FAI SOP

From PFATC Network

Standard Operating Procedure — Fairbanks ATCT

Rev. 1 — Revised: 2026-09-02

Purpose This document prescribes the procedures that may be followed for providing air traffic control services at Fairbanks Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and any of the positions within the Fairbanks TRACON. The procedures described herein are supplemental to the FAA Order JO 7110.65.

Operational Positions

FAI ATCT

FAI TRACON

Note 1: FAIEAPP is not to be opened unconditionally without the permission of PFATC staff.

ATCT

Clearance Delivery

Departure Frequency

The table above lists the common frequencies used as departure frequeqncy by FAI Clearance Delivery. The first available controller in this list should be handling departures.

IFR Departures

• The initial altitude for IFR departures is determined based on the table on the right.
• The appropriate SID shall be assigned based on the direction of travel/route
• Aircraft conducting practice approaches to FAI shall be assigned no lower than 5,000 ft

MKNLY# The MKNLY departure is the most used departure procedure for all configurations at Fairbanks. It should only be assigned if the pilot indicates the possession of charts, otherwise no departure procedure should be assigned and the pilot should be cleared to their destination via radar vectors to their first fix.

PHRASEOLOGY Cleared to (destination), MKNLY (Version #) departure, Talkeetna transition, then as filed. Maintain (initial altitude)...

PUYVO# The PUYVO departure is the standard RNAV equivalent to the MKNLY departure departing runway 20R/02L. It should only be assigned if the pilot indicates the possession of charts, otherwise no departure procedure should be assigned and the pilot should be cleared to their destination via radar vectors to their first fix.

PHRASEOLOGY Cleared to (destination), PUYVO (Version #) departure, then as filed. Maintain (initial altitude)...

RDFLG# The RDFLG departure is a secondary RNAV SID departing runway 20R/02L. It should only be assigned if the pilot indicates the possession of charts, otherwise no departure procedure should be assigned and the pilot should be cleared to their destination via radar vectors to their first fix.

PHRASEOLOGY Cleared to (destination), RDFLG (Version #) departure, then as filed. Maintain (initial altitude)...

GLEEN# The GLEEN departure is a secondary SID for all configurations at Fairbanks. It should only be assigned if the pilot indicates the possession of charts, otherwise no departure procedure should be assigned and the pilot should be cleared to their destination via radar vectors to their first fix.

PHRASEOLOGY Cleared to (destination), GLEEN (Version #) departure, then as filed. Maintain (initial altitude)...

VFR Departures FAI is located inside of a class delta surrounded by a TRSA. Optionally, VFR traffic may be assigned a discrete squawk code and provided basic radar services. Aircraft that have not stated they do not wish to have TRSA services shall be assumed to be requesting them.

VFR with TRSA Services: N123SP, Fairbanks Clearance Delivery, TRSA departure which is fly runway heading until further advised, departure frequency 125 point 35, squawk ...

VFR with TRSA Services: N123SP, Fairbanks Clearance Delivery, departure frequency 125 point 35, squawk ....

VFR without FF/Pattern Work: N123SP, Fairbanks Clearance Delivery, information Alpha current, contact Ground 121 point 9 for taxi.

Ground Control

Departure Sequencing Aircraft should be sequenced to depart in the following order:

1. 1.By alternating departure procedure
2. 2.If not the above, then by aircraft type largest to smallest

Intersection Departures

• Fairbanks Ground must issue full length runway 20R or 02L. Intersections can be used only if requested or for operational necessity
• Aircraft on the pond shall be switched to Fairbanks Tower

Tower

Procedures

Releases Releases from Fairbanks are automatic except for the Red Flag and Drill departure procedures, unless Fairbanks TRACON requests individual releases

Separation The standard departure separation technique to be used is anticipated radar separation. When wake turbulence is a factor, use timed separation in accordance with FAA Order 7110.65PB

Radar This tower uses a DBRITE radar only and is not certified for any approach control services. By agreeing with Fairbanks TRACON, this tower will NOT radar identify departing IFR aircraft and will instruct a departure to contact departure control once the aircraft appears to be clear of any traffic. It is imperative that tower controllers observe departing traffic turning towards the assigned heading before handing off. VFR aircraft can and must be radar identified to receive flight following within the tower's airspace, otherwise it is not necessary.

Missed Approach Procedures a. Missed approaches or go-arounds must fly runway heading or track the localizer until reaching the departure end of the runway, then be issued a heading, unless the controller determines thatit would be advantageous to delay or initiate a turn early. b. The table below indicates the heading and altitute that needs to be assigned to a missed approach or go around prior to release to TRACON frequency.

c. If the conditions are VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions), then the Tower may keep the aircraft in the pattern and clear the aircraft for a visual approach in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65 para 7-4-3. Use best judgment to determine whether to keep the aircraft in the pattern or not.

Additional Information a. Ski 2/20 shall be considered same runway with regards to same runway separation and wake turbulence with 2R/20L b. VFR aircraft receiving TRSA services may be turned “on course” at the controller’s discretion provided prior coordination with the departure controller

Airspace a. Class DELTA b. The tower owns 2,900' and below within a 5 mile radius of the airport

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Runway Selection Primary runways are based on forecasted wind, neighboring traffic flows and other weather conditions.

1. 1.Runway 2L/2R are the primary runways for arrivals and departures
2. 2.Runway 20L/20R are the secondary runways for arrivals and departures if there is a forecasted tailwind component at or above 10 knots

Departure Heading (IFR) Select the departure heading based on the table, only if the aircraft is not on a Departure Procedure. Otherwise, just clear the aircraft for takeoff as usual and ensure they fly the departure.

Last Modified This page was last edited on 9 October 2026, at 9:30.