1. Main
2. Standard Operating Procedures
3. SOP_100 Primary Airports

Primary Airports

 

SOP-100

ZSE Senior Staff

Version 2

 

Changes:

2020-01-02: GEG initial altitude changed from 12000 to 6000 to match SID top altitude.

 

1. PURPOSE.

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures to be used by controllers working clearance delivery, ground control, and tower at primary airports with ZSE ARTCC. By specifying standard procedures for each towered facility it will increase pilots expecting normal operations at airports rather than having every controller stating different calm wind runways.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

This SOP shall be maintained, revised, updated, or canceled by the ZSE Senior Staff. Any suggestions for modification/amendment to this SOP should be sent to the ATM or DATM for review. 

3. DISTRIBUTION.

This SOP is intended for use by controllers staffing positions primary airports within ZSE, as well as controllers working at positions interfacing with primary airport positions. 

4. BACKGROUND.

Over time, controllers have found that having aircraft arrive via pre-approved arrival routes, either by STAR(Standard Terminal Arrival Routes) or via vectors through pre-determined arrival fixes, provides for a more orderly traffic flow, and reduces the need for communication between Clearance Delivery, Ground, Tower, TRACON and Center positions. It is also vitally important that all facilities understand what an airplane is going to do (i.e., what altitude he has been cleared to) when he approaches an adjacent controller's airspace. These procedures outline what instructions pilots will be issued as they go from controller to controller.

5. PROCEDURES. 

a. ALW - Walla Walla

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to ALW:

o ALW_GND: 121.60

o ALW_TWR: 118.50

2. When the winds are from a heading of 251° clockwise to 069° above 10 knots, runway 20 shall be used for departures/arrivals. At all other times, the airport shall use runway 02. Runway 25/7 may be used as necessary if winds or traffic warrants. 

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from ALW shall be to 8000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from PSC_APP only when PSC_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 5000 and runway heading for runway 20 arrivals and told to fly heading 200 for arrivals on 16 and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

b. BFI - Boeing Field/King County International Airport

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for TRACON procedures.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to BFI: 

o BFI_DEL: 132.40

o BFI_GND: 121.90

o BFI_TWR: 118.300

3. BFI shall comply with the runway use plan as set by SEA_TWR. When SEA_TWR is in "South Ops" BFI shall use runway 14L/R. When SEA_TWR is in "North Ops", BFI shall use runway 32L/R. If local winds make compliance with this instruction unsafe, BFI_TWR will contact the radar position responsible for BFI and ask if they are able to accept the configuration.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from BFI shall be per SID top altitude or 2100 for radar vectors.

5. Aircraft shall be instructed to expect their filed cruise altitude 3 minutes after departure. 

6. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_APP (or SEA_Y_APP in sectorization).

7. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 2100 on runway heading and transferred to SEA_APP (or SEA_Y_APP in sectorization) for resequencing. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003. 

8. Coordination with Seattle Tower (SEA_TWR) is required for all traffic pattern aircraft.

c. BLI - Bellingham International Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to BLI: 

o BLI_GND: 127.40 

o BLI_TWR: 124.900

2. When the winds are from a heading of 251° clockwise to 069° above 10 knots, runway 34 shall be used. At all other times, the airport shall use runway 16.

3. Vancouver ACC shall handle all approach/departure radar services per Vancouver/Bellingham Operations training document.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from BLI shall be to 3000.

5. Aircraft shall be instructed to expect their filed cruise altitude 10 minutes after departure.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 3000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

d. EUG - Eugene/Mahlon Sweet Field Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to EUG:  

o EUG_GND: 121.70 (Eugene Ground)

o EUG_TWR: 118.900 (Eugene Tower)

2. When the winds are from a heading of 251° clockwise to 069° above 10 knots, runways 34L/R shall be used (Some pilots will state they only have one runway in FS which is 34L). At all other times, the airport shall use runway 16L/R (Some pilots will state they only have one runway in FS which is 16R).

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from EUG shall be to 9000.

4. Aircraft shall be instructed to expect their filed cruise altitude 10 minutes after departure.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from EUG_APP only when EUG_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 5000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

e. GEG - Spokane International Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to GEG: 

o GEG_DEL: 127.55

o GEG_GND: 121.90

o GEG_TWR: 118.30

2. When the winds are from 300° clockwise to 119° above 10 knots, runway 3 shall be used. At all other times, the airport shall use runway 21. If strong winds, above 15 knots favor the use of runway 7 or 25 then the controller shall use that runway.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from GEG shall be to 6000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from GEG_APP only when GEG_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 5000 and instructed to fly runway heading if runway 21 is in use, and instructed to climb and maintain 6000 on runway heading if runway 3 is in use and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

f. HIO - Portland-Hillsboro Airport

1. SOP_102 shall be the authority for all TRACON operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to HIO: 

o HIO_GND: 121.70 (Hillsboro Ground)

o HIO_TWR: 119.30 (Hillsboro Tower)

3. When the winds are from 220° clockwise to 039° above 10 knots, runway 31L shall be used. At all other times, the airport shall use runway 13R. (Runway 20/2 and 31R/31L may be used if conditions warrant use)

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from HIO shall be to 4000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from PDX_APP (PDX_V_APP if sector split) only when PDX_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 4000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003

g. LMT - Klamath Falls Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to LMT: 

o LMT_GND: 121.90 (Kingsley Ground)

o LMT_TWR: 133.970 (Kingsley Tower)

2. When the winds are from 050° clockwise to 229° above 10 knots, runway 14 shall be used. At all other times runway 32 shall be used.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from LMT shall be to 10000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from LMT_APP only when LMT_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 8000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003

h. LWS - Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to LWS:

o LWS_GND: 121.90 (Lewiston Ground)

o LWS_TWR: 119.40 (Lewiston Tower)

2. When the winds are from 350° clockwise to 169° above 10 knots, the field shall use runways 12 and 8 for departures/arrivals. At all other times, the airport shall use runways 26 and 30.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from LWS shall be to 8000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_C_CTR only when SEA_C_CTR requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 6000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003

i. MFR - Rogue Valley International Medford Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to MFR:

o MFR_GND: 121.80 (Medford Ground)

o MFR_TWR: 119.40 (Medford Tower)

2. The runway assignments should be as follows (If winds 15 knots or greater exist, use the runway that winds favor for all operations): 

o Runway 32 shall be used for IFR departures.

o Runway 14 shall be used for IFR arrivals.

o Runway 27/9 is now a closed runway.

3. Initial climbs for IFR Departure from MFR shall be to 10,000 feet

4. Departure releases must be obtained from MFR_APP on all departures due to suicide operations are normal operations.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 7000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003

j. MWH - Grant County International Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to MWH:

o MWH_GND: 121.90 (Grant County Ground)

o MWH_TWR: 118.25 (Grant County Tower)

2. When winds are from 230° clockwise to 049° above 10 knots, the field shall use runway 32R. At all other times, the airport shall use runway 14L. Runway 22 and 4 assignments shall be at the discretion of the controller especially if strong winds exist.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from MWH shall be to 5000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from MWH_APP only when MWH_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 5000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003

k. OLM - Olympia Regional Airport

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for TRACON procedures.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to OLM: 

o OLM_GND: 121.60

o OLM_TWR: 124.40

3. When the winds are from 260° clockwise to 079° above 10 knots, the field shall use runway 35. At all other times, the airport shall use runway 17.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from OLM shall be to 3000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_APP (SEA_Y_APP when sector split) only when SEA_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 3000' on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003 

l. PAE- Snohomish County Airport (Paine Field)

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for TRACON procedures.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to PAE:

o PAE_DEL: 126.75 (Paine Clearance)

o PAE_GND: 121.80 (Paine Ground)

o PAE_TWR: 120.20 (Paine Tower)

3. PAE shall comply with the runway use plan as set by SEA_TWR. When SEA_TWR is in "South Ops" PAE shall use runway 16 L/R. When SEA_TWR is in "North Ops", PAE shall use runway 34 L/R. If local winds make compliance with this instruction unsafe, PAE_TWR will contact the radar position responsible for PAE and ask if they are able to accept the configuration.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from PAE shall be to 2000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_A_CTR only when SEA_A_CTR requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 2000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003 

m. PDT - Eastern Oregon Regional Airport at Pendleton

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to PDT:

o PDT_GND: 121.90 (Pendleton Ground)

o PDT_TWR: 119.70 (Pendleton Tower)

2. When the wind is from 360° clockwise to 179° above 10 knots, the field shall use runway 11/8. At all other times, the field shall use runways 26 and 29.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from PDT shall be to 7000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from PSC_APP only when PSC_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 7000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003 

n. PDX - Portland International Airport

1. SOP_102 shall be the primary authority for PDX operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to PDX:

o PDX_DEL: 120.12 (Portland Clearance)

o PDX_GND: 121.90 (Portland Ground)

o PDX_TWR: 123.77 (Portland Tower)

3. When the wind is from 189° clockwise to 010° and is greater than 5 knots, the field shall use runway 28L/R (This shall be referenced as West Operations). At all other times, the field shall use runways 10L/R (This shall be referenced as Normal/East Operations). Runway 21/3 may be used as necessary if wind or traffic warrants. 

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from PDX shall be as follows: Jets on RNAV departures to 7000, Jet and Turbo-prop on the PTLD# departure to 6000. Small prop and helicopters to 3000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from PDX_APP (PDX_D_APP/PDX_N_APP depending on the direction of flight when sector split) only when PDX_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 3000 on heading per SOP_102 and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003 

o. PSC - Pasco Tri-Cities Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to PSC:

o PSC_DEL (Tri-Cities Clearance): 120.00

o PSC_GND (Tri-Cities Ground): 121.80

o PSC_TWR (Tri-Cities Tower): 135.30

2. When the wind is from 300° clockwise to 119° above 10 knots, PSC shall use runway 3L/R. At all other times, the field shall use runways 21L/R. Runway 12/30 assignments are at the discretion of the controller.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from PSC shall be to 10000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from PSC_APP only when PSC_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 10000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

p. RDM - Redmond

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to RDM:

o RDM_GND: 121.80

o RDM_TWR: 124.50

2. RDM shall use runway 23 in calm winds, due to the airport having many intersecting runways, runways 29/5/11 runway assignments will be at the discretion of the controller depending on the weather.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from RDM shall be to 14000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_CTR only when SEA_CTR requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 9000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

q. RNT - Renton Municipal Airport

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for TRACON operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to RNT: 

o RNT_GND: 121.60

o RNT_TWR: 124.70

3. RNT shall comply with the runway use plan as set by SEA_TWR. When SEA_TWR is in "South Ops" RNT shall use runway 16. When SEA_TWR is in "North Ops", RNT shall use runway 34. If local winds make compliance with this instruction unsafe, RNT_TWR will contact the radar position responsible for RNT and ask if they are able to accept the configuration.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from RNT shall be to 3000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_APP (or SEA_Y_APP when sectorized) only when SEA_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 3000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

r. SEA- Seattle International Airport.

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for SEA operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to SEA:

o SEA_DEL: 128.00 (Seattle Clearance)

o SEA_GND: 121.70 ( Seattle  Ground)

o SEA_TWR: 119.90 ( Seattle  Tower)

3. When the wind is from 251 clockwise to 069 and is greater than 5 knots, the field shall use runways 34L/C/R (This shall be referenced as North Operations). At all other times the field shall use runways 16L/C/R (This shall be referenced as Normal/South Operations). Be advised, runway 16R/34L is not in default scenery for FSX and older.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from SEA shall be 7000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_APP (SEA_Y_APP when sectorized) only when SEA_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 5000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003 

s. SFF- Felts Field Airport.

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to SFF:

o SFF_ ATIS: 120.55

o SFF_GND: 121.70

o SFF_TWR: 132.50

2. SFF GND and TWR shall use the voice call sign "Felts".

3. The following runway plans are in use for SFF:

o When winds are from 120 thru 300 above 5 knots, runways 21L/R shall be used. This shall be referred to as "Normal Ops".

o When winds are from 301 thru 119 above 5 knots, runways 3L/R shall be used. This shall be referred to as "East Ops".

o When the winds are calm, runways 21L/R shall be used. 

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures shall be 12000

5. Departure releases must be obtained from GEG_APP only when GEG_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 5000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

t. SLE- Salem McNary Field Airport

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to SLE:

o SLE_ATIS: 124.55

o SLE_GND: 121.90

o SLE_TWR: 119.1

2. SLE shall comply with the runway use plan as follows:

o Normal Ops: SLE shall use runway 31 and 34 for all IFR departures and arrivals. When aircraft are in the pattern, right traffic shall be used for runway 13/31 and 16/34. When the winds are consistently greater than 5 knots from the south, runway 13 and 16 shall be used for arrivals and departures.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from SLE shall be to 9000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_CTR only when SEA_CTR requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 4000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

u. TCM- McChord Air Force Base

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for TRACON operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to TCM:

o TCM_GND: 118.170

o TCM_TWR: 124.80

3.TCM shall comply with the runway use plan as set by SEA_TWR. When SEA_TWR is in "South Ops" TCM shall use runway 16. When SEA_TWR is in "North Ops", TCM shall use runway 34. If local winds make compliance with this instruction unsafe, TCM_TWR will contact the radar position responsible for TCM and ask if they are able to accept the configuration.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from TCM shall be 3000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_APP (SEA_F_APP when sectorized) when SEA is in North flow only. When SEA is in South flow, departure releases must be obtained only when SEA_APP (SEA_Y_APP when sectorized) requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 3000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

v. TIW - Tacoma Narrows Airport

1. SOP_103 shall be the primary authority for TRACON operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to TIW:

o TIW_GND: 121.80 (Tacoma Ground)

o TIW_TWR: 118.50 (Tacoma Tower)

3. When the winds are from 259° clockwise to 080° runway 35 shall be used. At all other times, the field shall use runway 17.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from TIW shall be to 2000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_APP (SEA_Y_APP when sectorized) only when SEA_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 2000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

w. TTD - Portland Troutdale Airport

1. SOP_102 shall be the primary authority for all TRACON operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to TTD:

o TTD_ATIS: 135.62

o TTD_ GND: 121.80

o TTD_TWR: 120.90

3. TTD shall comply with the runway use plan as set by PDX_TWR. When PDX_TWR is in "West Ops" TTD shall use runway 7. When PDX_TWR is in "East Ops", TTD shall use runway 25. If PDX_TWR is unable, TTD_TWR may deviate from this procedure but must inform all TRACON sectors and SEA_CTR positions of this condition.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from shall be to 4000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from PDX_APP (PDX_D_APP/PDX_N_APP depending on the direction of flight when sector split) only when PDX_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 4000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

x. UAO -  Aurora State Airport

1. SOP_102 shall be the authority for all TRACON operations.

2. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to UAO:

o UAO_ATIS: 118.525

o UAO_ GND: 119.15

o UAO_TWR: 120.35

3. When the wind is from 251° clockwise to 069° and above 5 knots, the field shall use runway 35. At all other times, the field shall use runway 17.

4. Initial climbs for IFR departures from shall be to 4000.

5. Departure releases must be obtained from PDX_APP (PDX_V_APP when sectorized) only when PDX_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

6. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 4000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

y. OTH - Southwest Oregon Regional Airport

1.The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to UAO:

o OTH_ GND: 127.1

o OTH_TWR: 118.45

2. When the wind is from 180° clockwise to 350° and above 10 knots, the field shall use runway 22. At all other times, the field shall use runway 04. Runway 31/13 may be used if traffic or wind warrants.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from shall be to 4000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from SEA_CTR only when SEA_CTR requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 3000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.

z. YKM - Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field

1. The following frequencies and text call signs are assigned to YKM:

o YKM_ATIS: 125.25

o YKM_ GND: 121.90

o YKM_TWR: 133.25

2. YKM shall comply with the runway use plan as follows:

o Normal Ops: YKM shall use runway 27/9 for all IFR departures and arrivals and 22/4 for all general aviation aircraft. When aircraft are in the pattern, right traffic shall be used for runway 22 and left traffic for runway 4 

o Calm Winds: YKM shall use runway 27 and runway 22 for departures when the wind is calm.

3. Initial climbs for IFR departures from YKM shall be to 10000.

4. Departure releases must be obtained from YKM_APP only when YKM_APP requests release procedures to be in effect.

5. Missed approaches reported to tower when radar facilities are manned shall be instructed to climb to 10000 on runway heading and transferred to the radar facility. When no radar facility is online, missed approaches shall be handled in accordance with ZSE SOP-003.