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This guide has been prepared by the Tailwinds Runway Enhancement Committee and is designed to be used by the flying members of the Tailwinds Homeowners Association and their specifically invited guests. These recommendations will hopefully make operations as safe as possible and further the enjoyment of the use of the airport.
This guide is not exhaustive and is not designed to supercede any federal or state regulations or rules but simply provides some suggested procedures for this particular airport.
This guide will be provided to the members by hard copy and on a disc or by Email in order that it may be forwarded to specifically invited quests.
- All turns in the traffic pattern should be to the left.
- The general use frequency for communications in the pattern is 122.9.
- Five (5) short keys of the microphone will turn on the lights prior to entering the traffic pattern or to take off. When the lights are on, other users of the airport will be alerted that traffic is in the immediate vicinity. Frequent use of the lights will also allow the members to monitor the condition of the lighting system and report any deficiencies.
Use of the VASI System is optional. It is there for the convenience of the members, but is not monitored and must be used only in conjunction with the usual outside visual cures for glide path determination. The VASI’s on Runway 9 are steeper than standard due to the displaced threshold.
Because of the trees on the West end of the runway, the runway threshold has been displaced by 400 feet and is marked accordingly. The pavement prior to the displaced threshold marking should not be used for landing. The area available for takeoff runs all the way to the end of the runway.
Caution is recommended concerning animals and non-aviation uses of the runway. Users should be aware that landing aircraft are often very quiet and may not be heard by those persons on or near the runway. Landscape vendors and other workers should be alerted to not venture on the runway needlessly and especially not while wearing ear protection and using grass blowers.
It is recommended that aircraft fly a complete traffic pattern when feasible to inspect the runway and to alert other users of the presence of aircraft.
Steps are being taken to eliminate some of the animal hazards, but the birds and wild hogs are often present and caution is urged that pilots be aware that those animals may not move out of the way of aircraft. It is suggested that when birds are present the aircraft taxi through them to move them off the runway, and even then the birds often return immediately. If, in the pilots judgment, it is necessary to “drag” the runway to detect the presence of animal hazards, it is recommended that all FAR’s be complied with and that a normal traffic pattern be flown.
It is requested that any deficiencies in the runway and lighting system be reported to The Tailwinds Runway Enhancement Committee as soon as possible in order that repairs may be implemented.
The association covenants require that each homeowner who uses the airport provide a copy of his insurance policy to the association. A minimum of 1 million dollars in general liability coverage is required.
It is suggested that pilots announce themselves at appropriate intervals in the traffic pattern and any time taxing onto the runway.
The grass taxiways become soft after heavy rains. Pilots must use their judgment when using wet taxiways concerning whether their specific aircraft can maneuver on the taxiways without causing damage to the taxiway. Users are responsible for any damage to the taxiways and are asked to report any such damage immediately so that the damage can be corrected prior to becoming a hazard to other aircraft. Any such damage repair will be billed to the user who caused the damage. It is recommended that the operators of larger aircraft be especially careful when deciding to taxi on wet taxiways. Any towing of stuck aircraft will be the responsibility of the operator, but must be accomplished immediately to avoid blocking taxiways.