CLASS E AIRSPACE

The Michigan City Municipal Airport falls under Class E Airspace defined as follows:

1. Definition:  Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it is controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace.

The following traffic rules should be used when using MGC Airport.  Advisory Circular (AC) 90-66A contains the recommended standard traffic pattern at non-towered airports.

TAXIING

Aircraft shall be taxied at a safe and reasonable speed.  Before entering onto the active runway for taxiing for takeoff, operators shall ascertain their right of way is unimpaired and there is no conflicting traffic.

For the purpose of engine run up, the aircraft will be stopped in an appropriate run up area facing landing traffic. No aircraft shall be moved onto the runway until clear and ready for takeoff. Radio equipped aircraft will monitor 122.7 for traffic movements, and advise position and intentions before takeoff and landing.

TAKEOFF AND LANDING

Fixed wing traffic shall land and depart from paved surfaces only. Landings and takeoffs shall normally be made on the runway most nearly aligned with the wind indicator. If wind is calm, aircraft will conform with prevailing traffic. Radio equipped aircraft will monitor 122.7 and request flight advisory for airport conditions, and indicate position so other traffic will be alerted, as well as be aware of the position of other traffic.

After landing, all aircraft shall clear the runway as soon as practical with no 180 degree turns on the runaway.

Takeoff and / or landing from opposite ends of the runway at the same time are prohibited. 

HELICOPTERS

1. Approaches and departures should not exceed 1,150 feet MSL or safe distance with other traffic
2. Avoid hovering near fixed wing aircraft.
3. Remain clear of persons, vehicles and buildings so as not to endanger or interfere with persons or property.
4. Normal VFR approaches and departures are discouraged to/from the runway but should be made to/from a taxi intersection or an available spot on the ramp.
5. Traffic pattern should be opposite side and direction to fixed wing traffic.

GLIDERS

Comply with standard traffic pattern when not on tow.

BALLOONS

Because of normal air traffic density and congestion balloons will be considered a special event.  The Michigan City Municipal Airport will permit balloon arrivals and departures with prior arrangements from airport management.

PARACHUTISTS

No person can make or have parachute operations within Class E airspace, including the Michigan City Municipal Airport, without prior local authority approval and ATC facility authorization. (14 CRF Part 105)  Such operations will be considered a special event.

UNMANNED FREE BALLOONS

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon below 2,000 feet above the surface within lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport. (14 CFR Part 101)

ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES

1. Advisory Circular 90-66A sets precedence on all matters associated with Airport operations.
2. An ultralight vehicle is any class of lightweight aircraft currently not certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and not otherwise exempt from registration under the laws of this state.  Included in this category are Powered Parachutes, and Powered Hangliders.
3. Ultralight vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to all aircraft per FAR Part 103.
4. Ultralight vehicles shall fly a pattern altitude 500 feet below the standard altitude set for the airport.
5. Ultralight vehicles shall perform the standard pattern with turns in the opposite direction.
6. Ultralight vehicles shall perform turns as soon as practical in order to clear the area expediently.

AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION

Such operations, whether performed by fixed wing aircraft or helicopters, shall load and service in those areas of the airport designated for that purpose.

AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERNS
         
Pilots shall fly the traffic pattern designated for this airport.  The standard traffic pattern for fixed wing aircraft at this airport is as follows:

1. A standard left hand traffic pattern as depicted in the AIM.
2. A standard altitude of:
1. 500 feet AGL and below (1,150’ MSL) – Ultralight Aircraft
2. 1000 feet AGL (1,650’ MSL) – Light Aircraft
3. 1,500 feet AGL (2,150’ MSL) – Heavy Aircraft
3. Maintain Pattern altitude until A-beam approach end of the landing runway, on downwind leg.
4. Complete turn to final approach at least ¼ mile from approach end of landing.
5. On takeoff, continue straight ahead until beyond departure end runway.
6. If remaining in traffic pattern, commence turn to crosswind leg beyond the departure end of the runway, within 300 feet of the pattern altitude.
7. If departing the traffic pattern, exit with a 45 degree left turn beyond the departure end of the runway after reaching pattern altitude.  Straight out departures are permitted.  No turns are allowed within one mile of the airport for straight out departures
8. All aircraft approaching to determine airport conditions shall remain at least 500 feet above pattern altitude.
9. Helicopters shall operate 500 feet and below AGL and perpendicular to patterns ascribed for fixed wing aircraft
10. Straight in or non-prescribed turns to final approach are discouraged.
11. Pilots of approaching aircraft with two-way radio communications shall contact UNICOM on 122.7 MHz prior to entering that traffic area, and monitor that frequency throughout the approach.
    
    If unable to contact UNICOM or otherwise determine the flow of traffic, pilots shall over fly the field (see H above) to determine the active runway.  If unable to communicate with UNNICOM operator, pilots of radio equipped aircraft shall blind broadcast position and intentions at appropriate points.

Runway 2-20 is the designated runway