Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED)
Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford, Massachusetts is located 15 miles northwest of the Boston Logan airport, between the towns of Concord and Lexington. It is a medium sized airport serving primarily the Corporate, Business, and General aviation communities. The airport configuration consists of two intersecting runways 5/23 & 11/29. Three FBO's line the south and west sides of the airport providing aviation services to transient as well as based aircraft. View a printable Pilot Handbook of the BED information found on this Web page.
Know Before You Go
- The RWY layout has led to some unique issues involving proper RWY identification.
- Aircraft on a wide right downwind or wide right base to RWY 29 will attempt to land on RWY 23 because it comes into sight first.
- Similarly aircraft on a right base for RWY 11 will line up on RWY 05 because it comes into sight first.
- Positive identification of the landing RWY needs to be a part of every pilot’s landing checklist.
- Hot Spot 1 is hazardous due to its complexity. The intersections of TWY S, J, F, G, and E combined with a large ramp area creates an area for confusion and misidentification.
Below find various BED-specific information and things to be aware of, as well as general information to inform your preflight planning. This will be reviewed quarterly and updated as needed. This information is to supplement the From the Flight Deck Videos that are produced by the FAA Runway Safety Group. Here you will also find information provided by the local air traffic controllers at the airport where you intend to fly. The information is subject to change. Not for navigation or legal* pre-flight action. Always refer to official pre-flight materials such as, but not limited to, NOTAMs, airport diagrams, VFR charts and airport construction notices for the latest airport-specific details.
BED Tower Administrative Office
Business Phone 781-372-5500
Office Hours: 0800 to 1600 (M-F)
The airspace at BED is Class D with a 2600’ MSL ceiling. It underlies BOS Class B airspace. (Refer to Sectional Chart)
Class D Airspace Requirements (CFR §91.129 and AIM 3-1-4; 3-2-5):
| Visibility | 3 statute miles |
| Distance from Clouds | 500 feet below | 1,000 ft above | 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Communications | Establish communications (controller response) |
| Pilot | No special certification required |
| Equipment | Two-way radio |
Class B Airspace Requirements (CFR §91.131 and AIM 3-1-4; 3-2-3):
| Visibility | 3 statute miles |
| Distance from Clouds | Clear of clouds |
| Communications | Must obtain ATC clearance prior to entering/departing |
| Pilot | Private Pilot Certificate (see AIM for alt requirements) |
| Equipment | Two-way radio, operable transponder with automatic altitude reporting and ADS-B Out |
Hot Spots
- HS 1 Pilots become confused with the wide expanse of pavement and convergence of numerous TWYs.
Departure
- Verify proper heading prior to starting takeoff roll on all departures.
- RWY 29 – pilots assigned 20 degrees to the left for a westbound departure must accurately fly that heading.
- RWY 11 – be aware that jet traffic will be assigned a right turn to the west.
- Do not leave TWR frequency early when within BED Class D airspace. TWR will instruct you to change frequency.
- Remember that BED underlies BOS Class B airspace.
Landing
- Wrong Surface Landing risk exists here. See Arrival Alert Notices.
- Positive identification of the landing RWY needs to be a part of every pilot’s landing checklist.
- Aircraft on a wide right downwind or right base to RWY 29 will attempt to land on RWY 23 because it comes into sight first.
- Aircraft on a wide right downwind or right base to RWY 11 will attempt to land on RWY 05 because it comes into sight first.
Surface Risk – Movement Area
- Hot Spot 1 is hazardous due to its complexity.
- The intersections of TWY S, J, F, G, and E combined with a large ramp area creates an area for confusion and misidentification.
Additional Cautions (construction, wildlife, security, etc.)
- Be alert to small aircraft parked on ramps
- There is a massive expanse of concrete in front of Airport Customs. Follow GC instructions and follow the yellow taxi centerline marking. Do NOT cut your turn short.
BED Tower (TWR) operates from 0700-2300
When TWR is closed:
- The airspace becomes Class G.
- Use CTAF 118.5.
- Use CTAF to control Runway lighting when TWR is closed.
- Obtain clearance from Boston Approach on 124.40. Reception is good on the ground. This information is included in ASOS.
Ground
- TWY R closed to air carrier operations – general aviation use only.
- When requesting flight following, coordinate with GND/TWR early and inform them of your initial on-course heading.
Take-off/Departure
- Voluntary noise abatement procedures – Contact Airport Manager 781-869-8000
- Noise sensitive historical area south of the airport. RWY 23 departures continue RWY heading to 1000’ AGL, turning crosswind over Route 2.
Arrival/Landing
- RWY 29 right traffic for aircraft over 12,500 lbs.
- No practice low approaches/touch-and-go landings for aircraft 12,500 lbs and over.
- No practice low approaches/touch-and-go landings for aircraft under 12,500 lbs between the hours of 0400Z-1200Z
Helicopter Pilots
- Helicopters operating within controlled airspace are required to maintain highest possible altitude.
- For coordination, advise TWR early if you plan to depart from the RWY, TWY or ramp.
- Birds and wildlife on and in vicinity of airport