OPERATION GOOD CHEER

Waterford, Michigan

December 6, 2025

GENERAL INFORMATION

In anticipation of a large number of aircraft operating to and from Oakland County International Airport (PTK) in conjunction with the 2025 Operation Good Cheer, the following procedures will be used. These procedures will be in effect from 1100z until 2000z on December 06, 2025.

NOTE: PILOTS SHOULD REVIEW ALL APPLICABLE NOTAMS AND ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FLIGHT

PHONE NUMBERS:

AIR TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES:

PREFLIGHT PLANNING

IFR AIRCRAFT: Detroit will vector and clear aircraft on an approach into PTK via normal instrument procedures. Additional spacing, a minimum of 5 miles between aircraft on final will be utilized. (Holding may become necessary).

Due to high volume, pilots should be prepared to land on either runway.

1. Expect possible changes to landing runway inside of 3 miles from the runway thresholds. Report airport in sight with PTK Tower.
2. Upon arrival, expect taxi instructions to the main terminal ramp from Ground Control.
3. At the ramp, follow marshalling direction and monitor OGC RAMP CONTROL.
4. Destination and departure procedures will be assigned and reviewed during registration at the main terminal building.
5. Expect to file your IFR clearance with ATC personnel in the Terminal. You will receive your IFR clearance with CLEARANCE DELIVERY in your aircraft prior to taxi to the runway.

NOTE: AVOID OBTAINING IFR CLEARANCE IN A RUNNING AIRCRAFT ON TERMINAL RAMP; DO SO BEFORE ENGINE START OR AFTER RUNUP WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

VFR AIRCRAFT: Approach PTK via specified VFR preferred routings to alleviate congestion with departing aircraft. (See: VFR ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES)

1. Contact PTK Tower no later than 10 NM away from the field on the TOWER frequency provided on the ATIS broadcast.
   1. You may be instructed to temporarily remain clear of the Class D airspace (5NM from PTK) due to volume and congestion.
   2. Due to high volume, pilots should be prepared to land on either runway. Expect changes to landing runway inside 3 miles from runway thresholds.
   3. Upon arrival, expect taxi instructions to the main terminal ramp from GROUND CONTROL.
   4. At the ramp, follow marshalling instruction, monitor OGC RAMP CONTROL.
   5. Destination and departure procedures will be assigned and reviewed during registration at the main terminal building.
   6. Expect to file your abbreviated VFR Flight Following information with FAA personnel in the Terminal (ATC Desk) and receive your squawk code from OGC RAMP CONTROL during taxi to departure staging.

NOTE: VFR FLIGHT PLANS FILED DIRECTLY WITH FAA DOES NOT ENTER THE FSS SYSTEM FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE PURPOSES.

VFR ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

In an effort to alleviate congestion and manage the safe flow of traffic into PTK airport, VFR pilots participating in OGC are asked to fly preferred VFR routes. Aircraft will be divided by North and South Arrival and Departure routes based on the runway configuration and arrival airports as shown:

VFR Arrival Procedures

LAPEER (D95) VFR ARRIVAL (RUNWAY 27L/R)

1. Aircraft are expected to navigate to the vicinity of Lapeer (D95) Airport then via direct to PTK.
2. If receiving flight following from Detroit Approach, they will issue traffic advisories to the maximum extent possible.
3. Contact PTK Tower on ATIS assigned frequency no later than 10NM from PTK.

NOTE: ARRIVALS – USE CAUTION FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC NEAR ARRIVAL FIXES

NOTE: AIRCRAFT NOT WITH GREAT LAKES APPROACH SHOULD REMAIN CLEAR OF FNT CLASS C

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

BRIGHTON (45G) VFR ARRIVAL (RUNWAY 27L/R)

1. Aircraft are expected to navigate to the vicinity of Brighton (45G) Airport then via due East on a wide LEFT downwind.
2. If receiving flight following from Detroit Approach, they will issue traffic advisories to the maximum extent possible.
3. Contact PTK Tower on ATIS assigned frequency no later than 10NM from PTK.

NOTE: ARRIVALS – USE CAUTION FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC NEAR ARRIVAL FIXES

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

LINDEN (9G2) VFR ARRIVAL (RUNWAY 09R/L)

1. Aircraft are expected to navigate to the vicinity of Linden (9G2) Airport, then towards PTK.
2. If receiving flight following from Detroit Approach, they will issue traffic advisories to the maximum extent possible.
3. Contact PTK Tower on ATIS assigned frequency no later than 10NM from PTK.

NOTE: ARRIVALS – USE CAUTION FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC NEAR ARRIVAL FIXES

NOTE: AIRCRAFT NOT WITH GREAT LAKES APPROACH SHOULD REMAIN CLEAR OF FNT CLASS C

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

BRIGHTON (45G) R09 VFR ARRIVAL (RUNWAY 09R/L)

1. Aircraft are expected to navigate to the vicinity of Brighton (45G) Airport, then via direct to PTK.
2. If receiving flight following from Detroit Approach, they will issue traffic advisories to the maximum extent possible.
3. Contact PTK Tower on ATIS assigned frequency no later than 10NM from PTK.

NOTE: ARRIVALS – USE CAUTION FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC NEAR ARRIVAL FIXES

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

TAXI AND GROUND MOVEMENT

ARRIVAL: Upon arrival, contact GROUND CONTROL as directed.

1. Advise you are OGC and expect taxi instructions to the main terminal ramp via Taxiway C4.
2. Upon entering ramp, follow direction of marshals to parking.

REGISTRATION: Upon entering Main Terminal building, proceed to registration.

1. After receiving airport assignment decide on type of flight to conduct.
   1. IFR- Pilots are encouraged to file flight plan through ForeFlight or equivalent.
      1. Add “OGC” to remarks.
      2. Advise ATC desk if you have filed with ForeFlight, otherwise the ATC desk will take information for flight plan input.
b. VFR- All VFR flights will be filed with the ATC desk for flight following and assignment of a discreet transponder code.
• 1. Flight planning software may be used.
  2. ATC desk prior to submission.

CLEARANCE:

1. IFR pilots will receive their departure clearance with CLEARANCE DELIVERY in their aircraft before moving the aircraft from parking.
2. VFR aircraft electing to use flight following will receive their squawk codes via OGC RAMP CONTROL prior to contacting Ground Control.

TERMINAL RAMP

AFTER ENGINE START: Advise RAMP CONTROL prior to moving from parking. Ramp control will provide advisories/instruction to assist movement to the trucks, and through the loading process on the ramp as necessary. Advise Ramp Control whether IFR or VFR.

AFTER LOADING: Advise RAMP CONTROL that you are ready to reposition for run-up.

1. Ramp Control will advise when and where to taxi for run-up. Run-ups must be completed prior to departure staging.

RUN-UP COMPLETE: Advise RAMP CONTROL you are ready to taxi for departure.

1. Ramp Control will ensure you have your proper squawk code.
2. Ramp Control will provide guidance to appropriate staging location.
3. When advised, switch to and monitor GROUND CONTROL.

TAXI FOR DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE STAGING: Monitor GROUND CONTROL for taxi instructions to the runway.

1. Do not call Ground Control; they will reach out to you at the staging area.
2. Ground Control will provide taxi instruction to the appropriate runway (see RUNWAY ASSIGNMENT below) for departure and sequence you with other departures.

RUNWAY ASSIGNMENT: Multiple aircraft will be positioned on Charlie, C2, B2 and B1 to allow tower flexibility to maximize departure spacing. Ground Control will provide taxi instructions, departure sequence and advise when to monitor NORTH/SOUTH TOWER.

1. WEST FLOW (RWY 27L/R):
   1. Departing IFR Aircraft: Expect Runway 27L for departure.
      1. When advised, monitor SOUTH TOWER.
      2. From staging points, a controller will reach out to move you from staging points to the runway for departure.
   2. Departing VFR Aircraft: Expect Runway 27R for departure.
      1. From staging points, SOUTH GROUND CONTROL will issue taxi instructions via taxiways A or B to Runway 36; then north on Runway 36. Hold Short of taxiway Delta.
      2. Monitor NORTH GROUND CONTROL.
         1. They will provide taxi instructions to Runway 27R via Taxiway D and sequence you with other departures.
         2. Some VFR aircraft may be assigned RWY 27L.
      3. When advised, monitor NORTH TOWER.
2. EAST FLOW (RUNWAY 09R/L):
   1. Departing IFR Aircraft: Expect Runway 09R for departure.
      1. From staging points, SOUTH GROUND CONTROL will provide taxi instructions, departure sequence to the runway.
      2. When advised, monitor SOUTH TOWER.
   2. Departing VFR Aircraft: Expect Runway 09R for departure.
      1. From staging points, GROUND CONTROL will provide taxi instructions.
      2. When advised, monitor SOUTH TOWER. Some VFR aircraft may be assigned RWY 09L.

NOTE: USE CAUTION EXITING GOOD CHEER RAMP; ARRIVALS TAXI VIA C TO REGISTRATION

NOTE: DO NOT BLOCK RUNWAY ENTRANCE UNLESS PTK TOWER ADVISES

NOTE: CONTACT PTK TOWER ONLY WHEN NUMBER ONE AT RUNWAY

VFR DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

In an effort to alleviate congestion and manage the safe flow of traffic out of the PTK airport, VFR pilots participating in OGC are asked to fly Preferred VFR routes. Aircraft will be divided by North and South Preferred VFR Departure routes based on the runway configuration and destination airports.

VFR Departure Procedures

FRANKENMUTH (66G) DEPARTURE (RUNWAY 27L/R)

1. PTK Tower will issue take-off clearance and a right turn.

EXAMPLE: “N12345, RIGHT TURN APPROVED, RUNWAY 27L/R CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF”

2. Upon reaching the end of the runway or as soon as practicable execute a RIGHT turn and fly due NORTH until clear of the PTK Class D surface area, then towards Frankenmuth (66G) Airport.

3. Remain AT OR BELOW 2,500 feet until 10 NM from PTK. IFR arrival aircraft will be at 3,000 and above on the downwind.

4. Aircraft receiving flight following, monitor GREAT LAKES APPROACH upon leaving the PTK Class D, or when directed.

5. Upon reaching Frankenmuth (66G) Airport, proceed on course or expect on course earlier from Great Lakes Approach.

NOTE: AIRCRAFT NOT WITH GREAT LAKES APPROACH SHOULD REMAIN CLEAR OF FNT CLASS C

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

LINDEN (9G2) VFR DEPARTURE (RUNWAY 27L/R)

1. PTK Tower will issue take-off clearance and a right turn.

EXAMPLE: “N12345, RIGHT TURN APPROVED, RUNWAY 27L/R CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF”

2. Upon reaching the end of the runway or as soon as practicable, execute a RIGHT turn and fly due NORTH until clear of the PTK Class D surface area, then towards Linden (9G2) Airport.

3. Remain AT OR BELOW 2,500 feet until 10 NM from PTK. IFR arrival aircraft will be at 3,000 and above on the downwind.

4. Aircraft receiving flight following, monitor GREAT LAKES APPROACH when directed, or reaching Linden Airport.

5. Upon reaching Linden (9G2) Airport, proceed on course or expect on course from Great Lakes Approach.

NOTE: AIRCRAFT NOT WITH GREAT LAKES APPROACH SHOULD REMAIN CLEAR OF FNT CLASS C

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

LIVINGSTON (OZW) VFR DEPARTURE (RUNWAY 27L/R)

1. PTK Tower will issue take-off clearance and instruction to fly straight-out.

EXAMPLE: “N12345, FLY STRAIGHT-OUT, RUNWAY 27L/R CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF”

2. Upon reaching the end of the runway, fly due WEST until clear of the PTK Class D surface area, then towards Livingston (OZW) Airport.

3. Remain AT OR BELOW 2,500 feet until 10 NM from PTK. IFR departure aircraft will be climbing to 3000 MSL and executing turns above you.

4. Aircraft receiving flight following, contact DETROIT APPROACH upon leaving the PTK Class D, or when directed.

5. Upon reaching Livingston (OZW) Airport, proceed on course or expect on course from Detroit Approach.

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

FRANKENMUTH (66G) VFR R09 DEPARTURE (RUNWAY 09R/L)

1. PTK Tower will issue take-off clearance and a left turn.

EXAMPLE: “N12345, LEFT TURN APPROVED, RUNWAY 09R/L CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF”

2. Upon reaching the end of the runway or as soon as practicable, execute a LEFT turn and fly due NORTH until clear of the PTK Class D surface area, then towards Frankenmuth (66G) Airport.

3. Remain AT OR BELOW 2,500 feet MSL until 10 NM from PTK. Arrival IFR aircraft will be at 3,000 MSL and above on the downwind.

4. Aircraft receiving flight following, monitor GREAT LAKES APPROACH when directed or leaving PTK Class D.

5. Upon reaching Frankenmuth (66G) airport, proceed on course or expect on course earlier from Great Lakes Approach.

NOTE: AIRCRAFT NOT WITH GREAT LAKES APPROACH SHOULD REMAIN CLEAR OF FNT CLASS C

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

LAPEER (D95) VFR DEPARTURE (RUNWAY 09R/L)

1. PTK Tower will issue take-off clearance and a left turn.

EXAMPLE: “N12345, LEFT TURN APPROVED, RUNWAY 09R/L CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF”

2. Upon reaching the end of the runway or as soon as practicable, execute a LEFT turn and fly due NORTH until clear of the PTK Class D surface area, then towards Lapeer (D95) Airport.

3. Remain AT OR BELOW 2,500 feet MSL until 10 NM from PTK. Arrival IFR aircraft will be at 3,000 MSL and above on the downwind.

4. Aircraft receiving flight following, monitor GREAT LAKES APPROACH upon leaving the PTK Class D, or when directed.

5. Upon reaching Lapeer (D95) Airport, proceed on course or expect on course from Great Lakes Approach.

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

LIVINGSTON (OZW) VFR R09 DEPARTURE RUNWAY 09R/L

1. PTK Tower will issue take-off clearance and a right turn.

EXAMPLE: “N12345, TURN RIGHT, RUNWAY 09R/L CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF”

2. Upon reaching the end of the runway or as soon as practicable, execute a RIGHT turn and fly SOUTH until clear of the PTK Class D surface area, then towards Livingston (OZW) Airport.

3. Remain AT OR BELOW 2,500 feet MSL until advised or reaching OZW. Departing IFR aircraft will be climbing to 3000 MSL and executing turns above you.

4. Aircraft receiving flight following contact DETROIT APPROACH upon leaving the PTK Class D, or when advised.

5. Upon reaching Livingston (OZW) Airport proceed on course or expect on course from Detroit Approach.

NOTE: DO NOT REQUEST TO CANCEL VFR FLIGHT PLANS THROUGH ATC.

VFR HELICOPTER ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

Due to multiple arrival directions and high traffic, OGC helicopters are expected to use the following initial arrival/departure routes and the OGC HELICOPTER ARRIVAL procedure to/from the Midfield Ramp. All helicopter operations will be conducted to and from the Midfield Ramp on NORTH TOWER frequency.

OGC HELICOPTER ARRIVAL

1. From all points South: Proceed direct the Pontiac Lake Road point on the OGC HELICOPTER ARRIVAL.
2. From Lapeer Airport (D95) and all points north, proceed direct Oakland County Airport (PTK).
3. Contact the Tower on ATIS assigned frequency 10 NM from PTK to request arrival clearance.

EXAMPLE: “HELICOPTER 123, TEN NORTH/SOUTH FOR MIDFIELD, OPERATION GOOD CHEER, ATIS X”

4. Maintain at or below 1,500 feet within 10 NM of PTK Class D surface area.

NOTE: USE CAUTION FOR NUMEROUS FIXED WING AIRCRAFT IN THE VICINITY OF LAPEER AIRPORT (D95)

5. Expect arrival instructions: “HELICOPTER 123, PONTIAC TOWER, CONTINUE” OR “REMAIN CLEAR OF PONTIAC CLASS DELTA AIRSPACE”

6. From Lapeer Airport (D95): Orbit over southern edge of Williams Lake at 500 AGL and traffic permitting, expect further instructions:

EXAMPLE: “HELICOPTER 123, CONTINUE INBOUND, LANDING AT MIDFIELD WILL BE AT YOUR OWN RISK, USE CAUTION,” indicating approval to fly overhead the airport via the OGC HELICOPTER ARRIVAL.

7. If traffic doesn’t allow for the OGC HELICOPTER ARRIVAL, Tower will issue alternate instructions for arrival routing and altitude.

EXAMPLE: “PROCEED DIRECT MIDFIELD RAMP.”

OGC HELICOPTER ARRIVAL (MIDFIELD RAMP)

8. Overfly the Control Tower at 500 AGL and via a descending right-hand turn, arrive in a northerly direction to the grass field, west of Midfield Ramp.

9. Hover/Air Taxi to the Midfield Ramp and remain south of Taxiway Charlie at all times.

NOTE: USE CAUTION FOR PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT & AIRCRAFT ON MIDFIELD/OAKLAND AIR RAMPS & TWY PAPA.

OGC HELICOPTER DEPARTURE (MIDFIELD RAMP)

1. Contact NORTH TOWER to request departure clearance.

EXAMPLE: “HELICOPTER 123, DEPARTURE FROM MIDFIELD, OPERATION GOOD CHEER, ATIS X”

2. Expect departure clearance: “HELICOPTER 123, DEPARTURE FROM MIDFIELD WILL BE AT YOUR OWN RISK, USE CAUTION” or “HOLD POSITION”

3. Hover/Air Taxi from the loading position to the grass field located immediately west of the Midfield ramp and remain south of Taxiway Charlie at all times.

4. Depart from the grass field in a Southerly direction.

5. Orbit south of M59 and north of Pontiac Lake Road at 500 AGL.

6. Traffic permitting, expect instructions to “PROCEED ON COURSE,” indicating approval to fly overhead the airport or on course to the south at 500 AGL via the OGC HELICOPTER NORTH/SOUTH DEPARTURE.

7. If traffic doesn’t allow for the OGC HELICOPTER DEPARTURE, tower will issue alternate instructions for departure routing and altitude.

NOTE: USE CAUTION FOR PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT & AIRCRAFT ON MIDFIELD/OAKLAND AIR RAMPS & TWY PAPA.

OGC HELICOPTER DEPARTURE NORTH

8. Overfly the Tower directly north at 500 AGL and continue to the north edge of Williams Lake.

9. Upon reaching Williams Lake, proceed directly west, then on course.

10. Remain at or below 1,500 MSL until leaving the PTK Class D airspace.

NOTE: USE CAUTION FOR NUMEROUS FIXED WING AIRCRAFT IN THE VICINITY OF LAPEER AIRPORT (D95

OGC HELICOPTER DEPARTURE SOUTH

(MAP ORIENTED SOUTH)

7. Depart the field directly south, at 500 AGL, and continue outbound and orbit around Pontiac Lake Road.

8. Upon reaching Pontiac Lake Road, proceed south to Union Lake, then.

9. Continue directly west.

10. Remain at or below 1,500 MSL until leaving the PTK Class D airspace.

NOTE: USE CAUTION FOR NUMEROUS FIXED WING AIRCRAFT INBOUND TO PTK

Posted date (11/21/2025)