Instruction clear on runway traffic

Keesler Instruction 13-201, Airfield Operations and Local Flying Procedures, spells out the procedures for the traffic lights along Ploesti Drive north of the runway. The air traffic control tower activates the lights to protect vehicular and air traffic during the various scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Kemberly Groue)

Instruction clear on runway traffic

Published Oct. 13, 2010
By 81st Operations Support Flight

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler Instruction 13-201, Airfield Operations and Local Flying Procedures, spells out the procedures for the traffic lights along Ploesti Drive north of the runway.

The air traffic control tower activates the lights to protect vehicular and air traffic during the following scenarios:

When aircraft utilize the Runway 21 Keyhole for takeoff or landing roll out. The light is activated before the aircraft enters the runway for back taxi to account for jet blast affecting pedestrians on the I-81 track and cars on Ploesti Drive. The 81st Security Forces Squadron is notified of cars that run the light.

To protect the glide slope critical area for Runway 21 when ceiling is below 800 feet and/or visibility less than 2 miles when aircraft are on an Instrument Landing System approach to Runway 21.

To protect the approach light-plane at night in accordance with Unified Facilities Criteria 3- 535-01, Visual Air Navigation Facilities. Activate the lights when aircraft are within 5 flying miles of the airfield on an ILS or Tactical Air Navigation approach to Runway 21 whenever conditions are less than reported ceiling 800 feet and/or visibility less than 2 miles.

When an aircraft is inbound with an inflight emergency, 10 miles to fly.