Falcon Field, Mesa, AZ (FFZ)
Falcon Field Airport (FFZ) is a medium sized primarily general and business aviation airport. It is located approximately 14 miles east of Phoenix Sky Harbor. This location makes it convenient for general aviation and corporate traffic trying to avoid the congestion at the larger airport. As with most airports with parallel runways with staggered thresholds, Falcon Field is susceptible to wrong runway landings. In addition to parallel runways, there is also a parallel taxiway that has been confused as a runway. A narrow corridor of airspace exists above the Falcon Class Delta airspace, and below the Class Bravo airspace for Sky Harbor, providing a way for VFR aircraft to transition through the area without the need to contact ATC. This corridor can be very busy, so pilots are reminded to maintain increased situational awareness while arriving or departing Falcon Field. View a printable Pilot Handbook of the FFZ information found on this Web page.
Know Before You Go
- Airport configuration consists of parallel and staggered RWYs 04R-22L and 04L-22R.
- A complex TWY system provides access to the hangered complexes located on the north and south sides of the field.
- Wrong RWY landing possible at this airport due to parallel and staggered RWYs.
- RWY 04R/22L is larger and longer and comes into view first.
- RWY assignment may change due to controller workload and traffic management.
- In addition, parallel TWY D has been confused with RWY 04R-22L.
- While TWR is in operation, REILs are utilized to identify RWY 04R-22L.
- During periods of moderate to heavy traffic FFZ utilizes two TWR controllers – one for each RWY. In this configuration, aircraft exiting either RWY and turning towards the other RWY will be instructed to hold short of the other RWY and contact TWR on the other frequency.
- Remember, you must have a clearance to cross any RWY, active or not active.
- When landing, be sure to taxi completely clear of the RWY you are exiting.
- When landing on RWY 04L-22R and exiting to the south, if unable to exit on TWY B, roll past it without hesitation. Continue to the end with no delay and taxi clear of the RWY.
Below find various FFZ-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.
FFZ Tower Administrative Office
Business Phone 480-981-1367
Open 0700L to 1500L – Monday through Friday
The airspace at FFZ is Class D with a ceiling up to but not including 3,400’ MSL. It underlies Phoenix Class B Airspace which begins at various altitudes over FFZ Class D Airspace. (Refer to Sectional Chart)
In addition, a narrow corridor of airspace exists above the Falcon Class Delta airspace, and below the Class Bravo airspace for Sky Harbor, providing a means for VFR aircraft to transition through the area.
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 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
There are no Hot Spots
Departure
- Verify proper heading prior to starting takeoff roll on all intersection departures.
- Avoid drifting into parallel upwind on initial climb-out.
Landing
- Wrong Surface Landing risk exists due to closely spaced parallel RWYs and staggered thresholds. See Arrival Alert Notices.
- RWY 04R/22L is larger and longer and comes into view first.
- TWY D parallels RWY 04R/22L – Caution for wrong surface landing on TWY.
- During periods of moderate to heavy traffic FFZ utilizes two TWR controllers – one for each RWY. In this configuration, aircraft exiting either RWY and turning towards the other RWY will be instructed to hold short of the other RWY and contact TWR on the other frequency.
- When landing, be sure to taxi completely clear of the RWY you are exiting.
- When landing on RWY 04L/22R and exiting to the south, if unable to exit on TWY B, roll past it without hesitation. Continue to the end with no delay and taxi clear of the RWY.
- RWY 22L PAPI does not provide obstruction clearance beyond 4.0 NM from the threshold.
- Do not mistake Boeing heliport 1 mile north for a RWY.
Surface Risk – Movement Area
- You must have a clearance to cross any RWY, active or not active.
- Use caution for helicopter activity on the North (Echo) Ramp
Additional Cautions
- Underlies PHX Class B Airspace
- RWY 04L/22R closed when TWR is closed.
- Right Traffic on RWY 22L when TWR is closed.
- Coyotes and other wildlife occasionally crossing RWYs and TWYs.
- Turbulent conditions may be encountered below 500’ AGL near ground test site 1.5 miles north of the airport.
- Rising terrain northeast of the airport.
- Extensive fixed wing and rotorcraft flight training activity.
- Unlighted mountain 5 miles east. Height 2786’ MSL (1392’ AGL)
- Large Helicopter presence NW along the river low level.
FFZ Tower (TWR) operates from 6AM – 9PM
When TWR is closed:
- The airspace becomes class G.
- CTAF Frequency: 124.6
- Clearance Delivery: contact Phoenix approach at 602-306-2565
- Cancel Flight Plan with Flight service.
Welcome to Falcon Field, the busiest GA airport in the world. Please be patient we have a high volume of student training on the field. Falcon tower’s professional controllers provide exceptional safe, and efficient service. If you have any questions about air traffic instructions, don’t be afraid to ask.
General
- Practice good radio etiquette to avoid frequency congestion.
- Please include your call sign with all hold-short instructions, and runway assignments.
Ground
- Please check in with your call sign, position, requested direction of flight, and ATIS all at once.
Take-off/Departure
- Watch for traffic off the parallel runway.
Arrival/Landing
- Avoid flying through final into parallel final.
Special Traffic (Military / Commercial / Helicopter / etc.)
- Use caution for helicopter training inside and below the North pattern.
- Noise sensitive areas all quadrants.
- RWY 04R and RWY 04L are preferred RWYs when wind conditions are less than 5 kts.
- Repetitive training operations use RWY 04L/22R whenever possible.