Wrong Surface Landing Risk

• Parallel RWYs with staggered thresholds present the risk of landing on the wrong RWY.
• 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/GPS Waypoint 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.

• A Wrong Surface Landing risk also exists due to the proximity of the approach ends of RWY 25L and RWY 31.
• Both RWYs are similar in appearance with displaced thresholds and overruns.
• Expectation bias or lining up on the first RWY that pilots see can lead to wrong surface landings.
• Pilots should verify that the heading on final aligns with the assigned landing RWY.
• Loading an instrument approach/GPS Waypoint to the assigned RWY will help pilots ensure they are lined up for the proper surface.

Surface Risk - Movement Area Cautions

• When issued taxi instructions via TWYs B and A, continue on TWY B until it joins TWY A near TWY P. Pilots should not use TWY R to join TWY A unless instructed to do so.

• The intersection of TWY E and TWY V is a large expanse of concrete bound on all sides by RWYs. TWY E splits off to TWY G. RWY hold short markings, above ground signage, and surface painted markings are all present to assist pilots in navigating this location.

General

• Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X) in use. Operate transponders with altitude reporting mode and ADS-B (if equipped) enabled on all airport surfaces.
• Most of the traffic is air carrier and air taxi.
• RWY 7L/25R is closed to all jet aircraft.

Traffic Patterns

• The calm wind RWY configuration is departing RWY 19R while landing RWY 25L.
• For props when RWY 7R/25L is in use expect pattern work on RWY 7L/25R. When RWY 1L/19R is in use expect pattern work on RWY 1R/19L.
• Jets may only use RWYs 1L/19R, 7R/25L and 13/31 due to noise abatement.

Ground Control (GC)

• When approaching the departure end of the RWY, do not switch to TWR frequency without being directed by Ground Control (GC). It is common for your takeoff sequence to change.
• Advise GC if you need a run-up.

Runway Crossings

• A clearance to cross two RWYs may be given by GC in several locations across the airfield.
• Pilots should read back all instructions including their call sign in the transmission.

Takeoff/Departure

• The only intersection departure available for jet aircraft is RWY 19R at TWY V. Aircraft must be established on TWY V to use this intersection.
• Non-turbine aircraft should advise GC if they would like an intersection departure when calling for taxi.

Arrival/Landing

• When landing RWY 25L/R or RWY 7L/R advise where you are parking. There are two FBOs on the north side and one FBO on the south side of the airfield.
• When exiting RWY 1L at TWY E2, left turns onto TWY E southbound are not authorized.

Weather

• When snow removal is in progress, the airfield is typically closed. Aircraft may be allowed to taxi on a case-by-case basis depending on the snow removal operation.
• When Runway Visual Range (RVR) values are below 1200’, Surface Movement Guidance and Control System procedures are in effect.
• Being close to Lake Michigan can lead to strong easterly gusts off the lake regardless of the winds in the area. This can lead to a strong tailwind on final for RWY 7R followed by strong gusty head winds within a few miles of the RWY.
• When temperatures rapidly drop, it is common for fog or low ceilings to develop over the coast of Lake Michigan.

Military

• MKE is home to a squadron of Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135R heavy tankers and occasionally supports other military aircraft such as F16s, F35s and T38s.
• American Family Field stadium is located just outside of the MKE Class C airspace and has military flyovers throughout the year.

Additional Information

• Helicopter tours of downtown Milwaukee take off and land at the west ramp.
• In the summer months, banner tow aircraft frequently fly over downtown Milwaukee.