You’re on the home stretch towards landing, and everything seems to be going smoothly. You’ve been cleared to touchdown, but then you notice that another airplane is still on the runway. Your hand is firmly on the throttle, ready to take off again if needed. So, what should you do in this situation?
Did you know that tower controllers actually have the option to let an airplane land on a runway that’s already occupied? Here’s what you need to know…
One Pilot’s Story
This NASA ASRS report details an event where confusion between a tower controller and a pilot led to a go-around. The author was on final approach to runway 19 at FRG. The wind was coming from a direction perpendicular to his right, with gusts up to 18 knots. At 2 miles out, the tower informed him about an intersection departure before their arrival. At 1 mile out, they were told about another full-length departure. The author said he might have to do a go-around, and the tower told the departing Seminole aircraft that there would be no delay. However, instead of taking off, the Seminole pilot sat on the runway end for a few seconds as the author was approaching at 85 knots. Just as the Seminole started his takeoff roll, the author didn’t feel confident enough about the separation and initiated a go-around. The tower said there was no need for it, but the author insisted and continued his climb.
This report raises several interesting questions. For example, when are airplanes allowed to land on occupied runways? How can pilots know if the separation is adequate? And should controllers preemptively tell aircraft that the separation is sufficient?
Same Runway Separation: Two Arrivals
According to the FAA’s Air Traffic Control Procedures Manual (3-10-3), an aircraft can land on a runway when “the other aircraft has landed and is clear of the runway.” However, if it’s between sunrise and sunset, this requirement doesn’t apply if certain minimum distances from the landing threshold exist:
– 3,000 Feet of Separation: When a Category I aircraft is landing behind a Category I or II. But what are the categories of aircraft?
– Category I: Small single-engine propeller-driven aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs. or less, and all helicopters.
– Category II: Small twin-engine propeller-driven aircraft weighing 12,500 lbs. or less.
– Category III: All other aircraft.
– 4,500 Feet of Separation: When a Category II aircraft is landing behind a Category I or II.
Same Runway Separation: One Arrival, One Departure
If the other aircraft is departing and has crossed the runway departure threshold, separation is guaranteed and another aircraft can land. However, there are some exceptions:
– 3,000 Feet of Separation: Category I aircraft landing behind Category I or II.
– 4,500 Feet of Separation: Category II aircraft landing behind Category I or II.
– 6,000 Feet of Separation: When either is a category III aircraft.
Finally, “when the training aircraft is a helicopter, visual separation may be applied in lieu of using distance minimums.”
What This Means For You
If you’re landing at a towered field and are worried about separation, remember that the ATC has strict separation criteria that they must follow. If you have time, confirm with the controller that you’re still cleared to land. If things get really tight, make a PIC (Pilot in Command) decision on whether a go-around is appropriate. Never overfly another airplane if it’s departing the runway, and keep in mind that runways can be longer than they seem, so you might have more space than you think. In most cases, when separation is tight, the controller will tell you if it’s good and confirm that you’re cleared to land.
What About Non-Towered Airports?
If you’re flying into a non-towered airport, the short answer is to be cautious. There won’t be a tower controller to help you maintain a safe distance from other airplanes. Plan to land and take off when the runway is completely clear. Always communicate your position and intentions on the CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) and don’t hesitate to ask other pilots for clarification of their intentions. After all, it’s always better to land on an empty runway when there’s no controller involved.
Have you ever been cleared to land on an occupied runway? Share your experience in the comments below.
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