Hot Spots

HS 1 Pilots sometimes cross RWY 7R/25L at TWY B5 without ATC clearance.

HS 2 Pilots sometimes cross RWY 7R/25L at TWY B9 without ATC clearance

• Both Hotspots have essentially the same issue-pilots have failed to hold short at the proper locations between the parallel RWYs.
• When instructed to hold short of a RWY, there may not be enough space between the parallel TWY and the RWY Hold Short marking for your aircraft to completely clear the parallel taxiway.
• Be aware that the TWR understands and expects this and plans accordingly.
• Do NOT cross the RWY Hold Short line with any part of your airplane until cleared by TWR to do so.
• Pilots exiting the RWY must pull forward far enough to cross the RWY Hold Short marking to ensure that your aircraft is completely clear of the RWY behind you.
• This may require you to enter the parallel TWY. Be aware that the TWR understands and expects this and plans accordingly.

Wrong Surface Landing Risk

• Pilots sometimes confuse RWY 25L/25R and RWYs 7R/7L as well as parallel TWY B. See Arrival Alert Notices.
• The RWYs are closely spaced however, RWY 7R/25L is over 3500’ longer, one-fourth wider, and has displaced thresholds on both ends.
• Expectation bias may lead aircraft on downwind for RWY 7L/25R to attempt to land on RWY 7R/25L because it comes into sight first.
• To help pilots identify the correct RWY at DVT, the RWYs and TWYs are surrounded and bounded by different colored rock. The rock around RWY 7R/25L is red while the rock around the north RWY 7L/25R is green.
• Whenever a TWY runs parallel to a RWY, the risk of landing on a TWY increases.
• If available, back up all visual approaches with an instrument approach to help ensure that you are lined up for the correct surface.
• View the From the Flight Deck-Wrong Surface Landings video for additional mitigation strategies.

General

• Migratory birds on and in vicinity of airport in March, April, September, and October.
• Ramp and Taxi-Lane adjacent to the commercial air carrier terminal building is limited to commercial air carrier and passenger air-taxi aircraft only.
• Intensive pilot training area, exercise extreme vigilance within 20 NM.
• Aerobatic practice area approximately 8.5 miles NW of DVT from surface to 6,000’ MSL.

Traffic Patterns

• RWY 7R and RWY 25R are right traffic patterns.

Ground Control

• Parallel TWYs C and D on the south side of the airport are closely spaced and may be mistaken for each other. Normally, TWY D is used for outbound traffic and TWY C is used for inbound traffic.

Takeoff/Departure

• DVT utilizes “Line Up and Wait” (LUAW) to instruct a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway and hold position until cleared for takeoff. It is not authorization for takeoff. For mitigation strategies, view the From the Flight Deck-Line Up and Wait video.

Approach Control

• VFR aircraft executing practice instrument approaches will be provided IFR separation to the extent possible By Phoenix Approach Control. Review NOTAMS for the Letter to Airmen LTA-P50-57 for more detailed information.

Arrival/Landing

• When issued take-off/landing clearances readback runway assignments and hold short instructions with callsign.
• Pay close attention to parallel runway assignments and read back right or left with the instructions given by tower/approach.

Closely Spaced Parallel RWYS

• Pilots navigating the airspace should consider the following when approaching the downwind, upwind, base, and final legs:
• Wind (tail or crosswind).
• Distance between parallel runways. Deer Valley Runways are 700 feet apart, centerline to centerline. The closer the parallels, the more critical the need for a ground track that does not overshoot the assigned runway extended centerline or drift into the parallel upwind during departure leg.
• Aircraft performance.
• Aircraft speed.
• Avoid Distraction.
• Listen and scan. Know the location of other traffic. Turning base to final can place the belly of the aircraft between your eyes and aircraft on the parallel final.
• If you overshoot final, communicate with ATC and consider initiating a go around.
• Stay very vigilant when extending downwind and upwind.
• If you are unsure, always verify any instructions with ATC.
• Plan ahead, get to know the airspace and airport layout.
• Pilots should review NOTAMS for the Letter to Airmen LTA-DVT-4 “Parallel Runway Close Proximity High Volume Operations” for specific facility guidance.

Special Traffic-Helicopters

• VFR helicopters will be instructed by Approach Control to enter a boundary of the airport (East/West/North/South). After being switched to the tower, helicopters should advise the tower where they are parking and expect a clearance or landing advisory shortly after.
• Hot air balloon operations N, NE, and NW of airport.