Hot Spots

• HS 1: Pilots become confused with the wide expanse of pavement and convergence of numerous TWYs.
• The intersections of TWY S, J, F, G, and E combined with a large ramp area creates an area for confusion and misidentification.

Wrong Surface Landing Risk

See Arrival Alert Notices

• Wrong Surface Landing risk exists due to terrain features and/or proximity of runway thresholds.
• 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 5 because it comes into sight first.
• If available, back up all visual approaches with an instrument approach/GPS Waypoint to help ensure that you are lined up for the correct surface.
• Remember, RWY markings are white. Markings on surfaces not used for takeoff/landing like TWY markings, chevrons, RWY shoulder and RWY turn-on markings etc., are yellow.
• If you are unsure of your position or instructions, ask the controller.
• View the From the Flight Deck-Wrong Surface Landings video for additional mitigation strategies.

Additional Cautions

• Minute Man Air Field (6B6) is located 1.9 nautical miles south of the Laurence G. Hanscom Field Airport (BED), runway 11 final approach course.  It is imperative that all pilots operating VFR departing 6B6 and climbing above pattern altitude to the northeast are aware of the possible presence of a heavy concentration of aircraft operating at and above 1,800 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). Pilots can find this information in NOTAMS Letter to Airmen: LTA-A90-34.

General

• Never cross a runway unless you’ve been specifically instructed to cross.
• If you are uncertain of your clearance/instructions, ask the TWR.
• Read back all RWY crossing and hold short instructions including your callsign.

Ground Control (GC)

• TWY R is closed to air carrier operations and is for general aviation use only.
• When requesting flight following, coordinate with GC/TWR early and inform them of your initial on-course heading.
• Pilots that require a run-up should advise GC and request taxi instructions to one of the three run-up pads.

Takeoff/Departure

• Verify proper heading prior to starting takeoff roll on all departures.
• BED utilizes “Line Up and Wait” (LUAW) to instruct a pilot to taxi onto the departure RWY 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.
• 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 while within BED Class D airspace. TWR will instruct you to change frequency.
• 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.
• Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) clearances may be issued to general aviation aircraft. Advise if you are unable to participate.

• Notifying TWR, in advance, of your parking location will help to expedite your taxi to the ramp.

Practice Approaches

• When the volume of air traffic permits the approval of VFR practice instrument approaches, Boston Consolidated TRACON will provide IFR separation between an aircraft executing a practice instrument approach and other participating VFR/IFR aircraft.
• Pilots should review NOTAMS for the Letter to Airmen: LTA-A90-36 Practice Instrument Approaches for detailed information.

Special Traffic (Military / Commercial / Helicopter, etc.)

• Helicopters operating within controlled airspace are required to maintain highest possible altitude.
• For coordination, advise TWR early if you plan to depart from the runway, taxiway or the ramp.

Additional Information

• Birds and wildlife on and in vicinity of airport.
• Voluntary noise abatement procedures – Contact Airport Manager 781-869-8000