Wingin' It - Arlington Municipal Airport Newsletter Wingin' It - Issue 2 - April 2014 | Page 2

Wingin’ It
ATC Matters
With the summer months quickly approaching and good VFR flying weather along
with that, good communications are paramount to creating and maintaining a safe
flying environment. With that being said, here are a couple of questions you might
find useful, especially for the new students/pilots here at Arlington Airport.
Question 1: When can aircraft call signs be abbreviated?
A. Never
B. Only after initial contact, and if there is no other aircraft with
the similar numbers or sounds in the call sign
C. Between sunrise and sunset
D. When it is a student pilot and on their initial solo flight.
(Answer is in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), para 4-2-4.)
Question 2: True or False. The term “minimum fuel” indicates an emergency situation.
(Answer in FAA JO N7110.65V, para 2-1-8, which states: Use of the term “minimum fuel” indicates recognition by a pilot that
his/her fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, he/she cannot accept any undue delay. This is not an
emergency situation but merely an advisory that indicates an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. A
minimum fuel advisory does not imply a need for traffic priority. Common sense and good judgment will determine the extent
of assistance to be given in minimum fuel situations. If, at any time, the remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for
traffic priority to ensure a safe landing, the pilot should declare an emergency and report fuel remaining in minutes.)
Airport Security Improvements
In an effort to enhance security at the Airport, a new gate at the main entrance near
Harrison Aviation was recently installed. This is a VMAG, or high velocity magnetic gate.
The gate opens in 3 seconds; waits 3 seconds after the vehicle clears the gate, and closes
in 3 seconds.
The gate is also equipped with a battery backup system. If the power is cut off, the gate
will still operate for over 1,000 cycles. It is also the easiest gate at the airport to manually
open. Airport Operations staff can respond and within seconds have the gate open.
In addition, codes at all existing gates were changed for security reasons on March 28,
2014. Just a reminder—while it may be convenient to share a gate code rather than es-
corting friends or other visitors, please consider the security of the airport and do not
share the codes.
Future Airport Security Improvements planned for 2014 include replacement of the
North Collins Gate, a new oil containment bay, and security camera installation at gates
and hangar areas.
Please make sure to stop after you enter or exit the Airport and wait for the gate to close
before proceeding. This will help prevent unauthorized entry to the Airport. Signs are
posted at each gate to instruct customers, visitors, and tenants needing assistance to call
the Airport Operations phone number if they need to enter the Airport.
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Focus on Safety
 When driving on the airport,
remember the speed limit is
15 mph
 Air safety and surface error
prevention program
pamphlets are available on
request
 If you notice suspicious
behavior, make notes or take
a photo of the activity. Call
airport operations at
817-459-5571 or after hours
at 817-459-5533. Keep your
distance and don’t take risks
with your safety.