1.0 Introduction
1.1 These Operating Guidelines provide recommendations for pilots operating at Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1) to help further the goal of Airpark safety. These guidelines in no way attempt to replace or supersede the FAA FAR's or the AIM. They merely provide commonsense / courtesy items to make the Airpark a safer place for the operation of all aircraft. AIRPARK SAFETY MUST BE PRIORITY #1! For more details, pilots are encouraged to refer to both the Taxiway Diagram and the Pilot Guidelines available on PPOAweb.com.
1.2 Pilots who operate out of the Airpark range from students with just a few flight hours to airline and military pilots with thousands of hours of flight time. There are about 190 aircraft based in the Airpark that range from light-sport trikes, to Cubs, to high performance twins and even jets and turboprops from time to time. With this wide diversity of experience and aircraft, it is imperative that all pilots adhere to some common guidelines for airport operation in order to make all Airpark operations as safe as possible.
1.3 Pecan Plantation Airpark has one lighted, paved 3600’ x 50’ runway 1/19 with a parallel taxiway / Alternate Grass Landing Area (AGLA) along the west side of the paved runway (approximately 3,200’ x 80’ available). Additionally, an EMS heliport is located to the left of the approach end of runway 19. Aircraft over 12,500 pounds are prohibited.
1.4 Prior permission is not required to land. However, members and guests must abide by PPOA Rules regarding access including call-in registration of guests with security.
1.5 Pecan Plantation is also served by The Landings Airport (66TE) located about 1.7 nm east northeast.
2.0 AIRPARK GROUND OPERATIONS
2.1 Pilots are encouraged to use the CTAF 122.975 to announce position and movement around the Airpark using the approved taxiway designations. This is especially important on the east side of the Airpark so that aircraft will not meet head-on with no way to turn around on a taxiway.
2.2 As a courtesy to the Airpark residents at the south end of the runway, please position your aircraft for run-up to avoid directing propwash at these homes.
2.3 If it is necessary to perform maintenance or construction on a taxiway, please give at least one week notice to all affected airport residents and notify the PPOA General Manager.
2.4 For the purpose of assisting arriving and departing passengers in the common aircraft parking area, full size personal vehicles may be used. The surface must be sufficiently dry so as not to cause ruts or surface damage. Access shall only be from the Plane View Park parking area.
2.5 As a reminder to taxiing aircraft, aircraft on final approach for landing have runway right-of-way.
3.0 AIRPARK AIR OPERATIONS
3.1 For noise abatement, the preferred calm wind runway is 19. Pilots are requested to fly runway heading until reaching pattern altitude or crossing the river and to avoid highspeed low passes.
3.2 All pilots at both Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1) and The Landings Airport (66TE) are encouraged to use the CTAF 122.975 to announce positions in and around the pattern at the airports. Pilots should refer to the airports as "PECAN PLANTATION" or "THE LANDINGS AIRPORT" and avoid phraseology that might cause confusion. For example, “Green tail-dragger landing Pecan” does not make clear whether the operation is at 0TX1 or 66TE. Non-radio equipped aircraft are strongly encouraged to abide by standard patterns and altitudes.
3.3 The recommended pattern altitude for both 0TX1 and 66TE is 1700 feet MSL. The Pecan Plantation (0TX1) pattern is to the west of the field (right-hand traffic to runway 19). The Landings Airport (66TE) pattern is to the east of the field (right-hand traffic to runway 35). Any departure turns opposite the traffic pattern should de-conflict with the other airport pattern before turning. If possible, plan departures / arrivals across the neighboring airport well above pattern altitude.
3.4 As a matter of safety to all pilots and Pecan Plantation residents, pilots are requested not to perform aerobatics maneuvers over Pecan Plantation (FAR 91.303) and to observe Minimum Safe Altitudes (FAR 91.119).
3.5 It is recommended that any time that an airplane is going to use the runway for taxi, takeoff or landing, the pilot turn on the runway lights using 3, 5, or 7 clicks on 122.975. In this way, if an aircraft is about to enter the runway and the lights are already on, it will help alert the pilot that someone else may be using the runway. Also, local maintenance workers have been advised to watch for runway light illumination as a way to be alerted to a possible aircraft operation.
3.6 Avoid simultaneous takeoff / landing operations on the paved runway and the AGLA. Use extreme caution and maintain safe separation (at least 200 feet suggested) when conducting takeoffs or landings while an EMS or other helicopter is on the helipad or emergency vehicles are in the vicinity.
3.7 Pilots are encouraged to utilize the VGSI lights at Pecan Plantation to help ensure adequate clearance over auto and truck traffic on the east-west road just north of runway 19 and trees near the approach end of runway 1.
3.8 Pecan Plantation Airport has a private GPS Approach to runway 19. Prior to using the approach, pilots are required to obtain FAA approval through a Letter of Authorization (LOA). Those interested in obtaining LOA approval to use the approach may contact the Airport Manager (PPOA General Manager). The FAA forbids distribution of the approach plate to anyone not holding LOA approval.
3.9 Pilots should be alert for wildlife, in particular deer, coyote and geese, on and near the airport. And, large soaring birds such as vultures and hawks are often in the vicinity. Both bird and deer strikes have occurred resulting in significant aircraft damage. The use of a clearing-pass down the runway or ground personal on a golf cart with two-way radio communication is encouraged for nighttime landings.
7/9/2020