Here is the latest word on Runway 17-36, dated 13 Nov.

 

All,

We are planning to re-open runway 17-35 this afternoon (11/13/2007) at 3:30 p.m.  Starting at approximately 2:00 p.m. we’ll begin the process of removing barricades, changing certain sign designations, etc…  With respect to the re-opening, I’d like to make a note of caution: we’ve all become accustomed to certain aircraft taxi routes and operational items over the last year and a half.  With the runway re-opening, it is going to be very important for all individuals operating on the airfield to stay focused and maintain their situational awareness.  Areas that you were previously able to taxi across without giving much thought about are now going to be active.  Please brief all of your personnel.  Be alert to hold short signs and listen to ATC direction.

Taxiway designations coming off runway 17-35 will change with the opening.  The very north connector taxiway will be A1.  The next connector (coming off 17-35 just south of Southern Company) will be A2 (it is now A1).  Between new A2 and B will be a new taxiway, taxiway A3.  It will lead from the runway and onto the air carrier ramp and cargo ramp (what is now A6).  Old A2 is gone altogether.  South of the intersection will be A4, A5 and A6, with A6 being the southernmost connector taxiway.  Taxiway A7 will retain its current designation.  Modifications to the layout shown in the Airport Facility Directory have been forwarded to FAA for publication but it will take some time for the new layout to hit the charts.  In the meantime, we’ll see what we can forward to you for briefing purposes.  Again though, please be aware of changes to the designations of connector taxiways.

For a couple of weeks, we will have the airfield lights on at night rather than relying strictly on pilot control.  We’re doing this for two reasons.  First, it’s going to take some time to change runway 17-35 to the default lit runway.  Second, we want all aircraft operators to be aware that the airfield is back to its fully open configuration.  We’ll have the runway lights on at Step 3 and we’ll have the taxiway lights on at Step 2.  Again, in a few weeks, we’ll go back to pilot controlled lighting where the airfield, with the exception of runway 17-35, will be off unless clicked on.

Finally, just because the runway is open does not mean all construction activity has stopped.  We will continue to have contractor personnel on the airfield completing smaller items.  They’ll be under ATC control if they’re otherwise in the movement area but like you, they’ve become accustomed to operating in areas under a different set of operational parameters.  While they understand the new requirements, you still need to be aware of their possible presence on the airfield.  In short, again, be careful.

Overall, I want to thank each of you for your patience during the project.  It was certainly one of the more challenging ones performed.  At some point in the near future we’ll advertise for the installation of the PAPI array for the approach to runway 17.  I’ll coordinate this work with each of you at that time.

Again, thank you.

Dan Flynn