Arrival procedures set for AOPA Fly-In

Pilots planning to attend the twelfth annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House on June 1, 2002, need to be aware of special arrival procedures instituted to handle the large number of aircraft expected at the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK).

All pilots must exercise special care not to violate prohibited airspace P-40, centered 15 nautical miles north of FDK. For much of the time since Sept. 11, P-40 has been expanded to an 8-nm radius. As of April 25, 2002, the radius has been reduced to 5 nm [ see graphic]. That is still larger than depicted on the Baltimore-Washington sectional and terminal area charts. As always, pilots are strongly cautioned to be sure they have the most up-to-date notams before any flight, but especially when flying in the vicinity of P-40.

A temporary FAA control tower will operate between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. June 1.

The procedures are similar to Oshkosh or Sun 'n Fun-type events. Pilots are required to fly to a specified point east of the airport, and then follow controller instructions and other traffic to the airport.

VFR arrival procedures

Arrivals from north of Interstate 70 before 1 p.m.

Listen to ATIS on 132.95, then monitor FDK Approach on 121.35. Proceed to the tank farm north of I-70 (near the former Woodbine Gliderport -EMI VOR 207° / 8.9 nm, or N39° 22.4' W77° 02.2'). Prior to reaching the tank farm, aircraft should slow to 90 knots and maintain 1,500 feet msl. Slower aircraft unable to maintain 90 knots should fly at optimum speed and watch for aircraft passing on the right. Faster aircraft unable to safely operate at 90 knots should maintain 120 knots and 2,000 feet msl. Aircraft unable to safely operate at 120 knots, contact tower on 125.6 for special instructions or use standard IFR procedures.

From the tank farm, fly heading 280° to intercept I-70 before reaching the town of Mount Airy, Maryland. Watch for merging traffic from the left.

Arrivals from south of Interstate 70

Listen to ATIS on 132.95, then monitor FDK Approach on 121.35. Intercept Interstate 70 well east of the town of Mount Airy. Watch for converging traffic from the north. Prior to reaching I-70, slow to 90 knots and maintain 1,500 feet msl. Slower aircraft unable to maintain 90 knots should fly at optimum speed and watch for aircraft passing on the right. Faster aircraft unable to safely operate at 90 knots should maintain 120 knots and 2,000 feet msl. Aircraft unable to safely operate at 120 knots, contact tower on 125.6 for special instructions or use standard IFR procedures.

Follow I-70 to Mt. Airy. Watch for merging traffic from the right.

After reaching Mt. Airy

Follow I-70 westbound to the town of New Market (EMI VOR 254° / 15.4 nm, N39° 23.1' W77° 16.7') and monitor FDK Approach on 121.35. (No-radio aircraft follow preceding aircraft and look for light gun signals from FDK Tower, located at the runway intersection.)

Approaching New Market, expect instructions from Frederick Approach. Do not transmit unless requested or to report an emergency. Controllers will call traffic using aircraft type and color. Rock your wings to acknowledge and accept instructions.

Follow instructions to the assigned runway and monitor Frederick Tower on 125.6. After landing, turn off at the first available taxiway unless otherwise instructed, monitor AOPA Advisory on 122.85, and follow ground directors to parking. VFR flight plans may be closed with AOPA Advisory on 122.85.

Arrivals after 1 p.m.

Monitor ATIS on 132.95. Unless otherwise instructed, fly direct to FDK and call the tower five miles out on 125.6 for arrival and landing instructions. Watch for departing aircraft. VFR flight plans may be closed with AOPA Advisory on 122.85.

VFR holding

Should Frederick Approach instruct arriving aircraft to hold, the following procedures apply, depending upon position. If instructed to hold:

• Prior to reaching the tank farm or I-70, pick and circle a landmark, watching for other aircraft;
• At or beyond Mt. Airy, proceed to New Market, then follow large rectangular left turn holding pattern to drag strip (N39° 21.1', W77° 17.3'), to water tank at Damascus (N39° 17.1' W77° 12.5') to Mt. Airy as depicted on the Fly-In procedures diagram. When the hold is lifted, complete your circuit to New Market and proceed as published.

IFR arrivals

IFR arrivals can expect delays during MVFR or IFR weather. The ILS Runway 23 approach will be in use. If the airport is VFR, be prepared to fall in line with arriving VFR traffic. After landing, follow ground directors to parking and monitor AOPA Advisory on 122.85.

Departure procedures will be distributed at the event.

Arrival instructions and map are also available on AOPA's Web site. Pilots can obtain a copy by mail by calling 888/462-3976.

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