Airport Procedure/ATC

PART 1 - LAND BASED OPERATIONS

STANDARD PATTERN ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR LAND-BASED OPERATIONS
Joint Task Force Heavy has strict pattern protocol to prevent accidents and increase realism. Below (Fig. 1), is a diagram that accurately portrays the pattern entry, pattern elements, and the direction of travel that we use at our base of operations, Al Dhafra Air Base. (Top of diagram depicts North)

THIS PDF is a supplemental from the FAA, that explains protocol in further detail, and why.

  • The boxes depicted in YELLOW (Fig. 1), are points in the pattern in which a radio call-out might be required. Each JTF Heavy pilot must be versed in this terminology.
  • The "No Transgression Zone" (depicted with ORANGE boxes, Fig. 1) is an invisible wall that separates traffic that are operating on two runways. This area must never be crossed below 2,000 feet AGL.
  • Both the "Standard Left/Right Traffic Patterns" (Fig. 1) are to be flown at: 1,600 feet AGL.
  • Both the "Standard Left/Right Traffic Patterns" (Fig. 1) are to be flown at: 250 knots IAS or below, unless directed by ATC to do otherwise.
  • Both the "Standard Left/Right Traffic Patterns" (Fig. 1) distance from runway to downwind leg should be no more than two (2) nm.
Fig. 1

PART 2 - Airport Signs and Markings

While airport signs and markings may seem like a detail that can be overlooked in DCS, it is actually a very important part of understanding how to navigate on the ground at any given airport that uses standardized signs and markings.

Below in Fig. 2, you will find the published FAA reference guide to Airport Signs and Markings.

When JTFH uses the services of the 990th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron (AWACS/GCI/ATC), pilots may receive specific instructions to taxi from parking to an assigned runway, via specific taxiways. When this happens, it is important to have an idea of what you are looking at - so you can safely make it from Point A to Point B.
Fig. 2
2020 - Joint Task Force Heavy [HVY] - A DCS Virtual Task Force