 Subpart U, and the notes on the Grand Canyon VFR Aeronautical Chart.(https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/vfrcharts/grandcanyon/).

If it's summer, the temperatures will be high. That means density altitude will be a factor, so be sure to recognize (and calculate) your aircraft’s limitations, as well as your own.  Gusty winds and thunderstorms are a factor, too.  Preflight planning to include a check of the forecast weather is essential.

Tombstone MOA News

Check NOTAMS. Lights Out/NVG (night vision goggle) training in the Tombstone MOA. A lights out NOTAM will be published 48 hours prior to scheduled Lights Out/NVG military flight training.   For DETAILS see the .pdf file below:

Tombstone Lights Out NVG Pamphlet

Practice Areas:

A Note About ARIZONA Time:

• Today, most of the US, with the exception of Hawaii, Arizona, and many US territories, recognizes daylight-saving time.

 YouTube Feature:     "Non-Towered Airports: In Control or Out of Control?"                                                                                                           

With Scottsdale FAASTeam Representatives Brian Stamper, Lee Unger and Sarah Nilsson. Thank you to Tina Buskirk, Aviation Safety, Scottsdale FSDO Frontline Manager, Operations; Ernest R. Copeland, SDL FAA Safety Team Program Manager; and Craig Tompkins, SDL FAA Safety Team Program Manager; for your input, guidance, support and resources for this safety project. Per Craig, “Pilots on both sides of the operation should remain diligent, communicate, keep their heads on a swivel, and be prepared to do whatever is necessary to maintain a safe airport environment. Flexibility and situational awareness are key.“   "Stay and Fly Safe!" - Lee Unger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9JDjr0Q03I&feature=youtu.be

Here is something important from Aviation Safety Advisory Group on Facebook August 5, 2020, that warrants repeating:

 Aviation Safety Advisory Group on Facebook August 5, 2020
"Embry-Riddle has advised us the PRC aerobatic box is going to be used more than it has in the past.
The location for this, as well as all aerobatic operations, can be found in the Chart Supplement.
One may also find it using the AFTW chart overlays for Foreflight available by visiting the AFTW web site.
The PRC box is 5 NMR DRK215013."

PRESCOTT RGNL – ERNEST A LOVE FLD (PRC) (KPRC)
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dafd/search/

Arizona Flight Training Workgroup
http://aftw.org/arizona-practice-areas/

Aerobatic Practice Areas in Arizona and Elsewhere - Do YOU know about them?

Marana Regional Aerobatic Area

A new, informative and comprehensive paper on "Aerobatic Practice Areas" by James R. Ward.
https://tinyurl.com/JRWonAPAs The author is a longtime pilot, flight instructor, aerobatic competitor and judge. He lives in Seattle and Tucson. Views expressed are his. With thanks to Jim Ward!

Pilots: Read this article!   Why? Because it is no fun to fly in an area where acro pilots make a practice of flying upside down, straight up via hammerheads, and straight down via spins, and do so without even knowing you could meet one of them by accident! - Webmaster

From the Flight Deck Videos Currently Available for Arizona Airports

About From the Flight Deck

The FAA’s From the Flight Deck video series addresses runway safety at airports across the nation. The short videos use aircraft-mounted cameras to capture runway and taxiway footage, combined with diagrams and visual graphics to highlight hot spots and other safety-sensitive items. The videos give a general aviation pilot’s viewpoint, and are a helpful tool for preflight planning.  Link to the FLIGHT DECK Video Series HERE.

HAPPENING NOW!   in ARIZONA

Compiled by SCAUWG.ORG Contributing Editor: Lee Unger

   Events  -  Breaking News  -  Airport List

EVENTS! 

March 2023

24.  TUCSON, AZ — In Tucson this weekend, look to the skies for a woman paving the way for others like her to be better represented in the cockpit. - Vicky Benzing carries multiple titles, like airshow pilot, and air racer. - “You start going fast, you just want to go faster and faster,” said Benzing after calling herself an "air junkie."  Read it Here.

22.  Pilot Controller Forum - Deer Valley Airport and Second Quarter CFI Forum - Pilot/Controller Forum to Discuss:Upcoming Construction Projects, Common Safety Concerns, and a Brief Q&A. - Wednesday, March 22, 2023, starting at 18:00 Arizona Download Calendar File - Speaker(s): Ty Howard, Cary Grant, Jim Anderson - This 2 hour pilot/controller forum will include representatives from local flight schools, the KDVT Air Traffic Control Tower, and FAA Safety Team. The forum will provide a means to discuss safety concerns as well as to address common errors. - All pilots, regardless of experience level, are welcome to attend. Please bring questions and concerns that can be civilly discussed among the attendees.

26.  The Utility of Final Authority - What it means to Think outside the Box - Sunday, March 26, 2023, starting at 19:00 Pacific Daylight Time (20:00 MDT; 21:00 CDT; 22:00 EDT; 16:00 HST; 18:00 AKDT; 19:00 Arizona; Monday, March 27, 2023 02:00 GMT) - Speaker(s): Bob Katz - You are in command of a Very Light Jet enroute to a sometimes busy airport with a long runway in the middle of a wide valley surrounded by mountainous terrain. Local Conditions are: Sky obscured, marginal visibility and light winds. The flow of traffic as advertised on the ATIS suggests your approach options will require significant maneuvering at lower altitudes. You know the valley is generously wide but the marginal visibility obscures the terrain that you also know is out there, all around you, and will soon become a significant factor. How do you intend to work with ATC to get on the ground safely?  Will you simply go with the flow and DO what ATC WANTS in the spirit of Go along to Get along? Or, do you have the foresight to take off the blinders, Think outside the Box and make good use of the utility of Final Authority to TELL ATC what you NEED?

April 2023

3.   IMC-VMC Club Meeting - PHX TRACON (Off-Site) Operation Raincheck - Phoenix TRACON Operation Raincheck 'OFF-SITE' Presentation.

BREAKING NEWS

03/27/2023   My fellow Aviators and Friends, 

It is with great sadness I have learned Dr. Barbra Harper has flown West today after a brief battle against Cancer.  I learned she was facing this battle about a month ago, but she requested the news be kept private and I respected her wishes.  To many within the Arizona Aviation Community this news may come as a complete shock as she was a strong advocate for aviation safety issues right up to the end.  She fiercely fought to improve safety around Marana Regional Airport and was instrumental in aviation issues throughout Pima County.  She was a pioneer woman Captain for Continental Airlines, a skilled aviatrix, instructor, mentor, educator, a contributor to the Arizona Pilot’s Association, the Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group, and an inductee to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame.  We will miss Barbra greatly as we have lost someone near and dear to us and we are richer for her contribution to our lives.  We send our condolences to her family, and I will update you on the family’s plans for a memorial service as I learn them. - May God bless Barbra, her family, and I hope each of you will keep them in your prayers.

 Cary B. Grant, President, Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group

3/21/2023   ASAG MARCH MEETING MINUTES - Minutes from the meeting held 3/15 as called to order by ASAG President Cary Grant are found by clicking ASAG March 2023 Meeting Minutes Here.

03/16/2023   Chandler approves $2.4 million in municipal airport projects - AIRPORT NEWS - From KTAR - "PHOENIX — The city of Chandler approved more than $2.4 million in funding for airport improvement projects, officials said. - The East Valley suburb’s City Council approved three grants last week that will go toward extending a taxiway, aviation market assessment and pavement improvement at Chandler Municipal Airport. - The largest allocation, $2,035,200, is covering the first phase..."  Continue Here.

03/13/2023   Reports from the Arizona Safety Advisory Group ASAG:   Feb/Mar Accident Incident Report   -   Feb/Mar Pilot Deviation Report

03/08/2023   Ukrainian Pilots At Tucson Guard F-16 Wing For ‘Assessment’ - NEWS - From AVweb - "Multiple sources are reporting that two Ukrainian air force pilots are in the U.S. flying F-16 simulators as part of an “assessment” of their skills. The outlets, all quoting unnamed sources, say the two Ukrainians have been at an Air National Guard unit in Tucson, Arizona, for a week and will be there for at least..."   Continue Here.

03/07/2023   StandardAero Upgrading Arizona Sheriff’s Helicopter For Hot, High, And Heavy Operations - "SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – March 6, 2023 – StandardAero is actively completing Phase 2 and 3 of a 3 phase program to upgrade the Pinal County Sheriff Office (PCSO), Arizona, Bell UH-1H helicopter for hot, high, and heavy operations in Arizona.  The program called UH-1H³ Hot, High and Heavy, which is underway at StandardAero’s helicopter airframe facility in British Columbia, is expected to be completed in the March 2023. - Included in the modifications are airframe modifications to the lift beam, main beams, and..." More Here.

02/15/2023   Arizona Safety Advisory Group (ASAG) is unsurpassed for diligence and Aviation Safety commitment. Meetings are held Monthy and no matter where one might live and fly, viewing their meeting notes is a learning experience and well worth the time. ASAG Meeting Feb. 2023 Minutes can be Viewed Here.

01/27/2023   What GA Pilots Need to Know About Super Bowl LVII  -  GA pilots flying near Phoenix from Feb. 8-13, 2023, must be aware of temporary flight restrictions, follow special air traffic procedures (faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/domesticnotices/dom22044_sp.html), and comply with additional operational requirements that will be in effect for Super Bowl LVII. The FAA will soon issue a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) (notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch) about the procedures for the game and specific arrival and departure route requirements.

Special air traffic procedures to minimize delays and ensure safety will be in effect for the following airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT); Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR); Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA); Scottsdale Airport (SDL); Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU); Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD); and Falcon Field Airport (FFZ). You can find additional information about effected Phoenix-area airports and airspace on FAA’s Super Bowl webpage (faa.gov/superbowl).

The FAA will publish a Special Event Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for Super Bowl LVII centered on State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The FAA expects the TFR will be active from 3:30 - 9 p.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 12. The TFR will have a 10-nautical-mile inner core and a 30-nautical-mile outer ring.

Super Bowl LVII also is a No Drone Zone. As a designated National Security Special Event, additional unmanned aircraft restrictions will be in place before, during and after the game.

The FAA will post the full text and graphic depiction of the Super Bowl LVII TFR in February. Read more on the FAA’s Super Bowl safety plan at faa.gov/superbowl or see the press release here faa.gov/newsroom/ready-kickoff-what-ga-pilots-need-know-about-super-bowl-lvii.

01/26/2023   First Class Graduates From ARIZONA'S United Flight School. "United Airlines has graduated its first class of new pilots from its Aviate Academy in Arizona. The first class of 51 new pilots, 80 percent of them women or people of color, got their wings earlier this week. United wants to crank out 5,000 new pilots from the school over the next seven years and it wants at least half of them to be female and/or people of color. It called the graduation “an important step towards training the next generation of talented, qualified, and motivated aviators.” Read More.

01/25/2023   The FAA has a Superbowl Safety Plan - You can visit it HERE.

01/24/2023   FAA Runway Safety has released the New Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD) FROM THE FLIGHT DECK VIDEO.  You can see it HERE.

01/15/2023  Seeing Possibility in the Impossible - (An Arizona Story) - Kaiya Armstrong flew a Cessna from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Washington, D.C. in October. She's also legally blind. - "Kaiya lost her sight at the age of 14. Developing a disability is almost always a more significant challenge than being born with one, and I can only imagine the obstacles Kaiya faced. " Webmaster: Not only an interesting story, but one authored by Jessica Cox, herself born with a significant physical challenge. Read the Story Here.

01/11/2023   Glendale Municipal Airport prepares for hundreds of private planes to arrive for Super Bowl LVII - FOX 10-TV - "GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Glendale Municipal Airport is busy preparing to welcome hundreds of people as two high-profile events are making their way to the Valley – at the same time. For now, the airport may look quiet, but soon everyone will be arriving as it’s located just two miles west of State Farm Stadium where Super Bowl LVII will be held on Feb. 12. - As the closest airport to State Farm Stadium, Glendale Airport Administrator Matthew Smith was excited to take off with a new challenge."  VIDEO & STORY Here.

01/09/2023   NEW FREQUENCY PROGRESS! Aviation Safety Advisory Group of Arizona Inc (ASAG) is in the process of vetting 123.30 Mhz as our fourth frequency to request waiver. Our outreach regarding 123.30 MHz is currently focused on, but not limited to, the Soaring communities of Arizona.

11/16/2022   Volunteers Pull Together To Recondition A Popular Backcountry Airfield - NEWS - From AVweb - "Supporters of backcountry aviation gave more than just their time, cash and energy to repave the 3,800-foot runway at Grapevine Airstrip (88AZ) in Roosevelt, Arizona. The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), 99s and the Arizona Pilots Association (APA) all contributed, and RAF Arizona liaison Mark Spencer added, “Hundreds … gave their time, money, sweat, and even blood—everything has thorns in the Sonoran Desert.” - The volunteers worked with..."  Continue.

10/14/2022   Blind pilot flying from Arizona to Washington, DC - NEWS - From KTVH - "PHOENIX, Ariz. (KNXV) — Twenty-one-year-old Kaiya Armstrong is on her way to Washington, D.C. Armstrong lost her sight when she was 14 years old. She spent months learning to fly a plane so she could make the cross-country trip. - “There’s so many people out there that don’t realize that they don’t have limitations,” said Kaiya. “I want this flight to prove to everyone, to the world, to stop limiting yourself.” - The Foundation for Blind Children is helping Armstong realize her..."  Read More.

10/14/2022   Aviation Scholarships Available in Arizona - NEWS - From FLYING - "The Arizona Pilots Association provides a $3,000 scholarship to Arizona-based students pursuing a variety of aviation careers." - "One way to advance aviation in your state is to provide scholarships to people seeking careers in the industry—that’s what is happening in Arizona, as the Arizona Pilots Association (APA) is in the final stretches of taking applications for its annual scholarship program. - APA hands out six to eight scholarships a year to students enrolled in aviation-related programs at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational and technical institutions, according to Chris Nugent, vice president of the APA scholarship committee. The students are eligible for these scholarships, even if they’re attending schools outside of the Copper State." More.

10/09/2022   Arizona Flight Training Workgroup (AFTW) https://aftw.org/
ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot GPS Overlays
 – Version 12  – Updated 9-27-2022   https://aftw.org/arizona-practice-areas/

08/09/2022   News from Arizona - Editor Lee Unger - The FAA Spectrum - FCC air to air frequencies in PHX flight training areas project continues to progress. The growth of United Aviate Academy (UAA), now with about 180 flight students and projected to have 500 in 2023, reiterates the need for these air-to-air frequencies.

07/01/2022    Falcon Field Airport unveils new aircraft viewing area - "Mesa residents have a new place to delight in aviation with the opening of a newly renovated aircraft viewing area at Falcon Field Airport. The viewing area is located adjacent to the airport terminal building and air traffic control tower at 4800 E. Falcon Drive. It was dedicated in a brief ceremony June 29.

“This area offers Mesa residents of all ages an opportunity to share in the excitement of flight and aviation,” said District 5 Councilmember David Luna. “It supports the City Council’s priority of placemaking and cultivating unique, vibrant spaces for residents and visitors.”  More Here.

04/25/2022   FAA Investigating [ARIZONA] Failed Red Bull Airplane Swap - NEWS / VIDEO  - From Flying - "Agency says it had denied organizers’ request for permission to perform the stunt. ...vigorously promoted Red Bull Plane Swap missed the mark in more ways than one. Not only did the swap fail, but the maneuver and resulting aircraft crash irked the FAA, which said it “will investigate Sunday evenings attempted Red Bull Plane Swap in Arizona.” Flight Video & Pilot Interview included.  Read and See More Here.

04/25/2022   'Super Scooper' pilot training to fight Arizona wildfires from the air - LOCAL NEWS / VIDEO - From 12 News -  "Fire crews have spent weeks training in Mesa to fly air tankers. " Read / see the story Here.

04/19/2022   Honeywell develops advanced radar system at new Arizona Lab - TECH NEWS - From Aviationa Today - "Honeywell Aerospace is developing advanced air mobility technology at a new lab in Phoenix. The RDR-84K radar system, which features autonomous detect-and-avoid capabilities, weighs around 1.5 pounds and is suitable for drone applications." Full Story: Here.

Sedona, Arizona

03/21/2022  Safety aspects of flying into the  Sedona Airport (KSEZ). Produced by the Aviation Safety Advisory Group of Arizona.  Webmaster: A Great New Airport Safety Video!
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWrb-xCK1rA

03/18/2022   Phoenix Sky Harbor launches virtual checkpoint queuing program - AIRPORT NEWS - "Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is set to pilot a virtual check-in queuing program, to help ensure that passengers’ security experience and overall airport journey is seamless and stress-free." Find Out More Here.

To increase safety in the air and on the ground, Aviation Safety Advisory Group of Arizona, Inc. (ASAG) continues to coordinate a statewide effort to obtain dedicated air-to-air communication frequencies for flight training areas in the Phoenix, Arizona airspace. Patrick Carey, Co-Founder Co-Chairman of Southern California Airspace Users Working Group (SCAUWG)  https://scauwg.org/,  working with Mr. Sydney Bradfield and his FAA WSA Spectrum Engineering Services Office, successfully obtained air-to-air frequencies for training areas in the Los Angeles airspace; Thanks to Pat Carey's introduction, Mr. Bradfield and his the FAA WSA Spectrum Engineering Services Office are instrumental in Arizona's efforts to request waivers of the Federal Communications Commission for four frequencies.

As ASAG continues our project in Arizona, we are honored to be included in the process as Charles Gunderson works toward air-to-air frequencies for flight training areas in the San Diego airspace. As in the LA airspace, air-to-air frequencies, approved exclusively for flight training, improve communications, help make the airspace safer and protect those in the air and on the ground from midair collisions.  Arizona thanks Pat Carey and SCAUWG , Mr.Sydney Bradfield and FAA WSA Spectrum Engineering Services Office, the Federal Communications Commission and Aviation Spectrum Resources Inc.(ASRI®) for their continued support.

02/19/2022   Arizona aviation groups are working on responding to:  Proposed Action:
"The U.S. Air Force is proposing to modify existing Military Operations Areas (MOAs) to address existing and future training deficiencies for aircrews stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Luke Air Force Base, and Morris Air National Guard Base."
Comments are due no later than March 4, 2022

https://www.arizonaregionalairspaceeis.com/

https://www.arizonaregionalairspaceeis.com/media/zfsp4rwt/1_what-is-the-airforce-proposing-poster-final.pdf

2/16/2022   VIDEO: AFTW Meeting January 11, 2022  - by Jim Pitman | Jan 12, 2022 | Meeting Minutes, Meetings

FROM the FLIGHT DECK VIDEO: Prescott Regional Airport - Earnest A Love Field - (PRC) -   A wonderful Safety Video from FAA Runway Safety. You can view it by Clicking HERE.

Scott Tinnesand, Arizona FAASTeam Representative - "Helicopter Association International (HAI) is pleased to announce Scott Tinnesand as the recipient of the Salute to Excellence W.A. “Dub” Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award." https://rotormedia.com/scott-tinnesand-receives-hais-salute-to-excellence-w-a-dub-blessing-flight-instructor-of-the-year-award/?fbclid=IwAR1w6OgjttVjo47VC33xL6RN29Y8qWs0m2FBmTpv2bZ33LLgb9dEmQBWMXY

12/26/2021  KAVQ Marana Regional Airport Voluntary Noise Abatement Program - https://www.maranaaz.gov/s/Noise-Abatement-Flyers-PILOTS-Reduced.pdf - Detailed Procedures are illustrated HERE.  Take a Look!  🙂

11/15/2021   Gulfstream to Build New Arizona Service Center - NEWS - From AVweb - "Gulfstream Aerospace has announced plans to build a new aircraft service center at Arizona’s Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). The 225,000-square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility represents a more than $70 million investment for the company. According to Gulfstream, the[…]" Read this article

10/24/2021  A 51-Year-Old, Newly Minted Pilot Shares His Story - Commentary - From Flying Online - "Richard Donaldson of Arizona recently earned his private pilot license at the age of 51 and reflects on the exhilaration and challenges of the training process. Learning to fly was a lifelong dream, but Donaldson says now is the perfect time because of all the blogs, apps, videos and other online resources that are readily accessible. Full Story Here.

10/04/2021  Arizona is deeply saddened by the loss of two lives in a midair collision of an airplane and a helicopter on October 1, 2021, near Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD).    http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2021/10/piper-pa-28-and-robinson-r22-fatal.html

10/01/2021   FAA, NASA Finish Air Traffic Management Software Testing - NEWS - AVweb - "The FAA and NASA have wrapped up research and testing on software designed to minimize taxi delays and ease ramp congestion along with saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions. The new NASA-developed software capability, which is designed to calculate gate pushbacks to allow aircraft to “roll directly to the runway and to take off,” will be part of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program. The agency initially plans to roll the TFDM program out to 27 hub airports beginning with Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) next year." More Here.

09/19/2021  Teacher to teach lesson flying over her school - NEWS - KGUN 9 - "TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Schools teach young students to aim high. Now a teacher at Marana’s DeGrazia Elementary is taking that idea to a new height. Sometimes the best way to reach someone with a lesson is to show how it applies in the real world. Teacher Aimee Katz has been teaching her 6th graders about the math and science that help airplanes fly." Read More & How the CAP is helping HERE.

09/18/2021  Here is Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group's New Safety VIDEO for Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ) !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTBHrJnpGeo

From YouTube:  Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group - From the Flight Deck video for Marana, Arizona is the first in a series of videos from the Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group (ASAG) produced to complement the FAA's From the Flight Deck videos.  ASAG's focus is to raise pilot's awareness of potential problems before they visit an unfamiliar non-towered airports or airspace in Arizona, and is not intended as a substitute for thorough preflight planning. Nor is it possible for us to cover all potential hazards a pilot might encounter during a flight.  We encourage all pilots to visit these web sites to compliment their normal flight preparation:
https://www.faa.gov/go/fromtheflightd...
https://www.asagaz.org
https://www.aftw.org
https://www.faasafety.gov

09/05/2021  ATC Tapes Reveal Capabilities Of Mystery Drone - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "The Drive has posted ATC audio of a bizarre police chase in the skies over Tucson last February that, beyond the security and safety concerns, had all involved wondering just what they were witnessing. As we reported last May, the FBI was called in to investigate the mysterious encounter, which included an aerial tour of Davis Monthan Air Force base and ended when the drone shot up to 10,000 feet never to be seen again." Continue Here.

09/04/2021  Pilot loses power to helicopter, still rescues hikers in Yavapai County - NEWS - STORY - From azfamily.com -  KPHO/KTVK (KPHO Broadcasting Corporation) "A helicopter pilot performing a search and rescue mission for stranded hikers on a mountain near Black Canyon City, Ariz., managed to safely land after losing power when the helicopter's rotor hit a tree amid windy conditions. The weather prevented..."  Full Story & Photos Here.

08/28/2021  Yuma International Airport awards local contractor nearly $2.5M for makeover - NEWS - From NEWS 11 - "Goal is to improve approximately 98,000 square yards of paved runways" "

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma International Airport announced Tuesday plans to renovate runway area through a $2,492,820.50 construction contract to local Yuma contractor Cemex Construction Materials South, LLC. - “This project is part of the Airport’s Improvement Program and Yuma International Airport appreciates Federal grant funding received from the FAA for its successful completion.” comments Airport Director, Gladys Brown. She says these federally granted funds would...  Continue Here.

07/27/2021   Drone Footage - Dust Cloud over Phoenix - VIDEO - Weather agency issues dust advisory for Phoenix, warns of low visibility and gusty winds. Video credit: Instagram @JoeGrana.  See it Here.

06/30/21   AVIATION GROUPS SPEAK OUT AGAINST DANGEROUS AIRPORT PRECEDENT - NEWS - From AOPA - AOPA, NBAA, HAI JOIN US PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION TO STICK UP FOR SKYDIVING COMPANY - "What started out as a win for Phoenix Area Skydive at Casa Grande Airport in Arizona not only ended up as a setback for the company, it set a dangerous precedent for any tenant that an airport may consider “undesirable.” This case would seem to be possibly pivotal. Read the details Here.

05/24/21   High Altitude Drone Encounter Prompts FBI Investigation - ARTICLE - From AVweb - "The FBI has joined the hunt for the operator of some kind of high-performance drone that flew “dangerously close” to a Customs and Border Protection helicopter over southern Arizona last Feb. 9. According to report from KOLD News, the Tucson CBS affiliate, the drone buzzed the CBP helicopter near Davis Monthan Air Force Base and then followed it for an hour, going as high as 14,000 feet. That’s well beyond the capabilities of commercially available drones and it clearly has the feds concerned." For More Click Here.

05/18/21  Sedona pilot flies Mexican wolves again - ARTICLE - From Sedona NEWS - "This spring, Sedona pilot Mike Schroeder flew from the Sedona Airport to the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in St. Louis. He checked into a hotel to get some sleep, because his St. Louis passengers — five 11-day-old Mexican wolves — needed to leave at 5:30 a.m. for their flight to eastern Arizona." Continue Reading

04/30/21   ARIZONA ADDITIONAL FREQUENCY PROJECT  - SCAUWG.ORG and SCAUWG has been helping Lee Unger who has been very instrumental in the quest to obtain more frequencies for ARIZONA airspace, with the goal of safer airspace separation in mind.  SCAUWG member Mr. Bradfield (FAA) "is being very helpful!! What an opportunity... for Arizona!..."

04/27/2021  -  Today it was confirmed Marana Regional has a new Airport Director.  Steve Miller was very dedicated to safety and will be missed. I spoke with the Interim Director and he said the air traffic control tower project remains on track.

01/24/2021:   News from Tucson:

•  Tucson International Airport (KTUS) and  Ryan Field (KRYN) air traffic control towers have been operating their normal hours of operation.  Like always, check NOTAMS for possible changes.
• Congratulations Tucson International Airport (KTUS) upon being awarded the Arizona Airport Safety Award for 2021! The award was presented by the Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group and

  the Scottsdale FAA Flight Standards District Office at their virtual awards ceremony January 23, 2021. The  Arizona Airport Safety Award recognizes an outstanding Arizona airport that has made significant contributionsto safety at an airport facility. The goal of this program is to recognize an airport operator's efforts for making procedural and/or physical improvements to enhance safety and foster efficient operations at the airport. Congratulations KTUS for this well-deserved award! https://asagaz.org/

  Tucson International Airport's contributions to safety include their Airfield Safety Enhancement (ASE) Program, a program that was initiated in large part to reduce runway incursions by correcting the remaining two of four “Hot Spots”,
  a project expected to be completed in 4½  to 5 years . Also contributing to this award was KTUS's making of airport and runway safety videos working with FAASTeam Program Managers and Representatives, AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteers and others.

12/18/2020:  From Tucson Airport Authority Air Traffic  Control Zero  -  See info under TUCSON below.

12/14/2020:  TUCSON KRYN: Gloria Calhoun, Ryan Tower Manager, sadly has passed away. Many of us know and admire Gloria and have appreciated her fine work as Ryan Tower Manager over the years. Our most sincere condolences are offered to Gloria's Family. EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, DEC 15TH, 2020, the Ryan Airfield (KRYN) Tower is set to CLOSE until further notice. Check NOTAMs.  See below for further details.   "Very sad news."  -  Lee Unger

Airport gets lighting, safety improvements - ARTICLE _ From Payson Roundup - "For years, the Payson Municipal Airport — Rich Henry Field has steadily been making changes to help it compete with other regional airports in the state. These improvements haven’t gone unnoticed. The airport has seen a steady increase in flights and recently, an increase in charter flights. - Dennis Dueker, airport coordinator, said many of the pilots that fly or charter guests end up buying a home in Payson after flying in and seeing not only the beauty of the area, but the amenities the community has to offer." Read More Here.

"Special Air Traffic Rule (SATR) for aircraft conducting VFR Operations in the vicinity of Luke Air Force Base, AZ. Procedural rule necessary to reduce the potential for midair collisions between military/civilian and midair collisions between military/civilian and civilian/civilian operating under VFR in vicinity of Luke."

The following information is provided by AFTW on their  PHX Terminal Area Chart Overlays page of the AFTW website:

http://aftw.org/arizona-practice-areas/

Please scroll down to see related Overlays and Letter of Agreement   http://aftw.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Luke%20SATR%20Procedures.pdf

Other Overlays

DVT/Luke SATR LOA Sector ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot Overlay

(Updated on 11-14-2018) Explanation of DVT/Luke LOA., Official LOA.

More from Tucson.com
https://tucson.com/business/tucson-airport-breaks-ground-on-300m-airfield-improvements-project/article_2e267053-d85f-5738-8b18-b172e11d8649.html
"The new main runway is expected to be operational by 2023 and the entire project is planned for completion in 2024 or 2025, with the pace of construction largely dictated by the release of federal funding."
"During a socially distanced ceremony at TIA, a Federal Aviation Administration official said the project will help make the airfield safer by reducing runway “incursions,” when planes, people or ground vehicles enter runways and related protected areas without authorization. With an airfield design dating back to the 1950s, TIA has had problems with certain “hot spots” where the number of incursions were unacceptably high, said Mark McClardy, FAA Western-Pacific regional director. TIA has had some close calls but has not recorded any collisions resulting from incursions. “The airport is safe today,” McClardy said. “But just like you put a median on a freeway, you want to enhance it as much as you can. It really got to the point where there were some stubborn hot spots for runway incursions that had to get addressed, and the only solution was changing the airfield geometry,” he said. "

AIRPORT LIST! 

An Airport List Follows:-  (Included are some destinations that Arizona Pilots might fly to)

Casa Grande Airport - 6/30/21 News From AOPA - AVIATION GROUPS SPEAK OUT AGAINST DANGEROUS AIRPORT PRECEDENT - NEWS - From AOPA - AOPA, NBAA, HAI JOIN US PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION TO STICK UP FOR SKYDIVING COMPANY - "What started out as a win for Phoenix Area Skydive at Casa Grande Airport in Arizona not only ended up as a setback for the company, it set a dangerous precedent for any tenant that an airport may consider “undesirable.” This case would seem to be possibly pivotal. Read the details Here.

Colorado Ski Country Airports

If you are planning to fly in to one or more of Colorado’s ski country airports this season, please be advised that due to increased traffic ATC has instituted some new procedures.  -  Required routes will be used into ski country airports on days of significant demand. These route structures aid Denver Center in creating the most efficient flows into the mountain airports. These required routes will be sent out daily in the Air Traffic Command Center Advisories < https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/advAdvisoryForm.jsp>. Additional airports have been added to the ski country required routes this year to include the following: ASE – Aspen; EGE – Eagle; RIL – Rifle; GJT – Grand Junction; GUC – Gunnison; HDN – Hayden; MTJ – Montrose; TEX – Telluride
View the required routing and graphical depiction in the specific Letter to Airmen, which can be found by completing a NOTAM search for your destination (SKI COUNTRY) airport: https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/

Deer Valley Airport (KDVT) Safety Videos

Honolulu International Airport Runway Safety Video

Marana Regional (KAVQ).  - The July issue of the Arizona Pilots Association newsletter included text written about Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations. General  illustrations were added that do not apply to Marana Regional during parachute operations so the data found via the following link with the Drop Zone diagram attached is designed to help get the word out about Marana Regional (KAVQ).  Get the info by clicking here: https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/AVQ-Parachute-Drop-Zones-r-2020-1.pdf

The problem is at some airports overflying the field and performing midfield entries to the traffic pattern is unsafe. The AWOS at Marana Regional (KAVQ) announces do not overfly the field and do not fly missed approach procedures for the RNAV/GPS 12 and RNAV/GPS‐E  approaches during parachute operations. Both the RNAV/GPS 12 and RNAV/GPS‐E missed approach procedures have trajectories that pass directly through the drop zone (DZ),  as can overflying and midfield pattern entries. Here is a link to the Chart Supplement for more information on AVQ and nearby Pinal Airpark (MZJ) https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dafd/search/

With thanks to Jim Pitman, Arizona Fight Training Workgroup http://aftw.org/ has a new page.   Marana Airport Operations    http://aftw.org/kavq-operations

Video “Non-towered airports: In control or out of control?” -  by Scottsdale FAASTeam Representatives Brian Stamper, Sarah Nilsson and Lee Unger.

With thanks to Tina Buskirk, Aviation Safety, Scottsdale FSDO Frontline Manager, Operations; Ernest R. Copeland, SDL FAA Safety Team Program Manager; and Craig Tompkins, SDL FAA Safety Team Program Manager; for their input, guidance, support and resources for this project. From Craig “Pilots on both sides of the operation should remain diligent, communicate, head on a swivel, and be prepared to do whatever is necessary to maintain a safe airport environment. Flexibility and situational awareness are key.“

This version is focused on Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9JDjr0Q03I&feature=youtu.be

MEXICO  ??  Are you planning a trip to Baja or MEXICO?   -  READ THIS REPORT FROM BAJA BUSH PILOTS - RE: MEXICO REGULATIONS BEING ENFORCED!!  AIRPORTS NEED CURRENT MEXICO LICENSING!!    ESTABLISHED RULES  + NOW + BEING ENFORCED -  a link to the Baja Bush Pilots Website where you can access Flight Plan and Mexico WebCam info is HERE       More Info about the CURRENT Airport Regulations Click:  READ MORE HERE For a list of registered airports and a lot of other Mexican Airport information from (IN SPANISH) Click Here.

Payson Airport (IATA: PJB, ICAO: KPAN, FAA LID: PAN) is a public airport located 1 mile (0.87 nmi; 1.6 km) west of the central business district of Payson, a town in Gila County, Arizona, United States. The airport covers 80 acres (32 ha) and has one runway and one helipad. It is mostly used for general aviation, and is host to a number of fire-fighting aircraft during the summer fire season.  (see Payson Airport above)

Tucson AZ TUS - Airport General Information

Tucson AZ TUS - Phase 1 taxiway rehab - possibly starts Nov. 4 - DETAILS Here

Tucson AZ TUS - runway Safety and Local Practice areas / Reporting Points  18 Min. Version

Tucson AZ TUS - runway Safety Video - details HotSpots - 4 Min Version (Brand New)

12/18/2020:  From Tucson Airport Authority Air Traffic  Control Zero

"While Tucson Tower is closed, Tucson TRACON will control traffic coming in and out of Tucson. The hours of operation for the tower are subject to change.

Pilots and aircrews should continuously check NOTAMs and check ATIS on 123.8 for the current operating status of Tucson Tower and procedures for flying into and out of TUS.          More INFO HERE