SQUAWK IDENT – ISSUE 4
NavCanada Publication - December 2023
To the few who were here in the early 2000’s when the Tower released regular newsletters, this will feel familiar.
Welcome to the revival of Squawk Ident, a newsletter from the Boundary Bay Control Tower, aimed to promote safety at the airport through short articles on procedures, radio work, and good airmanship. We hope this information will give you a “behind-the-scenes” look at the operations in the Control Tower.
Squawk Ident – Issue 4 takes a look at:
- The Big Safety Tip: VFR Arrival and Departure Routes
- New Tool: Interactive Online Map
- Acknowledging Instructions and ATIS
- SID Renaming
The Big Safety Tip: VFR Arrival and Departure Routes
Inbound reporting points and arrival routes vary depending on the active landing runway. Ensure you have the current ATIS so you can brief yourself on the appropriate reporting point. Monitor Outer Tower (127.6) once clear of other tower frequencies. We may proactively reach out to you to issue a clearance or instruction.
For departures, contact Outer Tower through 800’, as published on departure routes. Fly the route as published to maintain separation from inbound aircraft. If you require or desire a deviation, advise ATC. Published routes are very clear in what landmarks or highways to follow. Adhere to these procedures as published, unless otherwise instructed.
The takeaway: VFR arrival and departure routes are used to maintain separation between inbound and outbound airplanes. When issued and acknowledged, pilots are required to fly the route as published.
New Tool: Interactive Online Map
Boundary Bay ATC is introducing a new, mobile friendly, interactive online map that depicts our operations and control zone features. Over time, we realized that many pilots, regardless of skill level, may not be familiar with the landmarks and routes used for separation and sequencing. This map was designed to help mitigate that issue and identify important features within and surrounding the control zone.
The map has multiple layers to highlight different landmarks and routes. Users can click on any feature for more information and description. There are also important safety notes within some landmarks, as well as graphical depictions on how to fly a circuit pattern, and VFR departure/arrival routes.
The takeaway: We hope this interactive online map tool will be useful for all pilots to help learn and familiarize themselves with the control zone and operations.
Tower tours, newsletter feedback, and questions regarding Boundary Bay procedures may be directed to: PrepAIR_BC@navcanada.ca
Read the full issue here
